SA Style Awards Judges Dinner: A Night of Golden Glamour and Bold Statements
The highly anticipated SA Style Awards 2021 kicked off its preliminary celebrations with an exclusive Judges Dinner, gathering South Africa's most influential and fashion-forward personalities. Held at the opulent Zebra Square Gallery in Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg, the Sunday evening event served as a prelude to the main awards, offering a dazzling display of sartorial excellence and setting the tone for what the style awards judge panel would be looking for. It was a night where local celebrities, industry giants, and political figures mingled, all adorned in ensembles that spoke volumes about their unique fashion identities. Among the luminaries, former Miss South Africa Dr. Tamaryn Green and musical icon Lira particularly shone, each embodying distinct facets of contemporary South African style.
The guest list read like a who's who of local influence, including media personality Kim Jayde, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, entertainment powerhouse Boity, actor Anton Jafta, and revered designers Gert Johan Coetzee, Trevor Struuman, and Thebe Magugu. Their presence underscored the significance of the SA Style Awards as a platform that not only celebrates fashion but also acknowledges the impact of style across various sectors of society. For the discerning style awards judge, such an event is an invaluable opportunity to observe emerging trends, individual interpretations of elegance, and the confident presentation that truly sets an outfit apart.
Tamaryn Green: Golden Sophistication with Pageant Panache
Dr. Tamaryn Green, ever the picture of grace, made a striking appearance in a trendy gold two-piece that exuded both simplicity and undeniable elegance. Her choice to support a designer within the pageant world demonstrated a thoughtful nod to her roots, showcasing solidarity with the industry that launched her into the public eye. The ensemble comprised a chic boob tube with a criss-cross back and a matching belted long skirt, a silhouette previously seen in red but given a fresh, golden lease on life for this prestigious occasion. Tamaryn kept her styling equally understated yet polished, opting for light makeup that enhanced her natural beauty, a sleek lower bun that highlighted her décolletage, and delicate silver loop earrings that added just the right touch of sparkle without overpowering the outfit.
Her look was a masterclass in refined glamour, proving that true style doesn't always demand extravagance. It was a powerful statement of confident minimalism, an approach that any seasoned style awards judge would appreciate. Tamaryn’s ability to carry such a seemingly simple outfit with such poise speaks volumes about her innate elegance and understanding of how to make an impact through thoughtful curation rather than overt display.
Lira: A Kaleidoscope of Colour and Artistic Expression
In stark contrast to Tamaryn's golden subtlety, musical maestro Lira delivered a delightful surprise, stepping out in a vibrant and colourful jumpsuit that perfectly encapsulated her artistic spirit. Known for her majestic gowns and her unwavering commitment to celebrating African designers, Lira's choice of a purple floral pants paired with a dramatic black feather top, both designed by the iconic Gert-Johan Coetzee, was a bold departure that truly turned heads. This ensemble was a testament to her adventurous fashion palate and her confidence in embracing unconventional elegance.
Lira meticulously paired her standout outfit with a whimsical feathered purse, elegant black earrings, and styled her natural hair back, allowing the intricate details of the jumpsuit and her radiant personality to take centre stage. Her look was a powerful affirmation that style is as much about personal expression and daring choices as it is about current trends. A style awards judge often looks for individuals who not only wear clothes beautifully but who also inject their unique narrative and energy into their ensembles, and Lira's appearance was a perfect example of this philosophy in action.
Other Notable Styles: Disco Glamour and Edgy Elegance
The Judges Dinner was a tapestry of diverse styles, further illuminated by Musician Tamara Dey, who brought her "disco therapy" to life in a dazzling gold high-slit dress by fashion designer David Hutt. Her ensemble was a vibrant homage to retro glamour, perfectly complemented by a distinctive grey short haircut, reminiscent of Miranda Priestly from Devil Wears Prada, yet with an edgy blue strike that added a contemporary twist. Dey's meticulous styling extended to her choice of accessories, featuring blue nails that perfectly matched her hair accent and striking gold jewellery that amplified the dress’s shimmer. Her ability to fuse classic allure with modern edge demonstrated a keen understanding of personal branding through fashion, undoubtedly catching the eye of many a style awards judge.
The collective display of these varied styles underscored the rich diversity within South Africa's fashion landscape. From understated chic to bold artistry and playful retro vibes, the attendees presented a masterclass in personal expression, providing the perfect warm-up for the judges to begin their meticulous assessment process.
Beyond the Glamour: What a Style Awards Judge Truly Seeks
While designer labels and ostentatious displays often capture immediate attention, a seasoned style awards judge looks far beyond the price tag or brand name. The true essence of a winning outfit lies in its originality, thoughtful curation, and the confidence with which it is worn. As insights from various style award panels suggest, you don’t need to spend a fortune to impress.
- Originality and Thoughtful Curation: It’s not about merely buying an outfit straight off the mannequin or copying a look from an online model. What truly counts are the "other little bits" that make an outfit uniquely yours. Have you added a vintage brooch? Chosen unusual accessories? Layered pieces in an unexpected way? These details demonstrate personality and creativity. For more insights on this, you might find valuable tips in our article: Style Awards Judge's Top Tips: Win With Originality & Confidence.
- Confidence is Key: An outfit, no matter how beautiful, can fall flat without the right attitude. "Wear something you love," advises a seasoned judge, because when you love what you're wearing, you'll feel comfortable and confident, and that undeniable energy radiates. This self-assuredness transforms an ordinary ensemble into an extraordinary statement.
- Budget-Friendly Brilliance: Dispelling the myth that only designer wear can win, judges often highlight instances where winners have triumphed with budget-friendly choices. One memorable winner combined pieces from Vinted, a charity shop, and her existing wardrobe. This proves that ingenuity and a good eye for styling can easily outperform high-spending. To discover how to make a big impact without breaking the bank, read more here: Style Awards Judges: How to Impress Without Breaking the Bank.
- Simplicity Can Be Striking: While bold colours and elaborate patterns often catch the eye, a simply elegant and super-chic look can be equally, if not more, impactful. It truly is "anyone's game," as past winners have demonstrated a wide spectrum of ages and styles, proving that subtlety and refined taste hold significant weight with the judging panel.
The Art of Judging: An Expert Perspective on Style
For a style awards judge, the process of evaluation is a nuanced art form. They are not merely looking for the most expensive garment or the latest trend. Instead, their trained eyes scan for a cohesive narrative, the personal story an outfit tells, and the undeniable presence of the person wearing it. It's about the entire presentation – from the impeccable styling of hair and makeup to the chosen accessories, and most importantly, the posture and confidence that emanate from the individual.
Judges often confess that their assessment begins the moment an entrant steps into view, often based on photographs taken in front of event backdrops. They know nothing of the person's background or the origin of their clothes. This blind judging ensures that the outfit itself, and how it's presented, must convey everything. It must communicate personality, attention to detail, and a unique point of view. The diversity of past winners, ranging from understated elegance to vibrant, maximalist expressions, underscores this point: there's no single formula for winning. What unites them all is the intentionality behind their choices and the conviction with which they carry their style. The power to transform an outfit into a winning look lies not just in the clothes, but in the individual who brings them to life.
The SA Style Awards Judges Dinner was more than just a gathering of fashion aficionados; it was a vibrant affirmation of South African talent, creativity, and the power of personal style. From Tamaryn Green's golden sophistication to Lira's burst of artistic expression, the evening showcased the rich tapestry of local fashion. Ultimately, what truly resonates with a style awards judge transcends designer labels and fleeting trends, resting instead on originality, confidence, and the thoughtful curation that transforms clothing into a compelling personal statement. The SA Style Awards continue to be a crucial platform, not only celebrating those who define style but also inspiring everyone to explore and embrace their unique fashion identity.