The Best Red-Carpet Moments of 2023 from African Stars

From Pearl Thusi’s otherworldly look at the Durban July extravaganza to Tyla’s nod to the past, these were the celebrity fashion highlights of the year in Africa.

It is indisputable that 2023 was a great year for celebrity fashion. We saw perhaps the most committed press tour wardrobe of all time; there was more glamour than ever at the big film festivals; we were treated to plenty of striking haute couture moments; and the daring dresses continued to cascade the red carpet.

When A-listers weren’t commanding attention at a premiere, they were busy giving us major style inspiration while attending fashion shows or even running errands and grabbing coffee.

From singing sensation Tyla’s metallic silver bustier mini dress by Dolce & Gabbana at Milan Fashion Week to Grammy Award-winning singer Tems’ show-stopping black and white gown by Robert Wun, 2023 fashion was anything but basic.

Below, we round up our favourite red-carpet moments of 2023 from our favourite African stars.

Thuso Mbedu

The Cannes Film Festival is always a highlight on the red-carpet calendar, and this year, there was plenty of glamour. Our favourite look? This beautiful Elie Saab gown that Thuso Mbedu wore, which was made for walking up those dramatic Croisette steps. The dress featured an embellished bodice and an enormous tulle skirt, while she wore her hair in a chic bun for extra polish.

Tems

This year’s Met Gala was a tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, and our favourite moment of the night came from songbird Tems, who tapped into a vintage in the very best way. The singer ascended the famous steps wearing a voguish gown by Robert Wun.

Bonang Matheba

The Times 100 Impact Awards are fast becoming one of the most glamorous events on the celebrity calendar – and this year’s event saw Bonang Matheba execute one of our favourite red-carpet moments of the year. The media personality caught our eye in this white gown by Biji; we particularly loved the round design across the dress’ torso, as well as the flower petals that further enhanced the drama of the look.

Tyla

Flying the South African flag high, singing sensation Tyla made the most of her awe-inspiring Milan Fashion Week debut by sitting in the front row of Dolce & Gabbana’s Fall/Winter 2023 runway show. The 21-year-old singer adorned a metallic silver bustier mini dress, matched with silver stilettos – courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana. Inspired by a fashion icon, Tyla’s dress was similar to the one adorned by Lady Gaga on the cover art of her 2009 record-breaking single “Paparazzi.” Tyla’s vintage ’90s look was on trend for the highly anticipated exhibition, which comprised various nostalgic fashion styles.

Trevor Stuurman

No, not technically a red-carpet moment, but Trevor Stuurman looked stunning in a floral metallic suit for Beyoncé’s sensationalised Renaissance Tour.