When the stars of South African fashion gathered at Hotel Sky in Sandton on Saturday, 4th October 2025, for the prestigious South Africa Fashion Awards, it was an evening defined by creativity, innovation, and pure celebration. Among the night’s standout moments was the presence of Los Locos Tequila, whose unmistakable flair and spirited energy perfectly matched the evening’s vibrant atmosphere.
Representing the brand’s fearless and fun-loving ethos, Los Locos Tequila proudly sponsored the Best Fashion Photographer category, a fitting choice for a brand that thrives on capturing life’s boldest and most expressive moments. Although George Nicolopoulos, the visionary Founder of Los Locos Tequila, was unable to attend in person, a brand representative took to the stage to present the award on his behalf, continuing the brand’s mission of honouring creativity that dares to break convention.
The Best Fashion Photographer category featured a powerhouse lineup of visual artists whose work has shaped the face of South African fashion photography. The nominees — Trevor Stuurman, Imraan Christian, Basetsana Maluleka, Pierre Van Vuuren, Eunice Driver, Legae Sehlako, Andile Mthembu, and Brandon Barnard, represented the pinnacle of artistic talent and storytelling through the lens.
When Pierre Van Vuuren was announced as the winner, the audience erupted in applause, celebrating a creative visionary whose photography continues to elevate the visual language of fashion both locally and internationally.
A Celebration of Creative Vision
Los Locos Tequila’s involvement in the awards was more than a sponsorship, it was a creative statement. The brand’s DNA is rooted in fearless expression, authenticity, and a celebration of individuality, the very qualities that define the art of fashion photography. From bold editorial campaigns to candid captures that celebrate diversity and emotion, the photographers in this category mirror the same bold spirit that drives Los Locos Tequila.
In a short address delivered by the brand’s representative, a message from founder George Nicolopoulos was shared with the audience:
“At Los Locos, we believe in doing things differently — in seeing life through a creative lens and embracing the bold, the wild, and the unexpected. Fashion photography tells that story visually, capturing the very essence of passion and freedom we pour into every bottle.”
It was a message that resonated deeply with the creative crowd. Much like a perfectly mixed tequila cocktail, the Best Fashion Photographer category represented a fusion of flavour, imagination, and artistry.
Pierre Van Vuuren: Capturing the Soul of Fashion
For Pierre Van Vuuren, the night marked a career highlight. Known for his ability to blend cinematic composition with emotive storytelling, Van Vuuren’s work has appeared in leading magazines and campaigns, earning him acclaim for his technical mastery and artistic vision. His win reaffirmed his place as one of South Africa’s most influential photographers and underscored the power of the lens to define culture and identity.
Accepting the award with gratitude, Van Vuuren thanked Los Locos Tequila and the South Africa Fashion Awards for recognising photographers as an integral part of the fashion ecosystem. “We bring stories to life through imagery,” he said. “This award celebrates every creative behind the camera who captures the essence of what fashion truly means.”
Los Locos: A Brand That Lives Boldly
Since its inception, Los Locos Tequila has become one of the most exciting lifestyle spirits in South Africa, a brand that celebrates originality, adventure, and a touch of madness in every moment. From its striking bottle design to its vibrant presence at high-profile events, Los Locos embodies the spirit of those who live on their own terms.
The brand’s partnership with the South Africa Fashion Awards 2025, backed by the World Fashion Awards Group, reflects its growing influence as a lifestyle icon that transcends the bar and enters the worlds of fashion, music, and culture.
“Los Locos Tequila isn’t just a drink; it’s a mindset,” Nicolopoulos often says. “It’s about being bold enough to chase what sets your soul on fire.”
That same daring energy was felt throughout the evening as Los Locos joined a lineup of luxury sponsors and industry leaders in celebrating the talent that continues to shape South Africa’s creative identity.
A Perfect Blend of Art and Spirit
The presence of Los Locos at the SAFAs was a reminder that true creativity, like a great tequila is about balance: between tradition and innovation, precision and freedom, refinement and fun. The brand’s colourful, confident personality injected a refreshing vibrancy into an already dazzling event.
As the night unfolded, guests toasted the winners with the unmistakable flavour of Los Locos Tequila smooth, bold, and unapologetically original. And as photographers snapped away, capturing those golden moments, it became clear that Los Locos had left an indelible mark on the evening, one of energy, authenticity, and celebration.
Looking Ahead
With its growing footprint across South Africa’s premium events, Los Locos Tequila continues to position itself as the drink of choice for the bold, the creative, and the unstoppable. Its partnership with the South Africa Fashion Awards 2025 is just another chapter in a story that celebrates living passionately and capturing every wild, beautiful, unforgettable moment along the way.
