Threading through the rich valleys of South African Heritage, Culture, Nomswenko As Proudly SA Announce The Judges For Local Fashion Police 2025
The Local Fashion Police campaign turns five this year! Proudly South African took us down down memory lane because the R-CTFL sector campaign we hold so dear to our hearts is growing in leaps and bounds. For the first time since its inception, 7 brands and 9 judges, yes, that is almost twice the number of the most stylish design minds the Local Fashion Police has had since 2021.
We celebrated the Local Fashion Police 2025 Media Launch on the majestic Blue Train - yes, we Proudly South African had a fashion show on a plane, and now a launch on a train! But it isn’t just any train; it’s better known as the window to the soul of Africa. It is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world, and what better way to exhibit some of the best local fashion and design Mzansi has to offer than on a locomotive which represents the culture and luxury of our beloved country. Our media guests and stakeholders were spoilt for choice from the luxurious five-star “hotel-on-wheels”, the drinks from Brutal Fruit, CCBSA and the amazing threads on display from some of our bespoke designers.
"South African Local fashion is evolving at a rapid pace, but at the same time, we need to hold space for the inspiration which started it all. And as the famous saying goes, like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. And this perfectly blends our selection of judges this year, as they each speak to different elements of the fashion industry and our yesteryears as a country." Says Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, the Chief of Marketing at Proudly SA
This year Proudly South African is going bigger and better in partnership with African Bank and FP&M SETA because representation matters. The Fashion designers aren’t limited to only couture red carpet looks, but day-to-day ready to wear looks for the conservative right up to the fashion-forward fashionistas. So, in it's fifth year of the campaign, as we clink the glasses in celebration of local fashion, let it become as easy as breathing to choose a local brand when you can.
And the judges for the 2025 edition of the Local Fashion Police are:
Tshepo Mohlala, founder of Tshepo Jeans
Asanda Madyibi, The Khosi Nkosi fashion house designer.
Khosi Nkosi Fashion house co-founders Nobukhosi "Khosi" Mukwevho and Thabo Mukwevho;
Londeka Buthelezi Ndaba, founder of Malondie
Stephen Van Eeden of Stephen Van Eeden Atelier
Thandazani Nofingxana of ABANTU in AFRICA
Prince & Warren Meko, also known as the Meko twins, who are the founders of the brand MADONSELA.
In the wise words of the late great Ricky Rick; “Sidla ukotin” and these 7 local brands, will tell a story of the evolution and our love for local fashion. Through the ages, leather has been a staple in the South African home, whether it be a belt, a jacket, or a set of couches, and the MADONSELA brand celebrates leather in a way only South Africans can. Jeans are a staple in every wardrobe, and the beloved Tshepo Jeans brand, made locally for us by one of us, is the perfect addition to any outfit.
To all local fashion lovers, The Proudly South African Local Fashion police have issued a warrant of arrest for everyone who has been found guilty of wearing & supporting locally designed and manufactured clothing! The reward is R50 000 worth in local fashion and the chance to walk the runway in an original design from one of the 7 local brands that are part of the campaign. To enter the competition, consumers are encouraged to post a picture or video of themselves wearing their favourite local fashion piece. Entrants must display the origin of the garment to confirm that it is indeed locally made. Use the hashtags: #LocalFashionPolice2025 #fashionablebanking and #LovedHereMadeHere and tag Proudly SA and African Bank to qualify.