Fashion
Somizi Mhlongo Dresses Mzansi Stars at the 31st South African Music Awards
Somizi Mhlongo used the 31st South African Music Awards to make a visible case for his growing presence in fashion, dressing several of the night’s performers and placing his designs firmly on one of the country’s most watched red carpets. Through his label, Sompire Femme, he styled artists including Zee Nxumalo, Makhadzi and Naledi Aphiwe, ensuring his work was part of the visual record of the evening, not just a footnote to it.

Makhadzi – Instagram
Held at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg, SAMA31 offered a platform where performance, image and branding intersect. Somizi’s designs leaned into strong colour choices and structured silhouettes suited to stage and red-carpet demands. Zee Nxumalo appeared in a deep-toned gown that balanced drama with restraint, while Makhadzi’s white ensemble leaned into her established performance identity without overwhelming it. Naledi Aphiwe’s look followed a similar approach, prioritising presence and fit over excess detailing.
This appearance builds on Somizi’s recent pivot into fashion, following formal training and a steady run of custom designs for public figures. Rather than presenting a full collection, the awards allowed him to show how his work functions in real, high-pressure settings where movement, lighting and camera angles matter. That practicality was central to how the designs were received.

Naledi Aphiwe – Instagram
Online reaction reflected both interest and scrutiny. While many praised the visibility of a locally trained designer dressing headline performers, some commentary focused on construction and finishing, highlighting the level of detail expected on a stage of this scale. The discussion, which played out across social media and post-event coverage, pointed to a broader conversation about celebrity designers and the standards applied to them.

Zee Nxumalo – Instagram
For Somizi, the SAMA moment was less about spectacle and more about positioning. Dressing multiple artists at a single, nationally televised event placed his label in front of an audience that extends beyond fashion insiders. The challenge now is consistency: translating attention into sustained output and refining a clear design direction beyond custom red-carpet work.
Awards ceremonies in South Africa have increasingly become testing grounds for local designers, offering exposure that traditional runways often cannot. Somizi’s contribution at SAMA31 fits squarely into that shift. He secured visibility, sparked discussion and demonstrated intent. What follows will determine whether this moment stands as a highlight or the foundation for something longer-lasting.
Fashion
Nqobile Khwezi in a Corset and Leather
Nqobile Khwezi is known for her sharp visual choices and controlled approach to style. Whether on screen or off-duty, she tends to favour pieces that are deliberate, structured, and quietly assertive, a pattern that has become central to how she presents herself publicly.
She was spotted on a quiet Paris street corner near Avenue George V and Rue Vernet. There’s no visible indication of a formal event or scheduled appearance. The setting reads as an in-between moment rather than something staged, giving the outfit a sense of real-world relevance.

Nqobile Khwezi – Instagram
She wore a black corset with sheer panelling that shaped the torso cleanly, placing emphasis on construction rather than exposure. The fit sat firmly at the waist, set against wide-leg black trousers that fell straight and fluid to the ground. The trousers softened the strict lines of the corset, keeping the look from feeling severe. In some shots, she added a black leather jacket worn loose, introducing weight and texture. When the jacket was removed, the look shifted into something more pared back and direct. Accessories were kept restrained: a compact black handbag with gold detailing, subtle jewellery, and pointed heels that brought the look together neatly.

Nqobile Khwezi – Instagram
The outfit works because of control. Each element serves a clear role, and nothing feels included for effect. The corset creates definition, the trousers allow ease, and the leather jacket brings contrast without overpowering the look. It’s a reminder that strength in dressing often comes from precision rather than excess.
Fashion
AYANA’s “Sunday Best” and the Intimacy of Memory and Motherhood
AYANA’s Sunday Best is a visual exploration of memory and motherhood, capturing the small moments that shape daily life. The project focuses on the routines, gestures, and interactions within families, particularly highlighting the role of mothers in guiding, caring for, and influencing their children.

Photo Credit – Niquita Bento
Creative Director Bee Diamondhead and photographer Niquita Bento worked together to create imagery that emphasizes real-life moments rather than staged fashion. The photos show mothers helping their children into Sunday outfits, adjusting collars, and preparing them for the day. Siblings assist each other, and laughter and movement fill the frames, creating scenes that feel familiar and grounded in everyday life.

Photo Credit – Niquita Bento
Clothing plays a central role in the project, not as a statement of fashion alone but as a reflection of memory and identity. The outfits, carefully chosen Sunday attire, mark milestones, family rituals, and shared experiences. Each piece highlights the balance between functionality and presence, showing how clothing can carry personal and cultural significance beyond aesthetics.

Photo Credit – Niquita Bento
Sunday Best takes place in ordinary environments such as living rooms, front porches, and neighborhood streets rather than formal sets or studios. This choice reinforces the authenticity of the moments captured and underscores the connection between clothing, memory, and daily life. The images illustrate how routine actions, small gestures, and family interactions contribute to lasting memories.
Although the project is rooted in South African experiences, its themes resonate more broadly. Mothers worldwide influence their children through daily care, storytelling, and guidance. By focusing on these universal practices, Sunday Best highlights the importance of mothers in shaping both family and cultural identity.

Photo Credit – Niquita Bento
This project is part of AYANA’s ongoing effort to document lived experiences in a straightforward and authentic way. Rather than prioritizing spectacle or abstract concepts, Sunday Best emphasizes the meaningful details of everyday life. The work reminds audiences that memory and maternal care are intertwined, and that the simple actions of mothers often have the most lasting impact.
Fashion
Nadia Nakai Breaks the Internet with Bold ‘No-underwear’ Denim Outfit
Nadia Nakai’s latest fashion move has set tongues wagging on social media. This South African rapper was seen in a denim outfit at a recent outing with KFC South Africa. She has successfully turned heads with her style and outfit.

Nadai Nakai : Instagram
Her outfit appealed to many fashion lovers who love her charm and confidence. Her denim dress came with thin straps that left her sides and hips exposed. This was more than a fashion choice, it was a statement. It shows that she isn’t gifted in entertainment, she can also dazzle when she wants.
When she shared her photos with her admirers on Instagram, the reaction was huge. Many fans flooded the comment section with positive reactions. While praising her skin texture, others said she showed too much skin. However, Nadai has always loved showcasing her bold and appealing side. Fellow celebrities supported her sense, noting a woman should be free to express herself. They said it shows how expressive she can be.

Nadai Nakai : Instagram
Read Also : Mihlali Ndamase Shows How It’s Done in Suits
This isn’t the first time Nadai will wow her fans, and it won’t be the last. Aside from being a musician and influencer, she loves fashion and trending styles. It has now become her brand and people will have to accept it.

Nadai Nakai : Instagram
Whatever anyone says, Nadai Nakai knows how to be the centre of attention. Her denim ensemble shows she understands fashion trends and sets the pace for her followers. She is daring and ready to show everyone the power of owning your style.
-
Fashion5 years agoIncredidibly sexy; Willow Smith, 20, wore lingerie for the first time!
-
Beauty4 years agoWillow Smith: The New Face For Mugler’s Alien Goddess Fragrance!
-
Celebrity News4 years agoRihanna and A$AP Rocky, so cozy while filming new music video at new york!
-
Fashion5 months agoSinqobile Tusani Signature Love Affair with White Outfits
-
Celebrity News6 years agoAmber Rose and Her New Face Tattoo!
-
TV4 years agoMadonna’s ‘Madame X’ Documentary announced for October 2021 with Paramount
-
Fashion5 months agoLee Khuzwayo in a Long Black Dress, Done Right
-
Fashion4 years agoKylie Jenner’s Business Outfit!


