On Saturday, 4th October 2025, the glittering ballroom of Hotel Sky in Sandton became the beating heart of South Africa’s fashion scene as designers, celebrities, media, and industry tastemakers gathered for the South Africa Fashion Awards (SAFAs), a night celebrating innovation, style, and creative excellence. Among the evening’s standout partners was Black Crown, whose sophisticated energy and bold brand ethos perfectly complemented the glamour and vision of the event.
As a proud sponsor of the Best Emerging Designer category, Black Crown once again reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating young talent and creative self-expression, qualities deeply rooted in its brand DNA. The category, one of the night’s most anticipated, spotlighted a group of exceptional rising designers who are reshaping the narrative of South African fashion: Katlego Mokwana, Jessica-Anne Shepherd, Onesimo Bam, Oyama Gonintebe, Busisiwe Buthelezi, Keneilwe Khobo, and Fikile Sokhulu.
With the crowd holding its breath and cameras flashing, Katlego Mokwana was announced as the Best Emerging Designer 2025, receiving the prestigious award from Kyle Moorgas, Marketing Manager at Black Crown.
A Moment of Recognition and Celebration
In his presentation speech, Moorgas praised the calibre of all the nominees, emphasizing how their creativity mirrors the spirit of South Africa’s youth culture and the vibrancy that Black Crown champions through its campaigns.
“Fashion, much like our brand, is about authenticity, about owning your identity and expressing it with pride,” Moorgas said. “Tonight, we celebrate not just a winner, but a generation of designers who are daring to redefine what South African fashion means to the world.”
The applause that followed was as electric as the energy in the room, a fitting reflection of how seamlessly Black Crown has woven itself into the cultural fabric of South Africa’s lifestyle and creative industries.
Aligning with Culture and Creativity
Black Crown’s sponsorship of the Best Emerging Designer category was not just a branding exercise, it was a statement of intent. The brand, known for its refreshing blend of premium taste and urban sophistication, has consistently aligned itself with platforms that empower and celebrate young visionaries. From music and art to fashion and entrepreneurship, Black Crown’s collaborations continue to spotlight authenticity, confidence, and individuality.
The South Africa Fashion Awards provided the perfect backdrop for this vision. The event, backed by the World Fashion Awards, attracted top designers, influencers, and fashion houses from across the continent, solidifying South Africa’s status as a global fashion powerhouse. By associating with the awards, Black Crown positioned itself at the intersection of creativity and aspiration where emerging voices meet established excellence.
Katlego Mokwana: A Star on the Rise
For Katlego Mokwana, the night marked a defining moment in a fast-rising career. Known for her modern silhouettes and ability to blend cultural heritage with contemporary elegance, Mokwana’s designs have already begun to attract attention from both local and international fashion circles.
As she accepted her award, Mokwana expressed gratitude for platforms like the SAFAs and sponsors like Black Crown that invest in young creatives. “This recognition is not just for me,” she said, “but for every designer out there dreaming, sketching, and stitching their way into the industry. Thank you, Black Crown, for believing in us.”
Black Crown’s Commitment to Elevating Emerging Talent
The partnership with the SAFAs is part of Black Crown’s broader mission to inspire a generation that lives boldly and authentically. The brand continues to collaborate with creatives who embody the spirit of ambition and independence individuals who, like their signature drink, carry a distinctive edge.
From sponsoring fashion showcases to curating exclusive cultural experiences, Black Crown’s presence across South Africa’s lifestyle landscape has made it a brand that resonates beyond the bottle. Its growing involvement in events like the SAFAs signals an exciting chapter in its journey to champion homegrown talent and creativity.
A Night to Remember
As guests toasted the evening with glasses of Black Crown in hand, the event closed on a high note a fusion of celebration, recognition, and creativity. The South Africa Fashion Awards 2025 not only honored excellence but also highlighted the dynamic relationship between brands and the creative community.
For Black Crown, the night was more than a sponsorship; it was a cultural statement one that reaffirmed its position as a brand that doesn’t just observe South Africa’s evolving creative scene but actively fuels it.
The glow of Hotel Sky’s golden lights may have faded by dawn, but the impact of the evening and the message behind it will linger long after. With talents like Katlego Mokwana stepping into the spotlight and brands like Black Crown championing the next generation, the future of South African fashion has never looked more promising.
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