David Tlale to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at inaugural South Africa Fashion Awards

The World Fashion Awards have announced the launch of the first annual South Africa Fashion Awards, where the local fashion industry will be honoured.

The World Fashion Awards have built a history of spotlighting the industry’s finest talent across Europe, Asia, and America, and now it is taking on Africa with a historic expansion, with South Africa chosen as the first stop on the continent.

South African legendary designer David Tlale is set to be recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his illustrious career spanning over two decades.

Considered a pioneer of South African design, Tlale’s eponymous label is known for its convention-defying drama and his ready-to-wear and couture pieces.

The namesake brand was launched in 2003, and by 2009, its designer was awarded the Fashion Designer of the Year award at the Africa Fashion Awards in Johannesburg.

Tlale, over the years, has collected several prestigious fashion awards. He was the winner of the 2003 SAFW Elle New Talent Show Competition and was also nominated that same year as the best new designer of the year by the Sunday Times.

MaXhosa Africa founder Laduma Ngxokolo will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Fashion Award, honouring his cultural impact and global recognition.

The South Africa Fashion Awards 2025, categories span across Best Fashion Designer, Best Stylist, Best Fashion Influencer, Best Model, Best Photographer, Best South African Jewellery Brand, Best Streetwear Brand, Best Footwear Brand, and more.

The awards will take place on October 4, 2025 at Hotel Sky, Sandton.

Winners are determined by public voting via Telephonos, the official voting platform, where audiences nationwide can register and cast their votes for their favourite nominees.

Full List of SAFA 2025 nominees: 

Best Fashion Designer

• Thebe Magugu
• Rich Mnisi
• Laduma Ngxokolo
• Gert-Johan Coetzee
• Mzukisi Mbane
• Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana
• Sindiso Khumalo

 Best Stylist

• Lethabo “Boogy” Maboi
• Don Delicious
• Bee Diamondhead
• Amy Zama
• Obakeng Rantlhane
• Oratile Moh
• Lethabo Motlatle
• Shané Badenhorst
• Phupho Gumede K
• Thobeka Mbane

 Best Fashion Influencer

• Sarah Langa
• Nabilah Kariem
• Kim Jayde
• Ntandokazi Mzamo
• Pamela Mtanga
• Naliyani Uma
• Mihlali Ndamase
• Boity Thulo 
• Bonang Matheba 
• Blue Mbombo 

Best Make-up Brand

• Gloei Beauty
• Swiitchbeauty
• Creative Glamour
• Inthusiasm
• Hermosa Flor Cosmetics
• Lula Fox Ecolux Make-up

Best Skincare Brand

• SKOON. Skincare
• Fundamentals Skincare
• Dawn
• Clere Skincare
• Lelive
• Skin Creamery
• African Extracts Rooibos
• Africology
• Suki Suki Naturals
• Skin Functional

 Best Fashion Retailer

• Mr Price
• AYANA
• Edgars
• The FIX
• Foschini
• Markham
• Archive
• Sportscene

Best Fashion e-Commerce Brand

• Bash
• Superbalist
• YDE
• MyRunway
• Edgars
• Dunns
• Mr Price (Online)

Best Male Model

• Lebo Malope
• Denetric Malope
• TJ Ngoma
• Rasaq Akinwunmi
• Yuri Pailman

 Best Female Model

• Marie-Noëlle Graobe
• Nondumiso Beattie
• Ansolet Rossouw
• Lwandle Maluvá Ngwenya

Best Emerging Designer

• Katlego Mokwana
• Jessica-Anne Shepherd
• Onesimo Bam
• Oyama Gonintebe
• Busisiwe Buthelezi
• Keneilwe Khobo
• Fikile Sokhulu

Best Hairstylist

• Jawad Maphoto
• Bonolo Gabuza
• Amiena Hartley Dolf
• Kelvin Takudzwa
• Irene da Fonseca
• Tumelo “MJ” Mpholo
• Hair By NanaR
• Julie Tchouya

 Best Fashion Photographer

• Trevor Stuurman
• Imraan Christian
• Basetsana Maluleka
• Pierre Van Vuuren
• Eunice Driver
• Legae Sehlako
• Andile Mthembu
• Brandon Barnard

Best Sustainable Fashion

• Sama Sama
• Lukhanyo Mdingi
• Me&B
• SELFI
• The BAM Collective
• GUGUBYGUGU
• Yarnh
• Mors Design

Best Modelling Agency

• ICE Models
• Boss Models
• Rage Agency
• GAPA Model Agency
• Blaze Talent
• SYNC Model Management
• 33 and Me Talent Agency
• Invade Models
• Steele Model Studio
• Louis B Model & Talent Management

Best South African Jewellery Brand

• Jenna Clifford
• Lorne Jewellery
• Pichulik
• Dear Rae Jewellery
• Famke Jewellery
• Ida Elsje Jewellery
• Meraki Jewellery Design
• Kirsten Goss 
• Charles Greig 

Best Streetwear Brand

• Artclub and Friends
• Galxboy
• Boys of Soweto
• Cultish
• Embedded
• Dirtylolli Clothing Brand
• Suhu Original
• Love Light Godspeed
• Butan
• Sol-Sol 

 Best Footwear Brand

• Peset
• Bathu
• Nik’Ana by Lufiano
• Hibacci
• Yenza Africa
• Vaya Footwear
• Veldskoen Shoes
• Froggie

Best Makeup Artist

• Stephy Kwanaite
• Nomsa Madida
• Nono Linchwe
• Bokamoso Dikobe (BK MUA)
• Renee de Wit
• Precious Xaba
• Fanyana Maseko
• Vuyo Varoy

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