FORCES OF FASHION, BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY TOASTED THIS YEAR’S SA STYLE AWARDS WITH A  GLITTERING CEREMONY AND OSCAR STYLE AFTER PARTY POWERED BY PLASCON SA

The South African Style Awards commemorates its 26th instalment this year honouring individuals across various industries, who have not only made an indelible mark on local soil, but who have become powerful vehicles for change globally too. People are changing the way that they think and as an industry stalwart, The South African Style Awards has continuously evolved, partnering with Plascon SA & The Mall of Africa as well as other esteemed sponsors, to whom we are grateful – Skin Renewal Aesthetics Clinics, Standard Beauty, Gillian Julius Jewellery, Niven Sher (The Diamond Guy) @Sandton Hotel, House of BNG, Iconic wine maker Anthony Hamilton-Russel’s Southern Right wine, flamboyant Nicky van De Walt’s Mirabelle Rosé and Los Locos tequila.Plascon SA and The Mall Of Africa are brands that are for people who want more and for the individual who expects more, we couldn’t think of a better collaboration.  

According to Leslie Frank Plascon South Africa's Manager in Business Development & Insights: "The Plascon brand philosophy of making a lasting and ever-positive impact on people's lives, shares many of the same attributes with the SA Style Award winners. Innovators and changemakers – they inspire simply because they are unapologetically authentic.” 
Passionately championing initiatives, navigating this unprecedented time and lending their voices to profound causes, the SA Style Awards 2024 winners have been recognized for their ability to evolve creatively as the landscape changes, fuelled by their passion to the shape of the future. 

From young South Africans forging their African footprint, to professionals pioneering iconic ideas, brilliant creative minds and fearless females who are changing the business landscape across major South African markets, elevating the benchmark for inclusivity, ingenuity, excellence and innovation. 
Decked out in fifty shades of gold, the red carpet gowns seen at the 2024 Oscar’s paled in comparison to the shimmering, shiny and bold statement designs worn at this year’s SA Style Awards celebration held at @Sandton Hotel in Benmore. Double Velvet power couple and 2024 SA Style award winners, Dr Musa and Liesl Laurie-Mthombeni had heads turning as did always on point supermodel Ponahalo Mojapelo (Most Stylish Model winner) Partygoers enjoyed a live performance by Pona a.k.a Pona Colada in the Standard Beauty DJ booth at the sparkly lit afterparty, glittering setting. 

Championing creativity and innovation through wine, House of BNG, Southern Right and Mirabelle rosé, the official beverage sponsors of SA Style Awards 2024, served their premium collection to South Africa’s most influential influencers while everyone enjoyed a delightful selection of sweet treats courtesy of Fenix Brands, the confectionary sponsor of the SA Style Awards. A-list attendees included Grammy winner Tyla Laura Seethal’s family who attended on her behalf, business personality Nathan Reddy, journalist and broadcaster Desiree Chauke and the venerable Dr and O.B.E John Kani – winner of this year’s Style Icon Award - alongside captains of industry and SA’s best innovators and creatives. 

Each of the winners were guests of @Sandton Hotel for the night of the awards ceremony, and also received bespoke jewellery from LA based jewellery designer Gillian Julius, personalised skin treatment packages from Skin Renewal Aesthetic Clinics, a pamper gift box from Standard Beauty, Carlton Hair customised hair treatment packages, Mother kind Paris collagen packages, a R5000 Bang & Olufsen voucher as well as a celebratory bottle of MCC from The House of BNG by Bonang Matheba. 

Not to mention the legendary and sought after SA STYLE AWARDS gift bags for each of the 220 attendees, who received curated boxes of delicious macaroons courtesy of Plascon SA, Skin Renewal Aesthetic Clinics custom tote bags containing  invitation cards for a treatment to kick start their winter skin journey. Further, guests had the opportunity to create their own personalised on-site Standard Beauty gift bags, a Carlton hair service voucher to the value of R475 and the piece-de-resistance - a little black box containing a key from - The Mall Of Africa granting each guest the opportunity to visit an SDA STYLE AWARDS installation at the mall in the hope of unlocking a R10 000 shopping experience and a year’s free parking.“To all our esteemed guests, as a proud sponsor of the SA Style Awards, Mall of Africa is thrilled to extend an exclusive offer that adds an extra touch of luxury to your evening.

In partnership with admyt, we are delighted to present you with an irresistible opportunity. As a token of our appreciation, we invite you to enjoy the luxury of complimentary parking until the end of December 2024.” Categories include: Most Innovative Style to Most Stylish Business Person; from Most Stylish Media Personality to Most Stylish Model; from the Most Stylish Performing Artist in Film or TV to the Most Stylish Performing Artist in Music, from the Most Stylish Designer - Interior or Fashion to the Most Stylish Couple, from The Next Big Thing to the Most Stylish SA Icon, the prestige of The South African Style Awards pays tribute to South Africans who continue to elevate their industries.
Every year our judges unite in search to nominate their deserving choices across the eleven categories. 

2024 WINNERS: Most Innovative Style winner:  Bee Diamondhead Most Stylish Performing Artist in Film/TV winner: Senzo RadebeMost Stylish Performing Artist in Music winner: Tyla SeethalMost Stylish Media Personality: Motshidisi MohonoMost Stylish Fashion Designer winner: Jacques BamMost Stylish Model winner: Ponahalo Mojapelo -Standard BeautyMost Stylish Business Personality winner:  Melina Lambrakis – Mall of Africa Most Stylish Couple winners: Dr Musa and Liesl Laurie-MthombeniMost Stylish Changemaker winner: Musa MothaThe Next Big Thing winners: Creative brothers, Fhatuwani and Justice Mukheli – Skin Renewal Style Icon winner: Dr John Kani  

 PLASCON With more than 130 years of experience in the paints and coating industry, Plascon has a proud history and legacy in Africa. It all began with humble beginnings in 1889 when a young Welshman, Herbert Evans arrived in the shanty mining town of Johannesburg with a cart, ladder, and paintbrushes. All those years ago he embraced the core values that Kansai Plascon still strives towards today – to design products that improve the lives of customers through constant innovation.  Evans re-invented the coatings industry by pioneering world-firsts in the paint industry, including the earliest “ready-mixed” coloured paints and revolutionary “best elastic carriage varnish”. It was this spirit of innovation and a total dedication to designing products that solve the needs of the coating for customers. Plascon has introduced many ground-breaking products, including the legendary Plascon Double Velvet which became famous for its luxurious velvet finish.  

@Sandton Hotel
An integral part of Sandton’s vibrant economic hub, appeals to a tribe of like-minded travellers whose priorities are style, value and comfort. Channelling a contemporary vibe, @Sandton Hotel offers the perfect balance of work and play with stylish and comfortable accommodation, expansive gathering spaces, children’s amenities, social co-working spaces, @Spa health and wellness and friendly service. Enjoy tasty and nourishing dining options ranging from the onsite, grab-and-go @Deli to the Coffee Bar, Pool Bar, @Sandton Restaurant, Cigar Lounge and Tasting Room.  

THE MALL OF AFRICA EXPERIENCE A SANCTUARY WHERE YOU CAN BREATHE, BELONG, AND THRIVE.Welcome to Mall of Africa, a haven designed to prove respire from the chaos of everyday life. Discover a space where you can truly be yourself, connect with loved ones, and immerse yourself in transformative experiences that uplift and inspire.  

SKIN RENEWAL AESTHETIC CLINICSSkin Renewal is one of South Africa's premier medical aesthetic clinics, offering an extensive range of advanced treatments. Founded by Dr. Maureen Allem, Skin Renewal boasts 20 clinics across Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, Centurion, Lynnwood, Cape Town, Century City, Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Durban, Ballito, and Umhlanga. With a team of highly trained medical professionals, Skin Renewal is dedicated to providing the latest in medical aesthetic treatments to help clients achieve their desired results.    

STANDARD BEAUTY

Affordable Skincare That Works — Standard Beauty has the solution. Shop now for High Quality Skincare. Finding the Right Beauty Products for Your Skin Type Can Be Hard. High-Quality Ingredients. Cruelty Free. Ann-Kathrin Joos, the unstoppable force behind South Africa's fastest-growing and most adored skincare brand, Standard Beauty®. Born on the 7th of April in 1996, Ann-Kathrin's journey from a small countryside town in South Germany to the CEO of a thriving beauty empire is nothing short of a whirlwind adventure. 

From a young age, Ann-Kathrin had a passion for exploration, and that's exactly what she did. After high school, she packed her bags and embarked on a journey that would shape her life. She whisked herself away to the United Arab Emirates and then back to Germany to pursue her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. But Ann-Kathrin's zest for life didn't stop there; she took every chance to discover new horizons. She studied abroad in Melbourne, Australia, and embarked on a six-month internship in the vibrant city of London. Along the way, she forged friendships with people from diverse backgrounds, expanding her worldview and nurturing her compassionate spirit. Traveling abroad was a transformative experience for Ann-Kathrin.

She had an insatiable wanderlust but was determined not to be a financial burden on her single mother. So, she rolled up her sleeves and took on a variety of jobs, from waitressing to being an au-pair and even doing housekeeping, all to finance her adventures in Australia and London.

Back in Germany, she took on a full-time position as a business development assistant while juggling her studies. Looking back, she considers these financial hardships as some of her proudest achievements, instilling a strong work ethic that she carries with her today. Upon completing her degree, Ann-Kathrin had grand plans to conquer the marketing world in London. But as fate would have it, love intervened.

She fell head over heels for a South African man, and the prospect of moving to South Africa was never part of her plan. Yet, with her adventurous spirit in tow, she said, "Why not embrace another exciting journey for a few months?" Little did she know that three years later, she would still be in South Africa, having made it her permanent home.

The rich culture and the warm hospitality of South African people captured her heart, and she knew this was where she was meant to be. he story of Standard Beauty may seem like an overnight success, but it was three years in the making and a lifelong dream come true. When Ann-Kathrin first arrived in South Africa in October 2018, she faced a crucial decision: apply for a job or start her own business.

She always harboured the dream of being her own boss, but never did she expect to realize it at such a young age. For the first two years, her company faced its fair share of struggles despite her unwavering dedication and time invested. This is the point where many would have thrown in the towel and sought stable employment. But not Ann-Kathrin. She decided to reinvent herself and, with sheer determination, created a brand-new and exciting venture during the pandemic in June 2020.

This time, she knew she wasn't starting from scratch but from experience. The sales started to soar, and she realized she was onto something big. The rest, as they say, is history. Ann-Kathrin's story is far from over. She has a treasure trove of dreams, a vision not just for Standard Beauty but for the entire Standard Group to expand into various industries and sectors. So, stay tuned, because the incredible Ann-Kathrin Joos is far from finished with her extraordinary journey. 

GILLIAN JULIUS

Gillian julius , a South African by birth , and a traveller by nature , graduated from fashion institute of technology Johannesburg South Africa and moved to Los Angeles. She moved from fashion editor to become an internationally recognized jewellery designer. 

HOUSE OF BNG

In 2019, Bonang Matheba launched her very own luxury beverage brand with the introduction of the House of BNG and its Brut and Brut Rosé Méthode Cap Classiques (MCCs).Bonang’s “loveletter to Africa”, the brand became the country’s favoured celebration partner – from the Presidential Inauguration to Miss SA – and, in the process, ‘Queen B’ also became the first black woman to become a member of the Cap Classique Producers Association.

The House of BNG followed up soon after with the release of its Prestige Reserve MCC, launched at the SunMet, Africa’s biggest and richest horse-race.The House of BNG continues to innovate the category and its unstoppable ascent in the South African luxury beverage market following the release of the Nectar range, one of the first African brands to produce a true sparkling wine in a can.“The House of BNG was a passion project of mine for a long time.

It’s no secret that champagne is my favourite drink, so having the opportunity to make my own MCC was an opportunity I couldn’t miss out on! I’m so excited about the brand’s growth and in its innovation of new products,” says Bonang.Known as the “Champagne Queen”, Bonang made a specific decision to orginally make MCCs with Cape grapes rather than a champagne (made from region-specific French grapes) and involved the careful crafting of a unique blend by acclaimed Cape Wine Master Jeff Grier, selecting the finest grapes from across the world-renowned Stellenbosch wine-producing region.

To suit her taste preferences, Bonang collaborates in the creative process, from advising on the balance between bitter and sweet to the size of the bubbles.“It’s been a magical journey working with Bonang. Taking cues from Bonang herself, the MCCs embody her spirit of vibrancy and optimism, from bouquet to palate,” says Jeff Grier. “As for the Nectar range, it’s outstanding wine, in the Demi-Sec style, light in style but big on taste.” 

LOS LOCOS

A group of four lifelong friends pioneered Los Locos, which stemmed from their own memories of utopia-filled nights on the town, with tequila at the forefront of note. Sharing an eloquent passion that oozed a euphoric and free-spirited energy, a desire was fueled to create their own expression of this spirit. Los Locos is a brand of integrity and sophistication in the hopes of turning any party into a fiesta. From the finest Blue Agave to glistening gold bottles, their tequila Reposado is symbolic of its origins. Staying true to its core culture, Los Locos tastes of nature, with the essence of herbs and spices.  Celebrating the great and crazy minds that have shaped our world, Los Locos aims to magnify the tradition of tequila and ensure that it is everlasting. 
Bang & Olufsen

Since 1925 Bang & Olufsen has created iconic audio and home entertainment products to the highest standards of sound, craft and design.  

SOUTHERN RIGHT BY HAMILTON RUSSELL
Southern Right is a small Pinotage and Sauvignon blanc specialist located on a strikingly beautiful 448 hectare property in the cool, maritime, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus.Founded by Anthony Hamilton Russell in 1994, Southern Right's aim was to produce a serious, age-worthy Pinotage (South Africa’s unique red grape variety) combining a distinct South African fruit and flavour expression with classic styling and refinement.  

MIRABELLE VINEYARDS

Created by entrepreneur and renowned restaurateur Nicky van der Walt, Mirabelle Vineyards.Produces is located in the Swartland. It produces Mirabelle Rosé that is ideal wine for everyday drinking. Lovingly blended with the help of master wine maker Pieter Carstens from old vine Cinsault and Mourvèdre grown in the Swartland, this esteemed wine comprises 75% Cinsault from two different vineyard blocks and 25% Mourvèdre from a single vineyard block. This crisp, clear, clean wine features notes of cherry, strawberry, and candyfloss, a subtle rose petal perfume, and a lemon twist finish.Available in 750ml or 1,5lt Magnum from @normangoodfellows in their retail stores nationwide and online via the Norman Goodfellows website.https://www.ngf.co.za   

FENIX BRANDSFenix Brands, is the new kid on the candy block in South Africa. We are proud to showcase Lolilu, our new candy brand, at this year’s Awards. Fuelled by innovation, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Lolilu is poised to revolutionize the candy landscape with its delectable offerings which are all locally manufactured by Fenix Brands. Fenix Brands is not just another candy company – it is a manifestation of passion, craftsmanship, and a deep-rooted desire to spread joy through sweet indulgence. With a diverse range of products meticulously crafted to tantalize taste buds and excite the senses, Lolilu promises to deliver an unforgettable experience with each and every bite.  Our journey began with a simple yet profound mission: to create Sweets that not only satisfy cravings but also ignite moments of happiness and delight. With Lolilu, we aim to redefine the art of candy-making, offering innovative flavours, captivating designs, and unparalleled quality. At the heart of Fenix Brands ethos lies a dedication to using only the finest ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. Every candy is crafted with precision and care, ensuring a superior taste and texture that sets the Lolilu brand apart from the rest. Lolilu products will soon be available for purchase at retailers nationwide. For more information about Fenix Brands and its delicious offerings, visit www.fenixbrands.co.za and follow @lolilu.sa on social media or contact us on info@fenixbrands.co.za. 

NIVEN SHER- THE DIAMOND GUY

Nevin Sher (aka The Diamond Guy) has been in the diamond retail and trading industry for over 15 years and is a member of the Diamond Dealers Club of South Africa. His brand — The Diamond Guy — aims to take the consumer directly to the source, providing a one-stop shop for both design, with an in-house team of highly skilled artisans, and dealer-grade stones. This is a winning formula, grounded in business nous seasoned with a strong dose of celluloid-dreams inspiration. 

MOTHERKIND COLLAGEN

Founded by Rochelle Kloeck The company is renowned for developing innovative nutricosmetics and supplements that promote kindness to the body from within. 

SA STYLE AWARDS WINNERS PROFILES  Most Innovative Style - Bee Diamondhead

Bee Diamondhead who is currently in the UK and could not join us tonight, is an internationally acclaimed stylist, editor, and creative director whose curatorial eye has cemented her place in the South African fashion industry. Her career began when she was working as a stylist and has since blossomed. Bee’s extensive portfolio includes experience as fashion editor of Marie Claire, styling and creative direction for multiple publications including Dazed & Confused & Vanity Fair and curating Standard Bank Gallery’s ‘We Are Culture’ exhibition. 

Most Stylish Performing Artist in Film - Senzokuhle Radebe

Senzokuhle Radebe is a South African actor best known for his role as Sthembiso Gumede on the beloved SABC2 soap opera Muvhango. Radebe’s love for acting has continued to grow since his taking Dramatic Arts as a subject in Grade 10. His talents landed him the lead role as King Senzangakhona in M-Net's latest TV series Shaka iLembe which has gained increasing popularity since its release in June 2023.  

Most Stylish Performing Artist in Music - Tyla SeethalTyla Seethal, best known by her stage name Tyla, is a singer and songwriter whose recent hit song Water has earned her global success. Seethal began her career by posting singing videos on TikTok and gained national recognition after releasing her debut single, “Getting Late”. She has since gone on to perform on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and has been nominated in the Best African Music Performance category at the prestigious Grammy Awards.  

Most Stylish Media Personality - Motshidisi Mohono

Motshidisi Mohono is an award-winning Sport Broadcaster – currently playing her trade at SuperSport International. The 2018 SA Sport Awards Journalist of the Year’s stellar work includes anchoring the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa, being part of SuperSport’s production team for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final, England’s 2018 tour to South Africa, as well as anchoring Test matches, United Rugby Championship, the Heineken Cup and Challenge Cup matches.   

Most Stylish Designer - Jacques Bam

Jacques Bam is a fashion designer and creative director whose claim to fame arose after competing as a finalist at the SA Fashion Week New Talent Search. He proceeded to establish his brand, The BAM Collective, in 2019. In 2022, Jacques was selected as one of five African designers to participate in Share Africa's 2022 Africa Fashion Up programme, which he subsequently won. Bam also won trans-seasonal brand of the year at the TWYG Sustainability Awards, as well as emerging designer of the year at the FIASA awards.  

Most Stylish Model - Ponahalo Mojapelo

Ponahalo Mojapelo is a supermodel, international DJ, content creator, writer, and fashionista from Johannesburg. Making incredible strides in each career field, Mojapelo uses her unique look, deep passion, and story-telling skills to consistently chase opportunities. Mojapelo has represented Thebe Magugu in Paris, DJ’ed for Moonchild Sanelly at Glastonbury Festival and most recently won Sowetan Magazine’s Woman of the Year in Fashion & Beauty. Dubbed a “fashion chameleon”, she continues to inspire with her fearlessness and unapologetic authenticity and is currently on the cover of international fashion magazine DAZED and Confused.  

Most Stylish Business Personality – Melina Lambrakis 

Executive director and head fashion buyer for the Europa Art Group Melina Lambrakis is a highly skilled and celebrated and illustrious businesswoman with an acute eye for fashion and trends who has reinvented herself to bring world class style to our south African shores. Melina’s connection to the fashion world goes beyond the external acquisitions; she has played apivotal role in nurturing the in-house Europa Art brand, which has stood the test of time for animpressive 50 years. Her unwavering dedication and hardworking spirit are deeply rooted in strong.family values, a testament to the enduring success and legacy of the Europa Art Group. Most Stylish Couple - Dr Musa Mthombeni and Liesl MthombeniAs one half of this stylish duo, Dr Musa Mthombeni is a South African television presenter and as of 2023, a board-certified specialist radiologist. His wife, Liesl Mthombeni is a South African model, radio and TV presenter and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss South Africa in 2015. The aspirational couple boast a collective Instagram following of 1,5 million, often trending on social media platforms due to their fun-loving and authentic content.  

Dr. Musa Mthombeni who is popularly known as “Dr Musa” was born and bred in Johannesburg. A young man who brings truth to the saying that “you can do anything you set your mind to”.Dr Musa is the epitome of a former child star and now a polymath who has successfully managed to build a bridge between two very disparate fields, can be described as a paragon who is not afraid to live out his various talents as a broadcaster, brand influencer and a medical doctor.  

Liesl Laurie-Mthombeni

Known for her strong work-ethic, humility, positive spirit, and philanthropy; Accountant, Radio Presenter, Brand Ambassador, Motivational Speaker, Television Presenter, MC, Model, former Miss World Africa & former Miss South Africa – Liesl Laurie, has set herself apart from her peers. In 2010 her ambitious streak saw her reach 3rd place in The Crowning Miss Soweto competition broadcast live on SowetoTV. After the success of the competition her modeling career took off seamlessly. She was seen on campaigns and spreads for the likes of Edgars, Jet, Avon, MTN, True Love Magazine, Destiny Magazine to name but a few. By 2014 she was set her sights on becoming the ambassador of South Africa and stole the hearts of millions with her “Cinderella Story”. She was crowned on live on Mnet and Mzanzi Magic on March 29th, 2015, and went on to be one of the most influential young ladies of her time. Within months of handing over her crown in 2016, Liesl became a presenter on South Africa’s biggest independent radio station – Jacaranda FM and later secured an amazing deal with international brand L’Oreal - Vichy Laboratoires as the ambassador for South Africa, USA & Brazil. She runs a Creative Agency called Cre8gency and works on various social media platforms in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes. Current partnerships include Loreal Paris, Showmax Africa and Crocs SA. 

Most Stylish Changemaker - Musa Motha

Musa Motha is a professional dancer, choreographer, and motivational speaker. After losing a leg to bone cancer at just 11 years old, the young role model shot to fame after a standout Britain’s Got Talent audition in 2023, leading to a standing ovation and the first ever group Golden Buzzer in the show's history. Motha continued to win the Emerging Artist Award at the National Dance Awards and recently starred in an action film entitled The GentleMan.  

The Next Big Thing - Justice and Fhatuwani Mukheli

Justice Mukheli is a multidisciplinary artist working as a fine art photographer, painter, and film director. He is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.Mukheli uses his medium and subject matter as a channel through which to process his own lived experiences. His creative modes allow him to reach deeper understandings of the processes that lead him to this point. His works explore themes of race, gender, sexuality, love, hope, innocence. His pieces have come to evoke a characteristic gentleness, vulnerability, and tender discomfort.Fhatuwani Mukheli is a Soweto born multi-disciplinary creative who found his passion for art at a young age. He has had a vibrant career of advertising, photography, and directing that has led him full circle to his deepest passion in visual art. His work looks at themes of his childhood environment, how he was raised by his mother and the universal relationship between parent and child.Together, Fhatuwani and Justice are Studio Mukheli – a home for creative practice, healing and purpose-driven projects based on the premise of ‘stronger together’. 

Style Icon - Dr John Bonisile Kani

Dr John Bonsile Kani is a multi-disciplinary actor, director, and playwright. Kani has been a key figure in developing the world of arts and theatre, founding a drama school supporting black youth without university access and winning numerous awards including the Tony Award on Broadway, the John F Kennedy medal award and most recently, the Voices in Freedom Award by Shared Interest in New York. Kani’s unique and impactful narratives, skilled delivery and honest portrayal of humanity continue to impact the arts and culture industries globally. In 2023 November His Majesty King Charlse 111 honored Dr John Kani with “ The Most Excellent Officer of the Order of the British Empire – OBE for his services to the Arts. 
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