Celebrity stylist Thobeka Mbane is in high spirits after winning a Twgy award.
Mbane, who was nominated at this year’s Twgy Sustainable Fashion Awards under the Tastemaker category was up against former Glamour editor-in-chief Asanda Sizani and fashion content creator Tintswalo Mabaso.
After winning the award, the stylist expressed her gratitude and spoke about the need for diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
“It’s been such a year of intense growth but also intense challenges and this recognition makes me feel so relieved that slowly the industry is opening up to people living with disabilities and I hope everyone that lives with a disability feels seen and represented and that they know that in a world full of doubt for people like us they can still do it and do it well,” Mbane said.
“It is isolating to always feel doubted and to be the only person like you in a room of people all the time.
“We should stay advocating for industry-wide equity and diversity, which should already exist, and be authentic as well as outspoken about our life experiences boldly and shamelessly. This is a win for all of us.”
Below is the full list of the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards winners:
- Emerging designer:
- Farm-To-Fashion: Yarn
- Innovative Materials and Design: Stephanie Bentum
- Retail Award: 44 Stanely
- Nicholas Coutts Artisanal Fashion: Viviers
- Trans-seasonal Design: Gugu by Gugu
- Changemaker Award: Viviers
- Accessory Award: Athena A
- Student Award: Apricity
- Footwear Award: Sage and Sunday