South African Women in Fashion
By Aya Dlaku
As Women’s Month comes to an end, now is the perfect time to celebrate a few of South Africa’s iconic women in fashion.
Lucille Booyzen
Founder and chief executive, Lucilla Booyzen, is the pioneer that launched South African Fashion Week in 1997. Thanks to her, South Africa’s first and longest running fashion event has helped grow and promote the global recognition of South African fashion. Booysen has helped shape the fashion industry in South Africa throughout the years, fostering and mentoring many renowned local designers as well as creating jobs for many through her love for clothing. Needless to say, she has deserved every award and all the flowers she has received.
Bonang Matheba
Bonang Matheba is not just a media personality, but a true It-girl. For many young South Africans who grew up watching SABC, she is one of South African TV’s most iconic hosts. South Africa immediately fell in love with her after she hosted Live Amp, securing her name: Queen B. Not only has she made a mark in media and production, but she has also cemented her place in fashion by giving us striking looks on the red carpet and online and collaborating with multiple prominent brands. She truly exudes glamour.
Sindiso Khumalo
One of my favourite designers, Sindiso Khumalo, started her label in 2015 after graduating from Central St Martins, London. The label has emphasised sustainability in textiles and created modern and playful designs with an ode to African heritage. She has worked with NGOs for her collections and given a talk at the United Nations on sustainability in fashion. Her work has been presented in various cities and museums around the world, and has been featured in numerous Vogue magazines. She is South Africa’s sustainable fashion Wonder Woman.
Ponahalo Mojapelo
Ponahalo Mojapelo is a multi-hyphenated creative mainly based in Johannesburg. She has solidified herself in the fashion industry as a supermodel and stylist, and is also a DJ, writer, and content creator. Whether it is flying to Paris to work for Thebe Magugu, DJing at the Glastonbury Festival, or being on the cover of DAZED Magazine, she does it all with confidence and style. She is always dishing out inspirational looks and hair styles, and her instagram is evidence of that. It’s to no one’s surprise that she won ‘Most Stylish Model’ at the SA Style Awards.
Tyla
It wouldn’t be an article about South African women in fashion without a mention of the people’s princess. Our South African pop star gained international recognition after her song ‘Water’ went viral on TikTok. In addition to her music, Tyla’s outfits, hair, and makeup looks are also part of her notoriety. On stage performing, in her music videos, and in every interview, her styling team has verified her as a fashion icon. She even got invited to the Met (in a look that did not disappoint).