DFF Recognition Awards celebrate top fashion talent

 

DFF Recognition Awards celebrate top fashion talent

THIRTEEN outstanding eThekwini fashion designers and new models were honoured at the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Recognition Awards on 26 September at the Durban Exhibition Centre.

Sibu Msimang, recipient of the Durban Fashion Fair Special Recognition Award, was honoured for her two-decade career in fashion. She is flanked by the Chairperson of the City's Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli and eThekwini Municipality's SMME Development Director, Nonku Mthembu. | Photo: Supplied. 

The awards formed part of the 2025 Durban Business Fair Excellence Awards, which celebrate thriving small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises across the City.

Mzwandile Mathonsi, founder of the ladieswear brand ZWANDYY, won the top honour of Durban Designer of the Year. His award-winning collection, Beauty in Black, was inspired by his community and personal journey.

Another highlight of the evening was the Special Recognition Award presented to Sibu Msimang, whose career spans more than two decades and includes both local and international showcases.

Other winners included Slo Makhanya, founder of Nomalawee, who received the Collection of the Week Award along with R15 000 in support for her African modern collection featuring multi-functional garments with volume and layers.

Thami Njabulo, head of Monarch Detailer, won Best Menswear Collection, while Pinky Dlamini’s Modesta received Best Ladieswear Collection. The Fashion Innovator Award went to Kireshen Chetty, a designer and architect celebrated for his innovative designs.

Dfant Fashion Clothing was named Next Generation / Emerging Durban Designer. The DFF Rising Star Awards went to Melissa Dlamini in first place, Siphesihle Khumalo in second place, and Siphumelele Shange in third place.

In the modelling category, Sithembiso Mhlongo won New Face Male, Zandile Lungwase received New Face Female, and Mandisa Khuboni was awarded New Face Plus Size.

Chairperson of the City’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said the DFF Recognition Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the City’s fashion talent.

‘’These awards are part of eThekwini’s Fashion Development Programme and follow a highly successful DFF showcase, which connected local talent with various industry roleplayers. For over a decade, the Fashion Development Programme has been a vital platform for designers to access markets while promoting local manufacturing, entrepreneurship and job creation. It is crucial that we continue to support these designers with enterprise development tools,’’ said Councillor Ntuli.