Trendsetters Only Magazine attended the Johannesburg installation of the Walk in Elegance Fashion Show by Cordi on March 1st. The prestigious event, hosted by Cordious "Cordi" Shelembe—the founder, CEO, and visionary behind the Walk in Elegance Foundation—took place at Vaugh Sandton Restaurant in Parkhurst, with the Trendsetters Only team in attendance.
The runway showcased remarkable designs from local designers, including Gaone Ouma Designs, Hola M’shimane, Ndu’s Designs, EGZ Designs, and Ambara. Each brand presented its unique aesthetic, celebrating South African creativity and craftsmanship.
As the fashion show director, founder, and CEO, Cordi is a multi-faceted entrepreneur—a model, stylist, and owner of Cordi Collection Clothing Line.
Through the Walk in Elegance Fashion Show, she has entered a strategic partnership with HBL, a company specializing in luxury and excellence, covering sectors from private jets, yachts, and luxury cars to high-end fashion, art, and premium real estate across the globe, including Spain (Europe).
This partnership spotlights five outstanding South African designers each year during the Walk in Elegance Fashion Marathon, providing them with global networking opportunities and a platform to showcase their work internationally.
Although Cordi has an accounting and business studies background, she has shifted her focus to global fashion, aiming to elevate South African designers and position the country as a key player in the international fashion industry.
The event was expertly hosted by MC Angelinah Sokenyela, who introduced the designers as they took the stage:
Hola M’shimane, a South African fashion and lifestyle brand, specializes in street style, casual wear, and handcrafted accessories. In just six months since its founding, the brand gained significant recognition by winning Mzansi Fashion Week 2023. Drawing inspiration from Sophiatown in the 1950s, Hola M’shimane reflects South Africa’s rich cultural heritage through unique, locally sourced designs that blend history with contemporary streetwear.
Ndu’s Designs, founded by Lindiwe Mahlangu, offers modern classic dresses that balance elegance with timeless style. Despite her engineering background, Lindiwe pursued her passion for fashion, proving that ambition knows no boundaries. The brand embodies her fearless approach to entrepreneurship, reflected in its motto: “Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear” by George Adair.
Ambara, founded by Mbabi Mudau, is a high-end stylist brand known for its exclusive luxury designs. Catering to a select niche market, Ambara appeals to individuals who value rarity, quality, and sophistication. The brand’s mantra, “Ambara– Dress Up & Show Up”, reinforces its commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and elegance.
EGZ Design, founded by Malebo Modisha, is a fashion brand rooted in a lifelong dream. Passionate about fashion from a young age, Malebo pursued formal training at TUT and established a studio and shop in Hammanskraal. The brand specializes in unique, handcrafted outfits, celebrating individuality and expert craftsmanship.
To close the event, Cordi announced the next installment of the Walk in Elegance Fashion Show, set to take place in Cape Town on April 5th.
Calling all models and designers! Spots are limited, and entries close on March 11, 2025. To register, contact 081 462 9688 or 076 732 9113.
Photography by: KID Photography
Art4future Visuals @art4futurevfx
Show directed by: Cordi @walkinelegancefashion
@cordi1love
@cordi_collection
MC: @angiesekonyela
Designers:
1. Gaone Ouma Designs @gaone1385
2. Hola Mshimane
3. Ndu's Designs @ndusdesigns
4. EGZ Designs @egz_designs
5. Ambara @ambara.africa
Models: @tsepisho_moloto
@ramokonaledi
@sandra_zezere
@itschloetill
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