Mihlali Ndamase has built a reputation for looks that sit confidently between fashion discipline and personal confidence, and this appearance subtly reinforces that reputation through thoughtful styling. The look feels confident and composed, well put together without rigidity, and true to how she usually approaches fashion.

The images, shared on her official Instagram page, place her on a wide outdoor staircase with no explicit reference to an event or occasion. Her caption, “A piece that belongs in an Article gallery,” feels like she’s simply showing off her style, not promoting anything.

Mihlali Ndamase – Instagram

She wears a strapless chartreuse-toned gown sitting between yellow and green, designed with a structured corset that defines the torso before giving way to an asymmetrical skirt. The fabric gathers dramatically at the hip, forming layered, sculptural ruffles that cascade downward and reveal just enough leg to maintain balance. The shade is striking against her skin tone without overpowering the look. Gold strappy heels complement the dress, while a crystal-embellished clutch introduces detail without taking attention away from the dress. Jewellery is kept minimal, keeping the attention on the design of the gown.

Mihlali Ndamase – Instagram

What makes the look work is control. Despite its dramatic details, the outfit never feels overdone. The clean neckline offsets the weight of the draping, the corsetry anchors the structure of the skirt, and the accessories remain intentional rather than decorative. Ndamase carries the look with ease, moving between composed and playful poses that prevent it from feeling static. The result is a fashion-forward image suited to a magazine spread and consistent with the direction her recent style choices suggest.

KoThe Birkenstock sandal has been around for many years, but this summer, its popularity is particularly noticeable. From urban areas to coastal cities, it is worn widely. There are several reasons  why Birkenstock continues to show up every season.

Comfort is a key factor Birkenstock can’t ignore. Unlike flat sandals, the Birkenstock design helps distribute body weight. This means they can go long distances without any discomfort on their feet. During summer, most people  spend longer hours outdoors, which is why these sandals are a good fit.

Another factor worth considering is their durability. Birkenstock sandals are not your typical fashion footwear. They are designed to last longer. They are made with leather, suede and cork materials which are chosen because of their strength and wear resistance.

Birkenstock : Instagram

Style also contributes a huge role in its appeal. Fashion has moved toward relaxed and simple dressing. Many people love loose clothing, simple silhouettes and practical footwear. Birkenstock was once seen as a comfort shoe but now styled with dresses, tailored trousers, and even work-appropriate outfits. The sandal isn’t flashy, fits contemporary fashion trends.

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Celebrities and designers have increased the brand’s visibility. Over the years, the brand has collaborated with many designers who have helped promote the sandals. At the same time, public figures  are seen wearing Birkenstock sandals casually on their social media pages. This kind of visibility has positioned the idea that the sandal is a reasonable everyday choice and not a trend.

Birkenstock : Instagram

Climate and lifestyle are also a factor. Summers are becoming hotter in many places, and people are choosing footwear that keeps their feet cool without sacrificing stability. Open sandals with good support addresses this need. Birkenstock meets this need.

Many people are familiar with Birkenstock sandals worn by parents and other family members. The design is already familiar and trusted. Wearing something that has stayed for many decades is a safe choice.

Birkenstock : Instagram

Birkenstock remains popular this summer because it meets real needs. It suits modern lifestyles. Rather than chasing the latest fashion trends, Birkenstock remains relevant.

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.