Johannesburg, 24 July 2024 | Fashion icon Kefilwe Mabote, celebrated for her impeccable style and influential presence, has built up an impressive social media following over the years. Through her content, she continues to inspire followers with her incredible fashion sense while spotlighting local designers and upcoming trends.

Last year, Kefilwe took home the Fashion And Style Award at the DStv Content Creator Awards, further cementing her status as a leading figure in the fashion industry. As she continues to be a prestigious voice in the local fashion industry, Kefilwe dishes her fashion journey so far, the pieces she can’t live without, and what this incredible recognition means to her.

You’re a fashion powerhouse, where do you draw your style inspiration from?

Inspiration for my fashion choices often comes from a mix of global runway shows, street fashion, and the rich cultural heritage of South Africa. I also draw significant inspiration from my travels and the different cultures and fashions I encounter.

You won the DStv Content Creator Award in the Fashion And Style category last year, what did this winning moment feel like?

It’s always humbling when my work is acknowledged-I’ve been in this space for over a decade and to see the impact of what I love to do continue to find its way into spaces that find it worthy of being celebrated is rewarding.

How do you manage to always stand out when it comes to fashion?

A careful selection process to ensure all collaborations are in alignment with my values and style. Authenticity and passion are my guiding principles, ensuring that any collaboration feels true to my personal brand.

Now that you have the DStv Content Creator Awards acknowledgement, do you think there is an added layer of pressure to stay on top of your game?

Own lane, own pace, own race is my motto so I’m always grateful for a nod but I’m also laser-focused on where I want to go so the conversation around pressure is more around the pressure for me to become more of who I am while embracing my growth and evolution. Always onwards and upwards.

When it comes to fashion, there are tips and tricks everyone uses, what would be three that you can share with others on how to up their style game?

1. Dress for your body type: Understanding your body shape and proportions is key to dressing well. Find pieces that flatter your figure, whether it’s accentuating your waist, balancing your hips, or elongating your legs.

2. Invest in more timeless items over trendy one: Focus on purchasing more timeless, quality pieces that fit well, rather than fast fashion items that may quickly go out of style. This approach will help you build a cohesive, stylish wardrobe.

3. Accessories can make or break an outfit: Add a statement piece of jewellery, a quality handbag, or a stylish hat to take your look from ordinary to extraordinary. Accessories can add personality and polish to any ensemble.

You are always travelling the world while looking amazing, how does the style globally compare to here at home?

The continuous globalisation of fashion creates a thin line between local and international trends but I think our different cultures are really what sets us apart in the way we incorporate modern designs to our traditional materials. These offer a fresh inspiration and insights into global fashion trends.

What are your fashion must-haves?

Classic essential items: Trench coat, Jeans, white shirt, blazer, stiletto, and of course a little black dress.

Nominees for the 2024 DStv Content Creator Awards will be unveiled on 15 August 2024 and winners will be unveiled during a glittering celebration in Johannesburg on 12 October, celebrating the continent’s best content creators. For more information, visit www.contentcreatorawards.co.za.

DJ, Influencer, and reality TV star, Eva Modika touches down at King Shaka International Airport, straight from a DJing gig in Ethiopia where she was booked for two days at Addis Ababa. She lands for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, dressed by Themba Shadrack Tshabalala of Lera V Design.

Draped in a classic shimmer set, graciously following the theme ‘Ride The Wave’. Eva’s look is inspired by the warmth, stillness, and vibrancy of the Indian Ocean in Durban. “I love working with new designers, and Lera V Design had just left working for Otiz Seflo to start his own brand. I wanted to support him, and he did not fail. He heard the vision and executed it along with the theme. The mandate was to ride the wave, fun, shimmer, classy, and not trying too hard.”

Crafted with patience, and attention to detail, Lera V Design says he wanted something less “serious” and to play on Eva’s classy yet fun and fluid personality. “I wanted to enhance her silhouette. She has a stunning body, snatched waist, and a classic woman’s figure which was easy to work with,” Tshabalala says. “This year, we did not want to go for the typical ball gown but something clean, fun, and edgy yet encapsulate theme.”

Local designer Neo Serati Mofammere has collaborated with Volvo Car South Africa to create an A/W ‘24 Ready-to-Wear garment for Lasizwe Dambuza using the interior fabric of Volvo’s latest electric car and AI technology in the design process.

“Volvo wanted to inspire South Africans to see sustainability and advanced technologies such as AI, as something beautiful, creative, AND beneficial for our planet. I loved what Neo created,” commented Dambuza. “I can definitely see myself wearing this outfit at the Durban July. The quality of it, how it feels, how premium it is. I would wear this outfit to any event that’s going to be iconic and leave a statement!”

The car’s interior features materials such as renewable linseed fibre, mats from recycled fishing nets, and inlays from upcycled denim—all curated to blend luxury with responsible design.

“I got the volume idea for the design from AI which gave me the concept of proportions,” says Mofammere. “I wanted to create something for Lasizwe that was strong and powerful but still played with gender roles. I also wanted him to feel comfortable.”

Neo Serati Mofammeres MidJourney AI generated image that inspired his final creation for Lasizwe.

LISOF graduate Neo Serati Mofammere is well known for his Nao Serati brand, specialising in unisex clothing that explores gender, art and sexuality while being mindful of our South African heritage.

With the responsibly sourced tailored wool-blend upholstery from Volvo, Mofammere used a technique whereby the fabric was cut up and put back into a weave. “I was inspired by how Volvo recycled discarded fishing nets and other waste material to create the inlay mats for the car. I wanted to incorporate this idea into the design.”

“This project demonstrates how you can turn the very same upcycled materials found in a car’s interior, into a high-fashion garment. It’s all about intention and perspective,” said Marishka Govender, Volvo Car South Africa’s Chief Financial Officer.