Sona 2026 red carpet: South African designers and celebrities shine in bold fashion statements
Nobukhosi Mukwevho, the creative director and the founder of the women’s fashion brand Khosi Nkosi, on the Sona 2026 red carpet.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
The vibes at the 2026 State of the Nation Address (Sona) so far are subtle but gaining momentum. The sun is out, shining like it actually cares, and while there is not too much skin out yet, the energy is undeniable.
The streets are starting to pop with vibrant summer colours - think bold yellows, zesty oranges - and the kind of brightness that practically begs for sunglasses.
Summer weather calls for looks that are effortless yet full of personality, and we are hoping our homegrown designers are nailing it.
One person who understood the assignment was Nobukhosi Mukwevho, the creative director and the founder of the women’s fashion brand Khosi Nkosi.
She arrived on the Sona 2026 red carpet ahead of this evening's event at the parliamentary building in a bright multi-coloured gown, which was anchored in a bright yellow hue, with splashes of blue, red and green.
Mukwevho styled the boob tube dress with flair detailing with a matching cropped jacket.
Cape Town-based fashion designer Stephen Van Eeden is on the Sona 2026 red carpet wearing a pencil stripe suit with a pop of colour.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Meanwhile, Cape Town-based fashion designer Stephen Van Eeden arrived on the red carpet wearing a pencil stripe suit with a pop of colour, which is a silk pocket square. This trend aligns with current style trends, and we could potentially see more of this.
Speaking to “Independent Media Lifestyle”, Van Eeden said: “My look for Sona today was created by Tailor Me SA, a custom-bespoke suit which I designed with them, and obviously I also have a little brooch from Bellagio Jewellery.”
He added, “I am looking forward to seeing what the parliamentarians will be wearing at Sona this year. I hope that they are all wearing local and supporting local fashion designers, and I am sure they will put on a big show for us, and I am very excited to see all the glamorous looks.”
Meanwhile, dazzle seems to be the aesthetic at this year’s Sona.
This was evident in Modibe Modiba’s choice of outfit. He is wearing an all-black fit with just enough silver sequins to catch the light, giving late-night rooftop vibes meets cocktail hour energy.
Modibe Modiba in a black suit with an embroidered blazer.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Saranya Devan, a theatre-maker, dance performer, and academic, kept it traditional, wearing a panjabi in a peachy pink tone.
Saranya Devan on the Sona 2026 red carpet.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi