Fashion’s Elite Fugitives: Proudly SA’s Local Fashion Police 2025 Top 30 Finalists Steal the Spotlight

By Trendsetters Only Editorial Team | @trendsettersonlymag

“The quality of entries this year was exceptional, reflecting the growing maturity and sophistication of fashion that is Loved Here, Made Here.” – Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, Chief Marketing Officer, Proudly SA

South Africa’s fashion scene just turned up the heat, and the Local Fashion Police 2025 has delivered a verdict that’s got the nation buzzing louder than a Johannesburg street market. Following our exclusive coverage of the campaign’s glamorous launch aboard the iconic Blue Train—where Proudly SA joined forces with Khosi Nkosi to ignite a nationwide hunt for style trailblazers—we’re thrilled to unveil the Top 30 finalists who’ve emerged from thousands of entries as the ultimate style renegades. These are no ordinary fashion lovers; they’re visionaries weaving South Africa’s cultural tapestry into every stitch, thread, and silhouette, all under the rallying cry of #LocalFashionPolice2025, #FashionableBanking, and #LovedHereMadeHere.

Now in its fifth year, this campaign, powered by African Bank and FP&M SETA, is more than a competition—it’s a revolution. With R350,000 in designer prizes on the line (R50,000 worth of clothing from each of seven iconic local brands, plus a custom runway moment), these finalists are the vanguard of a movement that celebrates craftsmanship, economic empowerment, and unapologetic individuality. The nine-member judging panel, a who’s-who of SA’s fashion elite, meticulously sifted through a flood of entries at EmpowaWorx offices, ensuring only the boldest, most innovative looks made the cut.

Judges deep in deliberation at EmpowaWorx, selecting the next wave of SA fashion stars.

The Top 30: A Lineup of Style Icons Ready to Rule the Runway

This year’s finalists are a vibrant mosaic of South Africa’s sartorial soul—think vibrant print clashes, sustainable upcycling, and gender-fluid designs that scream global relevance while staying rooted in local pride. From township-inspired tailoring to avant-garde couture, here’s the full roster of fashion’s most wanted:

Finalist Name	Style Vibe Tease
Siamkelo Kgomo	Urban chic with township tailoring
Tase Jack	Edgy streetwear meets minimalist elegance
Urban Guluva	Bold cultural prints that demand attention
Thuso Guffy Motumi	Sustainable fabrics with high-fashion twists
Stephanie Brookes	Bohemian fusion of heritage and modernity
Dudu Nyokong	Vibrant colors inspired by African landscapes
Bongani Dlamini	Tailored suits reimagined for the modern man
Savannah Allessandra Cozzi	Ethereal gowns with local lace details
Sibusiwe Butsaka	Afro-futuristic blends of tech and tradition
Charlene Kallis	Casual cool with eco-leather accents
Sipho Mnune	Graphic tees elevated to artwear status
Shireen Stanbull	Modest fashion with intricate beadwork
Gerdalize Bukes	Playful patterns inspired by the Karoo
_tshegofatso	Youthful rebellion via oversized silhouettes
Mamokgethi Phakeng	Intellectual chic with structured pieces
Makabongwe Ignacious Adam	Patriotic prints celebrating SA icons
Lindiwe Pronestar	Glamorous evening wear with shimmer and shine
Marelize Earle	Minimalist neutrals with unexpected pops
Marika Opperman	Vintage-inspired with a modern SA twist
Sian Atterbury	Sporty athleisure with cultural motifs
Pumelela Mehlwana	Flowy designs rooted in Xhosa heritage
Carol Avenant	Eclectic mixes of textures and layers
Thatohatsi May	Bold accessories transforming simple outfits
Thabang Mahlatji	Masculine edge with artisanal craftsmanship
Yvette Carmen Muller	Romantic florals with sustainable sourcing
Zoë Karsten	Avant-garde shapes challenging norms
Vanessa Pillay	Fusion of Indian-South African influences
Lueandrue	Street-savvy with graffiti-inspired elements
S’ne Maphumulo	Elegant simplicity with high-impact details
Imbali.Hairpiness	Hair and fashion synergy in holistic looks

“We’re seeing a clear evolution in local fashion—one that reflects both global relevance and the authenticity of our own stories.” – Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi

Social media is electric with excitement. @ProudlySA’s announcement post exploded with views, shares, and comments hyping finalists like Mamokgethi Phakeng—a multi-award-winning academic turned fashion icon—and Urban Guluva for their boundary-pushing entries. One X post summed it up: “The verdict is in! This is our top 30 for #LocalFashionPolice2025!” paired with a video montage that’s pure visual fire.

The star-studded judging panel poses in their finest local threads, embodying the spirit of SA fashion.

The Judges: SA’s Fashion Sheriffs Calling the Shots

This year’s nine-member panel is a powerhouse of creativity and expertise, ensuring the Top 30 reflects the pinnacle of local talent:

• Tshepo Mohlala (Tshepo Jeans): Denim royalty crafting bespoke fits for African bodies.

• Asanda Madyibi: Sustainable luxury advocate with an eye for ethical elegance.

• Nobukhosi “Khosi” Mukwevho & Thabo Mukwevho (Khosi Nkosi): Siblings redefining couture with narrative-driven designs.

• Londeka Buthelezi Ndaba (Malondié): Championing feminine empowerment through intricate creations.

• Stephen Van Eeden (Stephen Van Eeden Atelier): Master of timeless sophistication.

• Thandazani Nofingxana (Abantu in Africa): Fusing global trends with indigenous artistry.

• Prince & Warren Meko (Madonsela): Dynamic twins blending street culture with high fashion.

Their deliberations were intense—think stacks of entry prints, heated debates, and champagne toasts to SA’s creative future. The result? A shortlist that’s as diverse as it is daring.

Why This Matters: Fashion as a Force for Change

Local Fashion Police 2025 isn’t just about who wears it best—it’s about building a nation’s wardrobe that fuels jobs, empowers SMMEs, and celebrates conscious consumerism. As Ngidi noted, the soaring quality of entries signals an industry ready to rival global fashion capitals while staying unmistakably South African. In a world craving authenticity, these finalists prove local is the ultimate luxury.

Backed by African Bank and FP&M SETA, the campaign underscores fashion’s role in economic and cultural empowerment. From the Blue Train’s luxurious launch to this Top 30 reveal, it’s sparked a movement across X, with posts like @ProudlySA’s teasers racking up thousands of views and calls for even broader representation.

The Road to the Runway: What’s Next?

As these 30 style rebels gear up for the grand finale—a runway showdown where winners will claim their designer hauls and custom catwalk moments—Trendsetters Only is your front-row ticket. Expect exclusive finalist profiles, in-depth judge interviews, and live updates as we count down to the main event. Who’ll steal the crown? The suspense is stitching us to the edge of our seats.

Join the conversation! Tag us in your local looks with #TrendsettersOnlyLFP2025 for a chance to be featured. In SA fashion, the only crime is not wearing local.