Zimbabwean talent earns recognition at South African fashion awards
South Africa’s fashion industry turned its attention to the people behind the looks on 3 October, when the second edition of its annual fashion awards recognised models, hairstylists, photographers and personalities shaping the industry.
While the red carpet drew media attention, with conversations around who dressed and styled the evening’s guests, the awards also highlighted the work of creatives whose contributions extend beyond the runway.
Among the winners were Zimbabwe-born professionals working in South Africa, including hairstylist Kelvin Takudzwa and television host Kim Jayde, alongside model Brothel Sanza.
Sanza, an artist, model and athlete, received the Best Male Model award. His modelling work includes a catwalk appearance for Gucci X Dossier editorial, adding to his experience in fashion.
For Takudzwa, the Best Hairstylist award recognised his work with celebrities and brands across the beauty and fashion industries in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
His client list includes Thuso Mbedu, Connie Ferguson, Enhle Mbali and Mai TT. He has also collaborated with international brands such as L’Oréal Paris, Adidas and Gucci.
Kim Jayde, a Zimbabwe-born television host and media personality based in South Africa, received the Best Fashion Icon award. Her recognition reflects her presence at the intersection of fashion, media and popular culture.
Other winners included Kefilwe Mabote, who received Best Influencer, and Fuaad Abdool, who won Best Photographer.
The recognition of these creatives highlights the range of careers that sustain the fashion industry. While models bring designers’ work to the runway, hairstylists help shape the final look, photographers document it and media personalities connect fashion with wider audiences.
For Zimbabweans building careers across the border, the awards also offered a glimpse of the different ways homegrown talent can establish a presence in South Africa’s fashion and entertainment industries.
