Hyde Park Corner was transformed into a runway of radiance this past weekend, as the 27th edition of the South African Style Awards celebrated the pinnacle of fashion, creativity, and cultural influence.
In an evening that shimmered with elegance and inspiration, the 27th South African Style Awards reaffirmed their place as a premier event on the continent’s fashion calendar. Hosted at the prestigious Hyde Park Corner in Johannesburg, the awards brought together a vibrant mix of celebrities, designers, industry leaders, and tastemakers under one stylish roof.
This year’s theme, “Timeless Influence,” perfectly encapsulated the evening’s essence, where contemporary brilliance met classic elegance. Guests dazzled in a variety of high fashion looks — from avant-garde statements to reimagined Afro-chic — showcasing the dynamism of South Africa’s ever-evolving style identity.
This Year’s Style Luminaries
🏆 Most Innovative Style: Shudufhadzo Musida and Yuri Pailman
🎬 Most Stylish Performing Artist in Film or TV: Enhle Mbali
👗 Most Stylish Designer in Fashion: Mzukisi Mbane
🎤 Most Stylish Performing Artist in Music: Zoë Modiga
📺 Most Stylish Media Personality: Leandie du Randt
🧍 Most Stylish Model: Denetric and Lebo Malope
💑 Most Stylish Couple: Katleho Sinivasan and Omuhle Gela
💼 Most Stylish Business Personality: Lala Tuku
🌟 The Next Big Thing: Makoma Mohale and Zanele Potelwa
👑 Style Icon Award: Connie Ferguson
Spotlight on the Future: The Next Big Thing
This year’s “Next Big Thing” category, sponsored by SKIN functional, recognized trailblazing newcomers Makoma Mohale, an actress, model, scriptwriter, and director, and Zanele Potelwa, an award-winning broadcaster with infectious charisma.
“We’re thrilled to support a platform that celebrates authenticity and bold new voices,” said Shannon Dougall, founder of SKIN functional.
To explore SKIN functional’s range, visit their pop-up at Hyde Park Corner’s Centre Court from 29 to 31 May.
These winners, among others, represent more than just style — they are ambassadors of creativity, culture, and individuality in a world craving authenticity.
Beyond the glitz, the event was also a tribute to the resilience and innovation of South Africa’s fashion industry. After years of global upheaval, the Style Awards stood as a testament to the power of reinvention — not just in clothing, but in identity and expression.
Hyde Park Corner served as the perfect venue, offering a luxurious yet welcoming space that mirrored the inclusivity and ambition of the event. From the red carpet moments to the heartfelt acceptance speeches, the night was rich with inspiration.
As the South African Style Awards continue to grow in prestige, their impact on the continent’s cultural landscape becomes more pronounced. By celebrating style not merely as fashion but as a form of storytelling, the awards remind us that how we present ourselves can shape conversations, challenge norms, and empower generations.
The 27th edition was more than an awards show — it was a movement. A reminder that in the heart of Africa, style is not just seen. It is felt. It is lived. And above all, it is celebrated.
