Picture: Supplied
The judging panel for the sixth edition of the highly anticipated Local Fashion Police showcase has been officially unveiled, setting the stage for another celebration of South African fashion, creativity and local design excellence.
The judges were revealed during an exclusive media launch at Artistry in Sandton, Johannesburg, on 4 August, where the vision for the 2026 campaign was also outlined. This year’s edition promises an immersive showcase of the country’s thriving fashion industry while encouraging consumers to support locally made products.
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Celebrating 6 years of South African fashion excellence
The Local Fashion Police is an annual celebration of local fashion, design and creativity, providing a platform for both emerging and established designers to showcase their work while inspiring audiences through innovation, craftsmanship and style.
This year, the campaign will chronicle the evolution of both South African fashion and the Local Fashion Police programme itself, highlighting how the initiative has grown from a social media campaign into a recognised platform that has helped elevate local fashion from the periphery into the mainstream.
Beyond celebrating style, the campaign also affirms Proudly South African’s commitment to supporting the country’s clothing, textile, fashion, footwear and leather sectors, which continue to face pressure from offshore e-commerce retailers, the influx of cheap imported textiles, and the proliferation of illicit and counterfeit goods.
Meet the 2026 Local Fashion Police panel
This year’s competition features a dynamic line-up of designers who have won the hearts, minds, and wallets of a growing legion of fashionistas.
The 2026 Local Fashion Police designers are:
- Ezokhetho, by Mpumelelo “Lele” Dhlamini
- Thabo Makhetha, by Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana
- Anel Botha
- By Waldo, by Rivaldo
“We are excited and looking forward to hosting another edition of the Local Fashion Police. This year, the Local Fashion Police promises to offer a sensory journey marking the key milestones of the event through an immersive fashion experience and a captivating fashion spectacle that will culminate in an engaging runway exhibition.
“More than the fashion, the Local Fashion Police campaign is also facilitating access to local excellence, encouraging consumers to make conscientious purchasing decisions, fostering job creation and increasing the uptake of locally produced products that are ‘Loved Here. Made Here,’” said Eustace Mashimbye, Chief Executive Officer of Proudly South African.
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R50,000 prizes and a runway experience up for grabs
As a consumer-focused activation, the Local Fashion Police gives fashion lovers the opportunity to become part of the campaign.
Participants simply need to snap a photo or video wearing their favourite locally designed outfit and post it on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or LinkedIn. They must tag Proudly South African and FP&M SETA and use the hashtags #LocalFashionPolice2026 and #LovedHereMadeHere.
Four lucky winners will each receive R50,000 worth of fashion from a Local Fashion Police designer.
The winners will also enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk the runway wearing exclusive collections from the judges at the Local Fashion Police grand finale on 19 November 2026.
As part of its ongoing commitment to industry development, the Local Fashion Police will also host a series of masterclasses across the country. Participating designers will share practical business insights and industry expertise with aspiring fashion entrepreneurs, helping them grow their brands and navigate the challenges of the fashion sector.
The masterclasses will take place in collaboration with various partners in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg in August and September.
With fashion lovers, designers and industry leaders coming together, the 2026 Local Fashion Police promises a showcase which is a celebration of everything that makes South African fashion unique.
Also see: Fashion Revolution Day: Why it matters in South Africa
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