What happens when five of South Africa’s most memorable style stars come together for one cover? GQ South Africa’s Alumni Issue, of course.
The latest issue brings together Nkuley Masemola, Abuti Thabia, Ruvesh Pillay, Lisa Missouri and Akhonamathemba Zwane, all previous Est Dressed Award winners, for a celebration of personal style, individuality and the fashion choices that have made them stand out.
Across the cover portraits, each star brings their own distinct approach to dressing. From Nkuley’s striking blue checkered look and Thabang’s bold red-and-cream tailoring to Ruvesh’s textured green ensemble, Lisa’s edgy all-black mini and Sweet Guluva’s relaxed denim moment, the editorial makes a strong case for style as an extension of personality.
For Nkuley, great style starts with authenticity. “For an outfit to actually work on you, it has to be personal,” she explains, while Thabang takes an instinctive approach: “I don’t follow trends, I go for what I want.”
Lisa sees style as something deeper than simply putting together a good outfit, describing it as having “a point of view” and an identity that people can recognise. Ruvesh connects his style to his emotions, heritage and lineage, while Sweet Guluva believes being well dressed requires a willingness to take risks.
Together, the five cover stars show exactly why being named Best Dressed was never just about one standout fashion moment. It is about developing a point of view, taking risks and continuing to evolve long after the awards are handed out.
CREDITS:
Editor-in-chief: @molifekumona
Art Director: @keenan.jeppe
Story by : @shannon_dawn11
Creative Direction & Styling: @hlonixmbhele
Co-Stylist: Shawn Ntuli
Makeup: PreciousNovela
Makeup: @tinyikon.makeup_
Photographer and retoucher @king_henry_iiv
Lighting @gm_themartian
Location: @54onbath_hotel