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:
1. Morwedi Waga Mashaba
2. Semakaleng Moeketsi
3. Thabo Batshe
4. Adhil Ramnath
5. Mbalenhle Mbele
6. Lerato Lee
7. qondile_qondile
8. Ntokozo
9. Carlyn
10. AWONKE MOKO
11. Beauty Mc’dust
12. Zintle G
13. Camelia
14. Natasha Pearce
15. lindiwe
16. Abongile Yadah Mungwe
17. b_inwanderland
18. Zintle Dyani
19. sphiwe.maseko
20. Sara Urbaniak
21. Mbaliyezwe Atelier
22. Lara Louise Designs
23. Talitha Oosthuizen
24. Warren Masemola
25. Sinako Lindazwe
26. Revaska Govender
27. Pearl Nhlapo
28. Gerdalize Bukes
29. Bobo
30. 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.
