Wooden It Be Nice - Of Course It Wood!

Yes, the Vodacom Durban July gets into full gallop in the next few days and it's all systems go at Sibaya where fine fillies meet fashion and everything in between for this year's show-stopping affair. But it's not a once-off hit for the iconic casino kingdom, that these days, has become synonymous with Africa's biggest horse-racing event.

"Planning starts almost immediately following each year with a detailed post-mortem of the year that's past," says Sibaya's General Manager, Melville Vogel.

"Areas of improvement are highlighted and plans are always put in place to take the event to the next level. Once Vodacom advises us of the theme, we brief the décor specialist and work commences in earnest to get the detail absolutely perfect."

Melville says the sights and sounds of the Vodacom Durban July, that are so different but so familiar each year, makes the whole experience so unique.

"It's a time when Durban celebrates on a World stage an event that Durbanites can be justifiably proud of and needs to be embraced by the entire country," he enthuses.

"Sibaya is exceptional and a huge draw card is our position placement and quality of our lavish Marquee - the finest detail to compliment the theme driven by our excellent team in always striving to be the best. This allows Sibaya to express itself second to none year after year, which I say humbly, but with a great deal of pride."

And this year is no exception. Melville and his team have a lot to be proud of when it comes to their marquee.

The team hand-picked to put together this year's marquee, the only one of its kind at Greyville Racecourse on July day, and undoubtedly the hottest ticket in town, is Decor-D-Zine, who interpreted the Material World theme with its unique Wooden it Be Nice spin.

"We took a lot of inspiration from the streets, and objects that we take for granted and miss with our everyday bustle," says Decor-D-Zine's Hannes Myburg.

"I think it was a case of going back to basics and childhood to relive and appreciate these elements again, then creating an area for Sibaya's special guests that's modern, comfortable and luxurious."

As usual a dash of glamour will be provided by the many guests, who this year include South African fashion icons who have tied their names and trusty brands to the entertainment giant.

Andre Martin from the Life label and Gideon have created one of a kind pieces that will be worn by models at the marquee on July day. The famous designers themselves will attend the party and schmooze both guests and management alike - all in the name of creating happy memories and an indelible experience that only Sibaya can offer.