Itumeleng Komana

Itumeleng Komana

City Expert, Johannesburg

News (7)

Runway highlights from Soweto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026

Runway highlights from Soweto Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026

Since its inception in 2011, Soweto Fashion Week has been a massive celebration of style. The Spring/Summer 2026 season took place from 5 to 7 November 2026 at the Soweto Theatre and 15 years of fashion truly came alive as fresh student designs and adorable little stars took over the runway. On day two, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) each showcased 30 incredible looks. The students brought their A-game with everything from sparkly evening gowns to creative barrel-styled pants and structured tops. Itumeleng KomanaEmerging and seasoned designers did the most at Soweto Fashion Week. Established designers also wowed the crowd, including Luthando Mbobo of Mbobo Movement. After making his debut in the Autumn/Winter season, his return with fresh patchwork and denim designs showed a huge step forward. Luthando shared, "Every season is a chance to grow, but this one feels different. Since last year's show, Mbobo Movement picked up a nomination for Best Emerging Fashion Designer at the South Africa Fashion Awards and we took the brand into children's fashion at SA Kids Fashion Week. A lot has happened." The one designer that stood out for me and left a lasting impression was 18-year-old Enhle Mbatha, who featured a super cute kids' range from Enhle Babes. Itumeleng KomanaFuture supermodels! Watching the tiny models strut down the ramp with total confidence brought cuteness galore to the runway, reminding everyone how important it
Johannesburg Pride 2026: High fashion and queue frustrations

Johannesburg Pride 2026: High fashion and queue frustrations

The most anticipated queer event of the year, Johannesburg Pride, took place this past Saturday, 31 October 2026, bringing Sandton to a standstill and shutting down Katherine Street. Gathering thousands of members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, the atmosphere was full of vibrant energy, big personalities and overall fabulousness. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Johannesburg (@timeout.johannesburg) High fashion If there’s one thing Joburgers know how to do, it’s dress up. But the members of the community took it up a notch. Body paint, face paint and even diamantes covered their bodies. And the hair? Itumeleng KomanaJoburg Pride brought the fashion, make up and big, colourful hair. From big afros adorned with flowers to pixies and blonde brush cuts, everyone looked stunning. The outfits were the star of the show. Think prints, mini skirts, sequins and corsets; every corner felt like attending a fashion week. The most talked-about look of the day undoubtedly goes to Kingsley Carrington, who wore large black feathered wings and gold body paint. Itumeleng KomanaKingsley Carrington's Joburg Pride outfit will be spoken about for a long ime! You simply could not miss his presence. Asked what inspired his outfit, he said it’s how he sees himself. This was a common theme across the board with most attendees, with some saying this is the only place they can fully express themselves without judgment or fear. The importance of pride
Glitz, glam and front-row magic on the SA Fashion Week runway

Glitz, glam and front-row magic on the SA Fashion Week runway

The fashion industry in South Africa is widely criticised, especially at award shows where local designers and celebrities are often called out for not knowing what they are doing. However, South African Fashion Week (SAFW) at The Forum at Hyde Park Corner proved that there is so much passion and creativity in the local fashion scene. The week’s theme was ‘Wear what’s in your wardrobe’, and the celebrities did indeed show up. We spotted quite a few household names including Thando Thabethe, former Miss SA Lalela Mswane, reality TV stars Ashley Nicole and Yolanda, as well as artists Bontle Smith and Maglera Doe Boy. Designers Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint ZA and Jacques Bam of the Bam Collective were also among us. Bubbles sponsored by J.C. Le Roux ensured that the guests were in the right mood, making the experience even more pleasant. Naturally, we got to have front-row seats to several shows and here’s how it went: Day 1 The first night of fashion kicked off with the David Tlale show on 20 October 2026, held offsite at the Johannesburg City Library in the Joburg CBD. Marking his return to SA Fashion Week after 23 years, this clearly set the tone for the rest of the week. Day 2 The Pierre Cardin (PC) show was far more than a runway presentation; it also marked the official launch of the Pierre Cardin Young Designers Award (PCYDA) in South Africa. David Tlale IG pageThe iconic David Tlale returned to SAFW this year. This exciting initiative connects local creators with top inte
From law students to tech innovators: meet the 2026 Miss Soweto Top 20

From law students to tech innovators: meet the 2026 Miss Soweto Top 20

Pageant season is in full swing! The White Star Miss Soweto returns for its 47th edition, and the winner will be crowned on 28 November 2026 at the Soweto Theatre. The Top 20 finalists were announced at Falcon Arrow Spur Southgate on Thursday, 15 October, where they shared a meal and celebrated their milestone. In this next phase, they will take part in activities and experiences designed to build confidence, strengthen their voices and prepare them for the responsibilities of the title. The ultimate winner will also drive away in a brand-new car courtesy of Mahindra! Azola Ngxanga Age: 24 Background: Aspiring sports journalist planning to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Communication. What She Says: "I believe I should win Miss Soweto because I see the title as an opportunity to represent and uplift other young women." View this post on Instagram A post shared by White Star Super Maize Meal (@whitestarsupermaizemeal) Bonke Msibi Age: 24 Background: LLB graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand. What She Says: "I believe I should win Miss Soweto because I understand the responsibility that comes with the title. For me, it is not about being crowned; it is about having the opportunity to serve with greater impact." Faith Zanele Khumalo Age: 24 Background: Holds a Diploma in IT Software Development from Rosebank College. What She Says: "This isn’t a competition for me but rather a calling—a dream that little me was so drawn to and p
Glitz, glam and big wins at Content Creator Awards

Glitz, glam and big wins at Content Creator Awards

Last weekend lit up with standout fashion and major wins for creators like Lasizwe Dambuza and Grace Mondlana. Held at The Galleria in Sandton, the Samsung Content Creator Awards celebrated and validated the hard work of South Africa's vibrant digital community. Glamour on the purple carpet Fashion took centre stage on the purple carpet, where bold colours, sharp tailoring and sparkling details proved just how much style lives within the creative community. Sni Mhlongo and Lesego "Coconut Kelz" Tlhabi showed off the power of sustainable fashion at the event. Both creators rented their designer dresses through R’friqe to promote sustainability. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Johannesburg (@timeout.johannesburg) Other stars made unforgettable entrances. Titus "Mologadi" Mokou turned heads in a striking, all-red suit inspired by Zendaya, bringing a vibrant pop of colour to the carpet. Grace Mondlana looked like a dream in a dress from Treasury by Mihlali Ndamase. After sharing a quick wardrobe malfunction earlier in the day, she secured a backup look that was well worth the wait. Inside the main hall, the energy was electric. Comedian Mpho "Popps" Modikoana, dressed by Boys of Soweto, kept the energy high while looking dapper throughout the event. Big wins and celebrations Among the evening's biggest winners was Grace, who took home two major trophies, specifically Trendsetter of the Year and Creator of the Year. In her acceptance spee
Ekurhuleni Spring Fiesta 2026: 16 years in and still Joburg's biggest party

Ekurhuleni Spring Fiesta 2026: 16 years in and still Joburg's biggest party

There are festivals, and then there is Spring Fiesta. Back for its 16th year, the iconic festival returned to Wild Waters in Boksburg this past Saturday, 3 October, and reminded us why it remains the one to attend in Joburg.  The sun was out, the stages were stacked and the people brought the energy, all while looking fashionable. A line-up that had something for everyone From the heavyweight Main Stage featuring Scorpion Kings, Msaki, Cassper Nyovest, Kelvin Momo and K.O, to the soulful corners of Soul Candi Classics and Stay True Sounds, through to the unapologetic bars at the Hip Hop Stage hosted by Speedsta and the unstoppable groove at Piano Dreamland and Bakone AfroTech, it was a day-long journey through the sounds moving South Africa right now. TimeOut JohannesburgMsaki's award winning vocals kept the crowd entertained at Spring Fiesta. The highlight for me was definitely Scorpion Kings on the main stage. They performed right after Cassper Nyovest, who also gave a brilliant performance. Both Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa performed their catalogue with added Maskandi songs, which got the crowd screaming with excitement because it was so unexpected. Good food, great sound Attendees not only had options for music but also for food. There were many food trucks and a seating area where guests could cool off and grab a bite while still hearing the music, without feeling like they were missing out. The sound was very impressive across all stages, which was a big plus beca
Good music, fine fashion, and pure Ubuntu: Inside Joburg’s unforgettable Park Live

Good music, fine fashion, and pure Ubuntu: Inside Joburg’s unforgettable Park Live

If there’s one thing we can agree on, it is that South Africa is a musical country. Park Live 2026 proved this to be true. I was not familiar with some artists on the line-up, but I am glad that I now have new music to discover for the first time. It also seems "African time" may not be a thing because, by 10 am, the crowd was ready to receive Rowlene on stage at Marks Park, Emmarentia. We were blessed with good weather, skin was showing! Joburgers are quite the fashionistas, as I spotted people who were dressed to the nines. This just shows me how badly they wanted to be at the festival.  ParkliveThe fans brought their best fits.   Friends, family and human connection  I met a group of four strangers who I thought were friends, but it turned out they all came individually and met each other at Parklive.  One of them said to me, “Girl, there’s no way I was going to wait for my cousins and friends. I made an entire playlist preparing for two weeks”, and no one was going to take that away from me.  I love it so much for them. It also highlights what we pride ourselves on: Ubuntu. Co-signing this was the absolutely breathtaking Teeks (surely I can say this? We all saw him; he’s fine, fine, fine).  TeeksThe New Zealand artist had the crowd singing along. “This is my first time in South Africa, first time playing in Johannesburg. I gotta tell you, man, since the moment we landed... the people here have been so beautiful, so warm, so generous; I feel at home,” he said during h