The World Fashion Awards makes its African debut in South Africa, celebrating global excellence in fashion, design, and creativity.
With a legacy of spotlighting talent across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, this expansion marks a historic moment for the continent, one that seeks to elevate African fashion voices often excluded from the industry’s biggest stages.
Beyond the glamour, SAFA 2025 will serve a greater purpose. This year’s ceremony will raise awareness and support for the Diamond Children’s Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping homeless children across South Africa. The event promises to blend prestige with philanthropy, reinforcing fashion’s role in driving social impact. Further, adding to the allure, Dechavel, the European luxury clothing and lifestyle watch brand, has signed a landmark three-year sponsorship deal with SAFA. Selected winners will receive an exclusive Dechavel timepiece valued at over £25,000.
The South Africa Fashion Awards 2025 will honour excellence across a wide spectrum of categories, including Best Fashion Designer, Best Stylist, Best Fashion Influencer, Best Model, Best Photographer, Best South African Jewellery Brand, Best Streetwear Brand, Best Footwear Brand, and Best Emerging Designer.
Nominees for this year’s awards include celebrated designer Thebe Magugu, iconic stylist Lethabo “Boogy” Maboi, beauty brand swiitchbeauty, skincare label Lelive, and global models Denetric and Lebo Malope.
In addition to these competitive awards, two iconic figures will receive special recognition: David Tlale will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his illustrious career spanning over two decades, marked by innovation, elegance, and global acclaim. Meanwhile, Laduma Ngxokolo, founder of MAXHOSA AFRICA, will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Fashion Award, celebrating his cultural impact, visionary design, and international recognition as a trailblazer in African luxury fashion.
The winners of the inaugral South Africa Fashion Awards 2025 will be revealed during a glittering ceremony held on Saturday, 4th October 2025 at the prestigious Hotel Sky in Sandton. The event will be broadcast live on VooVix TV, South Africa’s newest digital streaming network.
