The awards aim to honour innovation, sustainability and integrity across nine categories, from emerging design and material innovation to retail and trans-seasonal design. Each year, the finalists showcase a growing commitment to local production, circular design and social impact, the values that lie at the heart of Twyg's mission, says the NPO.
"With the seventh edition of the awards, the ecosystem of African sustainable fashion grows, with a deeper sense of responsibility towards fashion entrepreneurs, businesses, creatives and designers," says Jackie May, Founder of Twyg. "We know the work and intention that goes into every collection, every garment and every business. We need to acknowledge and share this labour of care with our readers and the wider fashion market."
Winners will be announced on Thursday, 27 November at an event in Cape Town, hosted by Khensani Mohlatlole, Writer, Fibre Artist and Fashion Historian, says the NPO.
The awards are made possible by its sponsors and partners, that Twyg is able to shine a light on sustainable and ethical fashion designers. Their 2025 partners include Polo South Africa, Bash, H&M South Africa, Mohair South Africa and Merchants on Long, adds the NPO.
The Emerging Designer Award is presented by H&M South Africa. The winner will receive R100 000 from H&M South Africa, while the Changemaker Award is presented by Bash, and the winner receives R100 000 from Bash (TFG). Both investments aim to directly support the growth of sustainable fashion businesses in South Africa, says the NPO.
"We're proud to once again support the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards, to recognise local designers and changemakers who are shaping the future of fashion through sustainability and innovation," says Caroline Nelson, Country Manager of H&M South Africa.
"Mohair South Africa is proud to partner with the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards, an event that celebrates ethical, sustainable, and natural fibres. We value opportunities that highlight the positive impact of natural fibres in fashion, championing innovation, craftsmanship and sustainability," says Lauren Moore, Marketing Manager at Mohair South Africa.
Tiaan Nagel, Creative Director of Merchants on Long, says the partnership for this year's inaugural Pan-African Designer Award reflects "a spirit of collaboration, a sense of community and an appreciation for elevated African design."
According to the NPO, the 2025 finalists are:
- Accessory Award: Earth Age, Changing Facets and Nic&Nic.
- Emerging Designer Award presented by H&M: Casbeth, Makhudai and Kleinmuis.
- Innovative Design and Materials Award presented by Polo South Africa: Sealand, Ballo and Botanical Nomad.
- Merchants on Long Pan-African Artisanal Award: WOTE K.I. Design, AAKS and Osei Duro.
- Retail Award: The Sewing Café, Thrift Fest and Vintage with Love.
- Student Award: The_Collectn, Carlize van Zyl and The Odd.
- Tastemaker Award: Innocent Ndlovu, Lethabo "Boogy" Maboi and Yasmin Furmie.
- Trans-seasonal Design Award: Boyde, Wanda Lephoto and MmusoMaxwell.
The Changemaker Award winner presented by Bash will be announced on Thursday, 27 November, says the NPO.
The finalists are selected by a new Twyg Awards jury, appointed for 2025 to 2027, which brings together seven respected voices from South Africa, Kenya, Germany and the United States. Collectively, they represent experience across fashion, sustainability, climate, business and design. The jury made a decision not to select finalists (or a winner) for the Farm-to-Fashion Award. None of the nominees met all the criteria of the category sufficiently, adds the NPO.
The 2025 jury includes Martina Glomb (Germany), Bee Diamondhead (South Africa), Idelle Taye (United States/Cameroon), Stella Hertantyo (South Africa), Silvia Tonui (Kenya) and Bielle Bellingham (South Africa). The judging process is adjudicated by John Shija and Elisabeth Makumbi, concludes the NPO.
For more information, visit www.twyg.co.za. You can also follow Twyg on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor