Couture took centre stage this year, unfolding as a study in drama, intention and meticulous craft. Across red carpets and cultural moments, African celebrities embraced fashion as both performance and narrative, delivering silhouettes that felt sculpted rather than styled. From layered textures and architectural forms to conceptual method dressing and glass-like finishes, the year’s most memorable looks proved that couture remains the ultimate language of self-expression.
Whether it was the Hollywoodbets Durban July’s striking celebration of local artistry, award season’s embrace of archival glamour, or the delightfully clever method dressing that dominated press tours, 2025 offered a visual feast. From Tyla’s poetic homage to André Leon Talley at the Met Gala to Nomalanga Shozi’s regal presence in custom OM Style Avenue while hosting Miss South Africa, these were the African couture moments that defined the year.
Bonang Matheba
Few understand the power of a fashion moment quite like Bonang Matheba. As host of the internationally prestigious Miss Cosmo pageant, the media mogul delivered a masterclass in couture dressing, each look carefully calibrated for maximum impact.
She opened the evening in a masterfully tailored Biji La Maison gown, its silhouette structured yet fluid, setting an unmistakably luxurious tone. This was followed by a bespoke Emagine by Bukola creation that married elegance with drama, before closing the night in a refined, narrative-rich blue ensemble by SheyeOladejo. Each look felt intentional, commanding, and unmistakably Bonang.
Nana Akua Addo
Ghanaian actor and media personality Nana Akua Addo once again reminded the world why she remains a red-carpet force. At the Emy Africa Awards, she ignited online conversation in a 3D-engineered Hacchic Couture dress that blurred the lines between fashion and futuristic art.
The sculptural design appeared almost architectural, with engineered forms that enveloped the body in precision and drama. It was couture at its most daring — conceptual, fearless and impeccably executed.
Nomalanga Shozi
Nomalanga Shozi delivered one of the year’s most refined couture showcases at the Miss South Africa 2025 finale, turning the stage into a study in elegance and intention. Styled by Phupho Gumede K, her looks unfolded as a seamless fashion narrative, from the sculptural black Sucra gown with its corseted bodice and exaggerated hips, to the shimmering grey MASANGO creation that glistened under the arena lights.
A richly textured crimson Ateliê Taùssy Daniel gown added drama, while ethereal silver designs by Neviolez and pearl-embellished couture from Orapeleng Modutle leaned into softness and precision. She closed the night in a glittering Nala Privè gown, sealing her presence with confidence, poise and unmistakable grace.
Chioma Ikokwu
Effortless glamour has long been Chioma Ikokwu’s calling card, and 2025 saw her fully embrace couture as wearable art. The reality star and beauty entrepreneur dazzled in a custom VEEKEE JAMES (VJ) creation, rendered in molten gold tones that caught the light with every movement.
The ensemble’s standout feature — an arresting shoulder detail — elevated the look from beautiful to unforgettable. It was bold without excess, striking a perfect balance between creativity and sophistication.
LootLove
LootLove’s on-stage wardrobe this year was nothing short of commanding. For her opening appearance at the Metro Music Awards, she stepped out in a gold-embellished SCALO creation that celebrated the female form with confidence and precision.
The figure-hugging silhouette was offset by dramatic puffed sleeves, creating a play between softness and strength. Rich in texture and shimmer, the look felt both classic and undeniably contemporary.
Anele Zondo
Under the theme Marvels of Mzansi, Anele Zondo, popularly known as Ney the Bae, delivered one of the most culturally resonant looks of the year. Dressed in an Afrocentric design by XVIII Victorian, the ensemble was a visual homage to heritage and identity.
She completed the look with an African mat and a striking headpiece that honoured natural hair, transforming the outfit into a moving cultural tableau. It was fashion rooted in meaning, worn with confidence and pride.
Faith Morey
At the AMVCAs, Faith Morey embodied high-glamour couture in a breathtaking Esther Igono gown. Known for her exquisite bridal work, the designer translated that same opulence into a red-carpet masterpiece.
The mermaid silhouette skimmed the body before cascading into a dramatic train, while crystals were meticulously placed to catch and refract light. A sculptural neckpiece added an editorial edge, cementing the look as pure couture fantasy.
Sithelo Shozi
The Hollywoodbets Durban July proved once again to be fertile ground for fashion excellence, with Sithelo Shozi emerging as one of its standout stars. She appeared ethereal in a figure-hugging Nolanga Made gown adorned with feathers, each detail carefully considered.
Inspired by the Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird, the design was a poetic nod to the Marvels of Mzansi theme. The result was a look that felt both symbolic and visually arresting.
Doyinsola David
Doyinsola David delivered a quietly powerful couture moment at the AMVCAs in a nature-inspired ensemble rendered in rich green and earthy brown tones. The gown’s root-like detailing seemed to grow organically from the bodice, grounding the look in natural symbolism.
With its mermaid silhouette and sculptural finish, the design balanced softness with strength, making for a memorable and deeply conceptual appearance.
Mihlali Ndamase
Mihlali Ndamase embraced futurism with finesse in a striking Mangaliso by Siphosihle creation. Paying homage to South Africa’s mineral-rich landscape, the black-and-gold gown featured a sculpted bodice that felt both regal and forward-looking.
The metallic accents shimmered against the dark base, creating a look that was bold, modern and unmistakably couture.
Tyla
At the Met Gala, Tyla delivered one of the evening’s most talked-about looks in a fitted, off-the-shoulder Jacquemus dress. The floor-length silhouette was paired with a dramatic coat, its elongated train echoing the garment’s striking black-and-white striped motif.
More than a fashion statement, the look served as a tribute to the late André Leon Talley. Stylist Law Roach later confirmed the inspiration, sharing imagery of Talley in a similar striped ensemble. It was a moment steeped in reverence, elegance and fashion history.
