South Africa’s sustainable fashion award winners have been announced! From emerging designers to farm-to-fashion ingenuity, meet the sustainable fashion stars of 2024:
Cape Town, South Africa (27 November 2024) — The 2024 winners of the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards recently glittered in the spotlight. This year saw 10 exceptional category champions and sustainable fashion stars as well as one outstanding candidate who took the overall win.
Judged by the Twyg panel of local and international adjudicators, these awards honour the trailblazers who are making their mark on South Africa’s sustainable fashion industry. They do this by promoting a future that is sustainable, circular, regenerative, caring and ethical.
As Jackie May, founder of NPC Twyg, puts it beautifully:
“This year’s Sustainable Fashion Award winners are not merely creators – they are reshaping the fashion landscape with integrity, innovation, and a profound dedication to both people and the planet. Their work demonstrates that style and sustainability are not just compatible, but vital to the ongoing evolution of the industry.”
Meet South Africa’s Sustainable Fashion Stars of 2024:
The Student Award: Apricity
Recognised for redefining South African streetwear, Rachel Mia’s Apricity showcases sustainably crafted, avant-garde fashion that’s genderless and cutting-edge with a strong global influnce.
Emerging Designer Award: Mother of Gao
Awarded for its exceptional production processes and singular design integrity, the Mother of Gao collection is distinguished by its naturally-dyed textiles, striking clothing and accessories as well as chemical-free printing!
Accessory Award: Athena A
Renowned for its commitment to eco-responsibility and premium craftsmanship, Athena A is a South African luxury jewellery brand that combines mythology-inspired designs with environmentally conscious practices with pieces crafted from recycled and recyclable brass and aluminium, and ethically sourced Ankole cow horn.
Footwear Award: Sage & Sunday
This year’s Footwear Award winner is the Cape Town-based hemp clothing and footwear company committed to quality, transparency and sustainability. Sage & Sunday sells a range of world-class footwear made with renewable materials, fair labour practices and minimal toxic chemicals.
Trans-seasonal Design Award: GUGUBYGUGU
GUGUBYGUGU is known for its timeless, wear-resistant designs made via a slow production process. With its ethical systems and inspiring community initiatives, GUGUBYGUGU embodies versatility, quality and purpose.
Farm-to-Fashion Award: Yarnh
Yarnh earned its place among this year’s sustainable fashion stars for its commendable practices: 100% natural fabric, no fossil fuel-based synthetics and as few toxins and chemicals as possible. Its commitment to sustainability extends far beyond manufacturing, addressing financial and socio-economic advancements in the fashion sector.
Retail Award: 44 Stanley
In downtown Johannesburg, 44 Stanley is a mixed-use development of restaurants, curated stores and offices. It has a world-class offering and commendable transparency in championing local and ethically-made design.
Tastemaker Award: Thobeka Mbane
Thobeka Mbane is a highly regarded South African fashion stylist and cultural strategist who is known for her vibrant and unconventional approach.
She has worked with influential figures such as Zozibini Tunzi, Sho Madjozi, and Nomzamo Mbatha; blending traditional African elements with modern fashion trends to create impactful looks.
Innovative Design and Materials Award: Stephanie Bentum
Stephanie Bentum is a creative textile designer who focuses on luxurious, resource-efficient products to create high-end home decor and fashion items, incorporating felt made from angora goat fleece and Merino wool.
Nicholas Coutts Artisanal Fashion Award: VIVIERS
VIVIERS celebrates the artistry of garment workers and local communities through its made-to-order artisanal pieces. Known for inventive, conceptual items crafted in limited editions, the pieces are considered wearable art.
Changemaker Award presented by Markham: VIVIERS
In addition to winning the Nicholas Coutts Artisanal Fashion Award, VIVIERS was also named this year’s overall winner. Every year, the overall winner is chosen from among the category winners and is selected by the judges based on the highest overall score.
“We’d like to congratulate all our winners on their remarkable efforts to date. They offer a hopeful perspective on the exciting changes that can happen within South Africa’s fashion industry in 2025,” Jackie praised.
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