South Africa’s diverse fashion scene took centre stage once again as GQ’s Best Dressed Awards, in proud association with Fabiani, Platoon, Cruz Vodka, Huawei, BET, Lucky Star, Crocs and tagged! unfolded in a glitzy affair at Mea Culpa in Johannesburg on the 2nd of September. Now in its 17th year, this stylish event recognised and celebrated the individuals who refine fashion, each with their unique personality, individuality and creative flair.
The awards ceremony featured 13 categories, and what sets it apart is that two of the honours, Best Dressed Reader and Best Dressed On-Screen Personality, were chosen by none other than GQ’s esteemed readers. This inclusive approach ensures that the awards reflect not only the industry’s perspective but also the tastes of the people who engage with fashion on a daily basis.
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GQ’s Editor-in-Chief, Molife Kumona, summed up the essence of the event perfectly, saying, “Every year we celebrate individuals who’s style not only stands out but also inspires us to be more stylish.” It’s a celebration of South African fashion as an ever-evolving art form, a testament to how personal style can inspire and influence.
This year’s winners showcased the breadth of creativity within the South African fashion landscape. From musicians and artists to power couples and digital strategists, the awardees represent the richness and diversity of the county’s style influencers.
Trompies, with their vibrant costumes and streetwise musicality, have not only dominated pop music but also transformed the mapantsula style from one associated with gangsters to a respected genre, becoming true icons of South African culture.
Don Delicious, a stylist, fashion designer, and Afro-tech DJ, has merged nostalgia with global influences to create a style that’s uniquely his own. Meanwhile, Langa Mavuso has carved out his place in the local music industry with his operatic power and immaculate presentation.
Kefilwe Mabote’s journey from a luxury digital strategist and fashion blogger to a businesswoman with her real estate company, Feyth Properties, is an inspiration in itself. Jeremiah Ogbodo, better known as Swanky Jerry, has not only won awards for his fashion styling but also became a star on Netflix’s “Young, Famous, and African.”
YoungstaCPT, described as one of the most outspoken South African emcees of his generation fuses culture and roots into his music, while Andile Dlamini’s Broke Wear clothing brand transcends boundaries of race, nationality and culture, reflecting the spirit of rebellion and resilience.
Felipe Mazibuko, a stylist and fashion guru with a career spanning over three decades, has played a pivotal role in shaping post-1994 South African tastes and aesthetics, and Cwenga, a recent graduate with a passion for authenticity, brings his visions to life through his unique styling.
Finally, the rising star, Luthando Mthembu, or BU, not only shines on-screen but also in his lavished and branded fashion choices, reflecting his charismatic demeanor.
GQ’s Best Dressed Awards serve as a reminder that style knows no bounds. It is a celebration of individuality, creativity, and the evolving landscape of personal style in South Africa. These style icons are not just names; they are storytellers, inspirations, and cultural influencers who continue to shape the world of fashion in the rainbow nation.
