Red Carpet Dreams: What We Want to See at the 2025 South African Awards Season Red Carpets

Jan 23

As we look ahead to the glamour of the South African award season, there's a sense of anticipation for more exciting and innovative fashion moments. While the 2024 looks certainly had their charm, we’re eager to see bigger, bolder, brighter and even more extravagant designs taking center stage. The South African red carpet has so much potential to showcase truly standout fashion, and in 2025, we can’t wait to see our local stars shine even brighter.

This year we are hoping our local stars will take inspiration from the latest runways and dare to be different on the red carpets, including these 5 incredible styles.

1. Elevated Woman’s Suites

If you asked me what I’d love to see more of on the red carpet, it’s women fully embracing suits. They can be controversial—some people still associate them strictly with menswear—but there’s no denying how stylish and powerful they are when done right. A sleek, bold suit instantly stands out and offers a fresh way to command attention at any glamorous event. For example, Ellie Bamber’s black-and-grey pinstripe Celine suit shows how a classic pattern can feel completely modern with sharp tailoring. I’d love to see South African stars take notes from this, giving pinstripes a fresh twist for a polished, commanding look.

Similarly, Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2025 white pinstripe suit is a perfect mix of crisp lines and lightweight ease—so refined yet relaxed. Adding bold accessories like a scarf or statement jewelry could make it feel uniquely personal, ideal for outdoor or daytime events. And for those who love to go all out, Saint Laurent’s oversized burgundy suit makes such a statement. Its dramatic proportions and rich, bold colour completely redefine power dressing. South African celebrities could have so much fun experimenting with exaggerated tailoring and unexpected hues, showing that a suit doesn’t just mean business—it can mean fashion-forward confidence on the red carpet.

2. Heavily Embellished Gowns

Heavily embellished gowns offer endless inspiration for those seeking to make a bold statement at glamorous events. Armani Privé’s Fall 2024 Couture black dress, adorned with luminous pearls, exudes timeless elegance with a modern twist—perfect for those craving sophistication with contemporary flair, add a low neckline and cutouts for a more sultry look. For a more playful yet opulent look, Richard Quinn’s Spring 2025 white lattice dress (middle) with beads, combines intricate detailing and bold structure, making it an eye-catching choice while maintaining refined elegance.

Meanwhile, Armani Privé’s sheer bronze gold gown (right) with scattered pearls radiates ethereal beauty. The subtle shimmer and delicate embellishments elevate this design, proving how sheer fabrics and carefully placed accents can transform a gown into a truly magical creation. Whether bold or subtle, these embellished gowns highlight the transformative power of embellishment to turn any look into an unforgettable statement.

3. Faux Furs

Faux furs are redefining luxury with an ethical twist, adding both warmth and opulence to any look. Armani Privé’s Fall 2024 Couture white frizzy fur shawl exemplifies how textured faux fur can bring sophistication and drama to eveningwear, making it a striking addition to formal occasions. Elle Fanning’s soft dusty pink faux fur shawl by Valentino offers a more delicate, feminine take, pairing beautifully with both casual and elevated outfits.

The romantic hue adds a soft, warm touch, making it an essential accessory for those seeking understated elegance. RVNG Couture’s Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection takes the trend in a contemporary direction with a black one-shoulder dress featuring sleek faux fur trim. This modern accent elevates the minimalist design, adding a bold, luxurious edge. Whether you opt for soft femininity or bold accents, these faux fur pieces prove you can make a powerful style statement while staying ethically chic.

4. Tiered Ruffles

Tiered ruffles are making a striking impact in couture, adding movement, texture, and drama to any look, personally a style I am in love with. Ardazai’s Fall 2024 Couture collection , featuring Anok Yai in a blueish-purple tiered ruffle dress, showcases how voluminous ruffles can be both elegant and bold. The extravagant fan-like sleeves amplify the drama while maintaining fluidity and grace, the shine of the fabric adds another level of opulence, which adds more depth to the look.

For a more ethereal interpretation, Homologs Fall 2024 Couture white sheer coat with oversized ruffles softens the boldness of the trend, creating a delicate yet powerful effect that feels both modern and timeless. Chanel’s Fall 2024 Couture collection offers a sleek twist on tiered ruffles with a black bolero coat in a wet-look fabric. The shiny texture contrasts beautifully with the ruffles, blending edge with femininity. Whether bold and voluminous or subtle and cascading, tiered ruffles provide endless possibilities for creating dynamic, show-stopping looks that emphasize texture and movement.

5. Exaggerated hoods

Exaggerated hoods are becoming a captivating focal point in couture, blending avant-garde design with bold texture and structure. Gaurav Gupta’s Spring 2024 Couture collection pushes the boundaries of this trend with two striking pieces. A dramatic champagne coloured hood , resembling a sculptural nest, envelops the model in a surreal form, while a mesmerizing silver blue hood flows like a waterfall, adorned with glistening gems that catch the light, transforming the piece into a work of art.

In contrast, Zuhair Murad’s Fall 2024 Couture collection takes a celestial approach with a black beaded hooded jacket; its intricate beadwork creates a shimmering, cosmic effect. The design’s low V-neck adds depth, enhancing the dramatic silhouette. Whether mimicking natural textures, sparkling with jewels, or evoking the night sky, these exaggerated hoods elevate headwear to the level of high fashion, transforming it into a bold, unforgettable statement piece.

As South African celebrities prepare to shine on the red carpet, there's endless inspiration to draw from the latest couture collections. The sophisticated tailoring of elevated women’s suits, the opulent embellishments of adorned gowns, the bold playfulness of faux furs, and the dynamic textures of tiered ruffles and exaggerated hoods all serve as a rich palette of ideas.

These trends can be reimagined to reflect South Africa’s vibrant and diverse culture, blending global luxury with local authenticity. By embracing the structured power of sleek suits, the ethereal charm of pearl-strewn gowns, and the dramatic edge of oversized, embellished accessories, South African style icons and designers can craft red carpet looks that stand out on the world stage. With creativity and confidence, they have the opportunity to redefine elegance while celebrating the unique artistry of South African fashion.