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OWNING THE CURVES: Zintsikelelo Madikwa redefining beauty, one bold step at a time
Fashion

OWNING THE CURVES: Zintsikelelo Madikwa redefining beauty, one bold step at a time

By Zenoyise John: Zubntsikelelo Madikwa (Image: Supplied) From the quiet hills of Mount Fletcher in the Eastern Cape to South Africa’s growing fashion and advocacy scenes, Zintsikelelo Madikwa is more than a pageant finalist—she’s a movement in motion. With elegance, heart, and purpose stitched into every step of her journey, she’s using fashion not just to dress bodies, but to elevate souls. In 2021, Zintsikelelo stood tall as a Miss Curvybody SA finalist, using the spotlight to challenge societal norms and spread a message of body acceptance and mental wellness. “Being a finalist wasn’t just about wearing a crown - it was about becoming a voice for those silenced by shame, bullying, and self-doubt.” Her campaign focused on body positivity, mental healt...
DURBAN JULY: Who served, who scored, and who should’ve stayed home?
Fashion

DURBAN JULY: Who served, who scored, and who should’ve stayed home?

By Zee: Hey glam squad! It’s your girl Zee, fresh from the Hollywoodbets Durban July, where the theme was Marvels of Mzansi. Well, some folks marveled - and others? Yoh, they went straight for Marvels of the Messy. Let’s spill: First up, Somizi. You know he lives for the spotlight, and he did not disappoint. He rocked up with four different looks - yes, four, babes - including a humongous dress that looked suspiciously like my shebeen-queen auntie’s tired bonnet after a three-day groove, complete with a giant portrait of his late mom slapped on it. Then he switched into a newspaper-inspired frock that looked like last week’s recycling. Dramatic? 100%. Tasteful? Hmm, ask the ancestors. DJ Tira? Guys. He looked like someone accidentally spilled methylated sp...
FASHION’S DARKEST SECRET  UNBOXED: Salvation Army’s chilling #BehindTheLabel campaign exposes Child Labour
Fashion

FASHION’S DARKEST SECRET  UNBOXED: Salvation Army’s chilling #BehindTheLabel campaign exposes Child Labour

By Zenoyise John: MAE SOT Bag (Image: Facebook) South Africa’s fashion influencers thought they were getting the hottest new designer drops. Instead, they unwrapped a global shame. In a bold and gut-wrenching campaign titled #BehindTheLabel, The Salvation Army has shattered the fantasy of fast fashion, revealing the brutal truth behind the glittering industry: 160 million children trapped in child labour, many of them behind the seams of the clothes we so casually wear. What started as a seemingly glamorous activation quickly spiralled into a wake-up call. Top-tier influencers were hand-delivered premium-looking packages from faux luxury labels like MÆ SOT and DHAKA. With embossed logos, custom tissue wrap, and elegant design, the packaging screamed exclusivity. But whe...
FROM FAN TO FASHION KING: Man B becomes the new face of Bogart Man
Fashion

FROM FAN TO FASHION KING: Man B becomes the new face of Bogart Man

By Sitha Maliwa: In a move that blends street charisma with sartorial elegance, fashion powerhouse Bogart Man has crowned a new king of style. Man B Tyekana, the magnetic entertainer and entrepreneur from East London, is now the official face of the brand - a bold and inspired choice that’s shaking up the African fashion landscape. The announcement, made at Bogart’s ultra-modern headquarters in Sandton, Johannesburg, felt less like a corporate deal and more like the beginning of a fashion renaissance. The synergy was undeniable: Man B, long a devoted fan of the brand, has now stepped fully into the frame, not as a mannequin, but as a muse. This is fashion storytelling at its finest. Bogart Man, known for its unapologetically sharp tailoring, global flair,...
MARVELS OF MZANSI: Young designers turn culture into couture 
Fashion

MARVELS OF MZANSI: Young designers turn culture into couture 

By Sitha Maliwa: A spectacular celebration of South African identity unfolded on Saturday as ten standout student designers were named finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair. This pivotal moment in the fashion calendar brought together emerging talent, industry veterans, and cultural flair in a runway showdown that reflected the theme: “Marvels of Mzansi.” Held at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse during the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, the event narrowed down 25 semi-finalists from fashion institutions across KwaZulu-Natal to a final group of ten. The young designers’ creations paid tribute to the vibrancy of South African culture, from its landscapes and cuisine to entertainment and tradi...
STYLE: A new stylish sneaker that turns heads also embraces sustainability
Fashion

STYLE: A new stylish sneaker that turns heads also embraces sustainability

By Sitha Maliwa The partnership between ASICS SportStyle and Kiko Kostadinov Studio continues to evolve with the release of the UB9-S GEL-DS TRAINER™ 14 sneaker, set to drop in March 2025. This new model brings together innovative design, superior comfort, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Inspired by the natural world, the UB9-S GEL-DS TRAINER™ 14 blends organic textures and recycled materials to create a modern silhouette with a deep connection to the environment. The upper of the sneaker features layered materials that evoke the appearance of fossils and geological textures, while moiré surfaces mimic familiar textures from everyday objects. The result is a design that fuses the organic with the artificial, reflecting both nature and urban life. Sustainability is a...