Connect with us

Fashion

Somizi Mhlongo Dresses Mzansi Stars at the 31st South African Music Awards

Published

on

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

Louis Vuitton Opens New Immersive Store at V&A Waterfront

Published

on

Photo: Instagram

Luxury shopping in Cape Town has a new attraction. Louis Vuitton has unveiled a new store at the V&A Waterfront. This will allow visitors to browse the brand’s latest collections. The new boutique is a combination of fashion, art and local design, appealing to all fashion lovers. 

The boutique opened on 30 July at Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre, replacing Louis Vuitton’s previous location at the V&A Waterfront. It is part of the French fashion house’s latest retail initiative, and located at shops 6256 and 6259B, Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre.

Photo: Instagram

All parts of the store are designed to reflect Louis Vuitton’s identity. You will find Warm wood finishes, gem stone and handcrafted textures paired with contemporary furniture. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in natural light with customers having a good view of the harbour and Table Mountain. 

Read Also: The Pop Culture Creators Everyone Is Talking About Right Now

The expanded boutique introduces good offerings. Shoppers can check out designer leathers, handbags, luggage, footwear, accessories, and fragrances. New collections of Women’s ready-to-wear have been added to the Cape Town store. This allows local customers to gain full access to all the brands collections. 

Photo: Instagram

The boutique offers personalized luxury services. Customers can book private appointments with client advisers for one-on-one styling. There are aftercare services that help maintain and repair Louis Vuitton pieces. Those who want to buy beauty products enjoy smooth refill services. 

The precinct boasts popular stores that sell premium designers like Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. Louis Vuitton and these brands have made the Waterfront an appealing destination for everyone. 

This investment shows how much confidence brands have in South Africa’s luxury market. The Waterfront welcomes millions of visitors every year. The presence of this boutique appeals among both tourists and local luxury shoppers.

With its great collections and excellent customer experience, Louis Vuitton’s new home shows Cape Town’s growing influence on the luxury industry.

See More Pictures :

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

 

Photo: Instagram

 

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

Photo:Instagram

 

Photo:Instagram

Continue Reading

Fashion

MaXHOSA to Make Paris Fashion Week Debut With First Official Runway Show

Published

on

Photo: Instagram/@maxhosaandladuma

MaXHOSA Africa is set to present its first official runway show at Paris Fashion Week, marking a significant moment for the Johannesburg-based fashion label founded by designer Laduma Ngxokolo.

Since launching in 2010, MaXHOSA has built its reputation through knitwear designs inspired by Xhosa cultural patterns, symbols and traditional visual language. The brand has developed a distinct approach to fashion by combining heritage references with contemporary cuts and modern textile techniques.

Photo: Instagram/@maxhosaandladuma

The Paris runway show follows the brand’s growing international presence, including previous appearances connected to Paris Fashion Week. The upcoming presentation will place MaXHOSA among designers presenting their collections to one of the world’s largest fashion audiences.1

Photo: Instagram/@maxhosaandladuma

Ngxokolo founded MaXHOSA after exploring ways to reinterpret Xhosa aesthetics through knitwear. His designs draw from elements such as traditional beadwork patterns, colour symbolism and cultural references, adapting them into garments created for contemporary wear.

Photo: Instagram/@maxhosaandladuma

Over the years, the brand’s detailed knit patterns, geometric designs and use of colour have become central to its collections. MaXHOSA’s designs explore themes around heritage, identity and the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and modern fashion.

The Paris Fashion Week runway will allow the label to present its designs as a complete collection, showing how each garment works together through styling, shape and presentation.

Photo: Instagram/@maxhosaandladuma

The runway debut comes as African designers continue to gain visibility within the global fashion industry. For MaXHOSA, the focus remains on maintaining its cultural foundation while expanding its reach among international fashion audiences.

The brand’s Paris appearances have helped introduce its approach to knitwear and South African design to a wider audience. MaXHOSA continues to combine heritage and contemporary fashion through its garments and creative direction.

Photo: Instagram/@maxhosaandladuma

Details about the upcoming runway collection remain limited, but the brand’s previous work suggests that its signature knitwear, cultural references and textile craftsmanship will remain central to the presentation.

For Ngxokolo, the Paris runway show represents another step in MaXHOSA’s growth as it continues to position South African design within international fashion spaces.

Continue Reading

Fashion

The Perfect Ways to Layer Necklaces for a Chic Street Style Look

Published

on

Photo: Pinterest

Layered necklaces have become one of the easiest ways to add interest to an outfit. From fashion week street style to everyday wardrobes, stacked chains, pendants and chokers continue to appear on celebrities, stylists and content creators who show how small accessories can change the look of even the simplest outfit.

You do not need an entirely new wardrobe to refresh your style. A few well-chosen necklaces can make a plain T-shirt look more put together, add interest to a blazer or soften the neckline of a crisp shirt. The trick is not wearing as many necklaces as possible, but choosing combinations that look intentional instead of cluttered.

Start with Different Lengths

Photo: Pinterest

The biggest mistake people make is choosing necklaces that all sit in the same place. When every chain falls at a similar length, they overlap and compete for attention. Start with a short necklace, add a mid-length chain and finish with a longer pendant. The space between each piece helps every necklace stand out.

Mix Chain Styles

Photo: Pinterest

Layering works best when there is contrast. Pair a fine chain with a chunkier one or combine a rope chain with a paperclip or curb chain. Different textures help each necklace stand out without relying on oversized jewellery. If every chain has the same thickness and design, the layered look can appear flat.

Let One Necklace Be the Focus

Photo: Pinterest

Not every necklace needs to make a statement. If you are wearing a bold pendant, gemstone or personalised charm, let it be the main focus while the remaining necklaces stay simple. This keeps your jewellery from looking crowded and helps the overall combination look balanced.

Match Your Neckline

Photo: Pinterest

Your outfit’s neckline should guide your jewellery choices. Crew neck tops suit shorter chains, while V-neck styles work well with pendants that follow the shape of the neckline. Open-collar shirts leave room for several delicate necklaces without overwhelming the outfit.

Mix Your Metals

Photo: Pinterest

The idea that gold and silver should never be worn together is no longer a hard rule. Mixing metals can give your jewellery a more current look. To keep the combination cohesive, repeat each metal at least once rather than relying on a single contrasting piece.

Keep Pendants Varied

Photo: Pinterest

If every necklace has a large pendant, the layers can quickly become tangled. Instead, pair one pendant with plain chains or choose charms in different sizes so each piece has room to stand out.

Know When to Stop

Photo: Pinterest

One of the easiest ways to make layered necklaces look expensive is to avoid wearing too many at once. Three carefully chosen pieces often have a stronger impact than a crowded stack. If your necklaces keep twisting together or completely cover your neckline, remove one.

Layered necklaces remain a favourite in street style because they can transform everyday outfits without much effort. By mixing lengths, textures and proportions while keeping the overall look simple, you can build combinations that suit your wardrobe and reflect your personal style.

Continue Reading

Trending