It was glitz, glamour and unfiltered South African (SA) flair as the grand finale of the 2025 Proudly SA Local Fashion Police lit up Sandton with a spectacle that had the city buzzing.
Africa’s richest square mile became a runway of its own as fashion lovers, industry giants, celebrities, media personalities and even a few political figures descended in their finest looks, turning the night into a full-scale celebration of home-grown creativity.
The finale marked the end of the competition’s biggest and most bold season yet. The journey began in August with a lavish launch aboard the iconic Blue Train, a setting so luxurious it immediately set the tone for what the fifth edition aimed to deliver. From there, the campaign travelled across Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, where aspiring designers and students attended masterclasses led by seasoned professionals who shared insights on brand-building, business skills and the realities of thriving in the fashion industry. Throughout the months-long run, Proudly SA continued urging the public to choose local, support emerging labels and reimagine what SA fashion can achieve.
What began five years ago with four winners each receiving R10 000 ($520) has now evolved into one of the country’s most respected fashion platforms. This year, seven standouts from across SA earned the coveted prize; a bespoke wardrobe worth R50 000 ($2 600) created by top local designers, along with the chance to showcase their looks on the main runway in front of an enthusiastic audience.
The 2025 winners and their designer pairings were:
– Charlene Kallis (Western Cape) with Khosi Nkosi
– Tase Jack (East London) with ABANTU
– Stephanie Brookes (Gauteng) with Stephen Van Eeden
– Savannah Allessandra Cozzi (Gauteng) with Tshepo Jeans
– Thatohatsi May (Free State) with Malondié
– Lue and Rue (Western Cape) with MADONSELA
– S’ne Maphumulo (Gauteng) with Asanda Madyibi
The finale delivered not just fashion, but pure entertainment. Kwaito icons Trompies brought the house down with a performance that had the crowd dancing, while neo-soul favourite Lordkez drew the audience in with her smooth, captivating vocals. Alumni designers, now part of the judging panel, returned to the stage for a nostalgic runway moment before the spotlight shifted to the seven winners, who stepped out in their custom looks to roaring applause.
Proudly SA Chief Executive Officer Eustace Mashimbye highlighted how stronger support for local designers boosts the wider retail, textile, clothing, footwear and leather sectors , creating opportunities far beyond the runway. Chief Marketing Officer Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi added that the initiative has grown into a national movement, thanks to the public, sponsors and partners who continue championing local talent. She hinted that the next five years promise an even more ambitious chapter for the Local Fashion Police.
The 2025 edition was backed by African Bank and the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA, fitting partners for a night that celebrated innovation, creativity and proudly SA craftsmanship.
–ChannelAfrica–
