The most stylish event on South Africa’s social calendar – the GQ Best Dressed Awards – is ready to welcome fashion mavens and style setters to a grand affair on the 27th of August 2022, this year in celebration of the eloquence of personal stylish expression.
The awards ceremony, which has been a staple on the event calendar for more than 16 years, recognises the personal flair of some of South Africa’s most fashionably sophisticated, and will once again be hosted in Sandton, Gauteng.
In 2022, the Awards take cognisance of the growing evolution and expansion of stylish self-expression and will, for the first time in their history, introduce new categories that speak to this fresh understanding of what it is to be ‘stylish’ and considered ‘best-dressed.’
One of the honours to be added to the line-up of 11 categories of the best-dressed, includes a reader’s choice award, under the hashtag #GQBD2022. Readers had free rein to nominate anyone they believe had the style savvy to be a leader, including themselves.
Explaining the new format for the prestigious awards, GQ Editor-in-Chief, Molife Kumona says: “With the evolution over the years of what being best dressed means, it is important to celebrate individuals who know how to own a certain category of style. Someone dressed in a classic suit and another in an African attire can both be ultra-stylish, but who is owning it, and in what style category? That’s who we are celebrating on the night. It is quite exciting as we also get to celebrate a more diverse group of individuals.”
GQ editors will shortly select a shortlist of 10 readers who have used the hashtag and will proceed to open the line for public voting. The winners on the night will consist of one reader-voted winner with the balance selected by a panel of judges consisting of GQ’s editors and past winners.
Kumona and his team are enthusiastic by the entries so far, which have revealed a richness of spirit and creativity, commenting that: “GQ Best Dressed always shows us that not only does style continue to evolve, but there are people out there who have great personal style. Lockdown didn’t ruin their vibe, and we look forward to acknowledging them all and sharing their style with our readers.”
In 2022, GQ South Africa teams up with partners Scottish Leader, Lexus South Africa, and Markham, to recognise and showcase the country’s fashionable elite.
Lando Appies, Scottish Leader Whisky Brand Manager says, “We are thrilled to be a partner of SA’s most stylish fashion event for the second consecutive year. In addition to celebrating style, GQ Best Dressed acknowledges people who are unapologetically themselves. The event has a great synergy with Scottish Leader whisky and its aim of showcasing individuals who see the world differently.
“Scottish Leader also has a very special announcement at this year’s event to shine a spotlight on brave individuals who are making their mark. In addition to being among the first to taste the exciting new Scottish Leader x Moonchild Sherry Cask limited edition, attendees have much to look forward to at this year’s GQ Best Dressed awards, including dramatic mixology, delicious and daring cocktails, spot prizes and more.”
Thabo Smouse, Manager of Special Projects & Product Communications at Lexus South Africa says the luxury brand is proud to be associated with the event. “There’s a common link between people’s love for fashion and their love for cars, engines, design, and craftsmanship, which Lexus masters very well. Lexus is all about creating luxury cars and amazing experiences. True to its tagline – ‘Experience Amazing’ – Lexus delivers a strong, unified message and demonstrates the brand’s progressive shift in a lifestyle direction. The emotional designs and electrified vision for our brand signals a new chapter for the brand.”
Equally keen on the association and looking forward to the evening, Nicol Rademeyer, Markham Head of Marketing remarked: “As the leading men’s fashion brand, Markham is the everyday style partner that leaves the SA man looking good, feeling great, and allows them to express their individuality with confident style. We are excited about the fashion partnership with GQ Best Dressed 2022 to acknowledge the SA fashion scene, at this premium style event. The partnership of these two iconic brands in the SA fashion industry is so powerful, both with the belief that a gentleman is more than just style – they also need to be good men that make their mark on the world.”
Previous winners of the awards have been rapper Cassper Nyovest, television personality Kat Sinavasan, actor Thapelo Mokoena, film director Justice Mukheli, sports star Siya Kolisi, entertainer DJ Tira, and actor Vuyo Dabula, among others.
The award categories for this year’s GQ Best Dressed are as follows:
- Best Dressed Teen
- Best Dressed Female
- Best Street Style
- Afro Modernist Style
- The Classic Style
- The Avant-Garde
- Best Dressed Celebrity
- Best Dressed Fashion Influencer
- Fashion Icon
- Best Dressed Couple
- Best Dressed Reader