South Africa’s top fashion designers traded their pressing tools, pins and fabric shears for scorecards as they sifted through hundreds of entries to select the Top 30 finalists in this year’s Local Fashion Police (LFP) competition.
The finalists will now compete for an opportunity to win bespoke designer outfits valued at R50 000, created by some of South Africa’s leading couturiers, and to showcase their style at the grand finale of the Local Fashion Police. The Local Fashion Police is Proudly South African’s annual celebration of South African fashion, design and creativity.
Tasked with the difficult responsibility of narrowing down the entries were renowned fashion industry leaders Mpumelelo “Lele” Dhlamini of Ezokhetho, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana of Thabo Makhetha, Anel Botha, and Rivaldo Louw of By Waldo. Each adjudicator will select finalists and design a bespoke outfit valued at R50 000, giving recipients the opportunity to walk the runway at the grand finale dressed in an exclusive designer creation.
“Excitement is filling the air as we cross this important milestone in the Local Fashion Police journey. The overwhelming response and exceptional standard of entries received are a testament to the depth of talent, creativity and innovation within South Africa’s fashion industry. Selecting just 30 finalists was no easy task, and we commend everyone who entered for their passion and commitment to local fashion. We look forward to seeing the finalists take centre stage at the grand finale, where the Local Fashion Police designers will showcase the world-class craftsmanship and distinctive creative identity that make South African fashion truly exceptional,” said Eustace Mashimbye, Chief Executive Officer of Proudly South African.
The 30 finalists are:
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- Morwedi Waga Mashaba
- Semakaleng Moeketsi
- Thabo Batshe
- Adhil Ramnath
- Mbalenhle Mbele
- Lerato Lee
- qondile_qondile
- Ntokozo
- Carlyn
- AWONKE MOKO
- Beauty Mc’dust
- Zintle G
- Camelia
- Natasha Pearce
- lindiwe
- Abongile Yadah Mungwe
- b_inwanderland
- Zintle Dyani
- sphiwe.maseko
- Sara Urbaniak
- Mbaliyezwe Atelier
- Lara Louise Designs
- Talitha Oosthuizen
- Warren Masemola
- Sinako Lindazwe
- Revaska Govender
- Pearl Nhlapo
- Gerdalize Bukes
- Bobo
- Kulani
This year’s Local Fashion Police will celebrate the evolution of both South African fashion and the programme itself, tracing its journey from a social media campaign to a recognised platform that has helped move local fashion from the margins into the mainstream.
In recognition of this journey, former judges and fashion luminaries who have contributed to the growth of the programme have been invited to attend and showcase at the grand finale.
The grand finale promises to be a showcase of South African creativity at its finest, bringing together designers, fashion enthusiasts, industry leaders and supporters of local production to celebrate the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit driving the country’s fashion industry forward.
