South Africa’s fashion elite gathered at Midrand’s Divine Sunset venue on July 19 for the return of GLAMOUR’s Most GLAMOURous Awards 2026. Co-hosted by GLAMOUR Fashion Director Tania Durand and media personality Thulane “Toolz” Hadebe, the afternoon brought together top tastemakers, celebrities and creative pioneers to celebrate local style. Guided by the theme “Fashion Is Fantasy,” guests turned the red carpet into a striking runway of bold silhouettes, sculptural accessories, and high-fashion storytelling.
The 2026 awards spotlighted trendsetters and champions of sustainable fashion. Expresso presenter Kuhle Adams claimed the Red Carpet Glamour Award for her sophisticated event looks, while Ms Paula Bee earned the Street Style Star title. Ponahalo Helesi took home the Fashion Forward Award for her trendsetting aesthetic and Tracy-Lee Rosslind was recognized as Style Influencer of the year for her advocacy of conscious dressing.
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The ceremony also celebrated industry heavyweights shaping South Africa’s global style presence. Image architect Kgosi Lesego received the Celebrity Transformer Award, while Sorisha Naidoo won for Celebrity Style Transformation. Media mogul Basetsana Khumalo was named Fashion Icon for her decades of influence and Jo-Ann Strauss was recognized for Classic Elegance. Closing out the awards, image consultant Omila Gqoboka secured the Readers’ Choice Award, voted on directly by the publication’s audience.
