Proudly SA announces winners of the Local Fashion Police competition

Proudly SA, the country’s official buy local advocacy campaign yesterday announced the four winners and runners up in their Local Fashion Police competition.

The competition ran on social media platforms during mid September and was judged by designers David Tlale, Plus Fab’s Ouma Tema, Koop Studios’ Sandy Rogers and Palse Africa’s Paledi Segapo. The campaign drew attention to the importance of supporting the local clothing and textile sector, and with over 450 entries, it seems clear that there is no lack of South Africans doing just that by embracing local.

Each of the judges selected one outright winner whose prize is an outfit or items to the value of R10 000 from that designer. Winners from outside Gauteng will have all expenses paid travel and one night’s accommodation, all taken care of by Proudly SA.

The winners are:

Luvolwethu Tokwe He wore his own brand and says he sources and has his fabrics printed himself. Luvo was chosen by David Tlale.

PhiwoKuhle Mbanda Wore a wonderful bright yellow outfit by Leigh Schubert and was Ouma Tema’s winner.

Pamella Nkosi made a statement in an outfit from Indoni Fashion House and was chosen by Sandy Rogers.

Mangaliso Ngomane’s more casual look was chosen by Paledi Segapo.

Six runners up will receive vouchers from The Foschini Group, RSA Made, Wear SA, Dimzique Jewellery and NQ Jewellers and these are: Bruce Veldman, Rudzani Makhado, Kgatle Babezile Mahlatse, Mpho David Xabadi, Gugu Muhle and Zanele Kamwendo.

Said Proudly SA Chief Marketing Officer, Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, “We were delighted with the quantity and quality of entries. So many people went to so much effort in their photos, that they immediately caught the eye. Others, not so much!! What is gratifying is that consumers got what we were trying to do, and that is put the spotlight on locally designed and manufactured clothing and accessories, in support of the clothing, textile, footwear and leather sector. Each of our Local Fashion Police judges will tell you that without a local customer base for their work, they have no business and cannot create employment for others, so it is essential we support our own.”

Said David Tlale, “We had a lot of insights through this competition as to what South African consumers are wearing, which was wonderful to see,”

Ouma Tema said she was delighted that there were many bold, plus size women who entered the competition, as it is important that we recognise all shapes and sizes when it comes to fashion.

Koop Studios’ Sandy Rogers said she saw a lot of originality amongst the entries, with people finding their own uniquely South African style, which is great for local designers and local clothing retailers.

Palse Africa’s Paledi Segapo cited casual elegance and an ability to express oneself effortlessly as a look that caught his eye.

“Highlighting the local fashion industry and its vast value chain from designers through to the manufacturing process and on to retail shelves is important for a critical sector of our economy, and if we can do this in a fun, relatable and interactive way, then we have achieved what we set out to with this campaign,” added Ngidi.

ENDS