The South Africa Fashion Awards 2025, held on Saturday, 4th October at the luxurious Hotel Sky in Sandton, was an evening where style met sophistication and few moments captured that synergy better than Avante Brandy’s elegant sponsorship of the Best Male Model category. As fashion’s finest gathered beneath the glittering lights, the Avante Brandy name stood proudly among the night’s premium partners, reaffirming its place as a brand synonymous with class, ambition, and craftsmanship.
Representing the brand on the night was Lonwabo Sodlati, Head of Sales and Business Development at Avante Brandy, who took to the stage to present one of the most competitive and inspiring categories of the evening. The Best Male Model award celebrated South Africa’s top male talents redefining modern masculinity through fashion, presence, and poise.
The nominees, Lebo Malope, Denetric Malope, TJ Ngoma, Rasaq Akinwunmi, and Yuri Pailman represented a blend of established names and rising stars, each embodying the excellence and confidence that Avante Brandy continues to celebrate.
After a suspenseful moment and enthusiastic applause, Rasaq Akinwunmi was announced as the winner of the Best Male Model 2025 award. Lonwabo Sodlati, in a gesture that perfectly reflected Avante’s ethos of rewarding distinction, presented Akinwunmi not only with the prestigious trophy but also with an exclusive Avante Brandy Founder’s XV – Collector’s Cabinet Edition a rare and refined blend crafted to honour legacy and achievement.
A Toast to Craftsmanship and Distinction
The moment was both elegant and symbolic. As Sodlati handed over the handcrafted bottle, he congratulated Akinwunmi on a career milestone and applauded the broader modelling industry for its growing professionalism and artistry.
“Avante Brandy has always been about celebrating craftsmanship, whether in the distillation of our fine brandy or the mastery it takes to walk the runway with confidence and grace,” Sodlati remarked. “Tonight, we salute every nominee who has elevated South African fashion with their dedication, talent, and style.”
This synergy between Avante Brandy’s values and the spirit of the South Africa Fashion Awards was unmistakable. Both share a commitment to quality, refinement, and excellence, making the partnership a natural fit.
The Art of Celebration — The Avante Way
Avante Brandy, known for its award-winning blends and sleek brand identity, has become a favourite among tastemakers who appreciate both heritage and innovation. The Founder’s XV – Collector’s Cabinet Edition, which Akinwunmi received, represents the pinnacle of the brand’s artistry, a collector’s release symbolizing Avante’s dedication to craftsmanship, aged excellence, and luxury presentation.
In the world of South African premium spirits, Avante stands as a beacon of sophistication. Its growing presence at high-profile events like the South Africa Fashion Awards is part of the brand’s broader vision to align with spaces that celebrate creative achievement and individuality. By sponsoring the Best Male Model category, Avante not only showcased its refined taste but also reinforced its connection with the modern, confident South African who pursues greatness in every sphere.
Rasaq Akinwunmi: Confidence Meets Charisma
Winner Rasaq Akinwunmi captivated the audience with his effortless style, precision, and stage command, qualities that have made him one of the country’s most talked-about models. His win was greeted with thunderous applause, as peers and industry icons celebrated a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to the fashion scene.
In his brief but heartfelt acceptance speech, Akinwunmi expressed gratitude to the South Africa Fashion Awards and Avante Brandy for acknowledging his work. “This award means a lot because it represents hard work and consistency,” he said. “Thank you to Avante Brandy for celebrating us and for this incredible gift, it’s truly special.”
A Night of Prestige and Partnership
The South Africa Fashion Awards 2025, backed by the World Fashion Awards Group, brought together the best of South Africa’s creative and corporate sectors. For Avante Brandy, the event offered the perfect platform to deepen its footprint among cultural leaders and tastemakers who embody the same elegance and drive as the brand itself.
As glasses of Avante were raised in celebration throughout the night, it was clear that this partnership was about more than sponsorship, it was a shared belief in the power of excellence, legacy, and style.
Looking Ahead: Avante’s Ongoing Legacy
With its involvement in the SAFAs, Avante Brandy continues to position itself not just as a premium beverage brand but as a cultural companion, a brand that celebrates ambition, rewards mastery, and honours those who define success on their own terms.
Whether in a distillery or on a runway, the Avante philosophy remains the same: to perfect the art of craftsmanship and elevate the moments that matter.
As the night drew to a close, one thing was certain, Avante Brandy had once again demonstrated that true luxury is not only about what you drink, but how you celebrate life’s defining moments.
