FYI: You don’t have to be a fashion aficionado to appreciate this blog. We’re calling on those who are passionate and spread good vibes as we share what makes these ten influencers true #inspo. Psst…it’s got a lot to do with what they do behind the scenes, more so than the looks they bring to our screens.
Fashion is no longer just a means of covering our bodies. It’s an expressive art form that has the power to shape our identities, boost our confidence, and be a voice for something greater. And in Mzansi, fashion has been amplified through the creative minds of influencers who have leveraged their stardom into authentic connections, promoting positive change.
So without further ado, we bring to you our top 10 fashion influencers of 2023…
In no particular order, meet our fave local fashion icons we’ve had the privilege of working with this year. We’ve seen how they’ve hustled, how they’ve transformed the social space, and how they’ve created content that doesn’t just get a double tap, it gets conversations going around affecting change.
Meet Jessica du Plessis (neé Van Heerden), a fashionista who is all about sharing body positivity, lifestyle tips and a beautiful aesthetic. Her eye for detail, oozing confidence and hard working ethic, has taken her around the globe, shooting content for some of the biggest local and international brands.
At just 25, Snikiwe Mhlongo has earned herself the accolades of being an award-winning content creator, YouTuber, fashionista, UCT Alumni and inspiration to over 344k followers (and that’s just on the gram). Her journey to being an influencer started in 2016, back in her first year, where she made her first video using her friend’s phone. Sni’s humble start is an inspiration to people to follow their dreams and take that first step!
A fashionista who is about savvy money spending over brand splurging is something we can definitely get behind - especially in 2023 (mortgage-payers we feel you). Introducing Looks by Lilli, the incredible influencer we managed to work with for our client Yaga. Check out Lilli’s reel here showcasing her impeccable style and ability to promote slow fashion in fun ways.
To all the kids dreaming of becoming a make-up artist, check out your girl Hannah Kruyer, a professional who is now travelling the globe and creating content with amazing brands. We’ve partnered with her for Yaga, Aperol Spritz and Vuse, and in every single campaign she’s brought so much to the creative table, exceeding both our clients and our team’s expectations - and the feelings mutual:
“[I] Always love working with PHI! Communication is easy, they go above and beyond for their creators, and the whole process from start to finish is always enjoyable 🙂”
Instead of flying under the radar as a Miss SA runner-up, Ayanda has taken things to the next level, proving that you don’t need a crown to be a Queen. As a qualified dietician and human nutrition specialist, Ayanda is changing the South African landscape (literally) through “Project Khulisa.” This social campaign aims to improve the future of all South Africans through nutritional intervention and community vegetable gardens, food parcels and education around diet. How she manages to do it all, goes beyond us, but that’s exactly why you should give her a follow and support her initiatives.
Yolanda is a two-time Stellenbosch University Graduate and content creator that’s an absolute dream to work with. Our client, Stephanie Van Den Bergh, Marketing Manager at Jo Borkett had this to say about the campaign we ran with Yolanda:
“I was incredibly happy with how the entire campaign was managed. I know that it is ideal to include points on improving delivery but I really cannot fault PHI in any way. I felt the content was on brand and spoke directly to the group we intended to target. It was real and true to the brand.”
And while yes, while it was true to the brand, it was also true to Yolanda:
“I was not just used as an influencer for advertising. I felt included, my ideas and suggestions mattered and were used. I felt part of the campaign and not just as an influencer that’s being used to get the word out there.”
When your IG bio says, “Not afraid to be seen trying” you’ve immediately got our attention! As an inspiration to many with her go-getter attitude, body positivity, confidence and ability to shake things off if they don’t go according to plan makes Le Chelle an absolute treat to follow and work with! Here’s to many more collabs - watch this space!
Who says that digital content creators have to be millennials, Gen Z or Gen Xs? Dr Cisca de Kock proves that it’s never too late to start influencing, and just because you’re a specialist in one field, doesn’t mean that you can’t branch out into others. Of course, this jump takes a lot of courage, but follow @cisca_dk as she advocates for “vulnerability and self-love by living life authentically.” As a fashionista and mom of two gorgeous boys, we’re obsessed with her page - you should be too!
Louise focuses on getting her followers looking “bloody stunning,” and it’s easy to see why, as she is a stylist herself and loves a good designer collab. With her edgy style and bold colour choices, Louise is our go-to when it comes to fashion advice - she’s even piqued the interest of American Actress Claire Danes who bought one of her designs.
Attorney (check), A woman in tech (check), Podcaster (check), inspiration (check), mamma (check), dream to work with (check), fashionista (check) - is there anything Ayanda can’t do? Gone are the days of fashionistas just posting make-up or styling tutorials. Now they’re peppering their content with other side hustles. Take Ayanda, who is a podcaster promoting careers, businesses, personal and financial empowerment and showing that being a lover of fashion can really amplify positive messages and inspire others.
Also we think you’ll like these blogs too:
FYI: You don’t have to be a fashion aficionado to appreciate this blog. We’re calling on those who are passionate and spread good vibes as we share what makes these ten influencers true #inspo. Psst…it’s got a lot to do with what they do behind the scenes, more so than the looks they bring to our screens.
Fashion is no longer just a means of covering our bodies. It’s an expressive art form that has the power to shape our identities, boost our confidence, and be a voice for something greater. And in Mzansi, fashion has been amplified through the creative minds of influencers who have leveraged their stardom into authentic connections, promoting positive change.
So without further ado, we bring to you our top 10 fashion influencers of 2023…
In no particular order, meet our fave local fashion icons we’ve had the privilege of working with this year. We’ve seen how they’ve hustled, how they’ve transformed the social space, and how they’ve created content that doesn’t just get a double tap, it gets conversations going around affecting change.
Meet Jessica du Plessis (neé Van Heerden), a fashionista who is all about sharing body positivity, lifestyle tips and a beautiful aesthetic. Her eye for detail, oozing confidence and hard working ethic, has taken her around the globe, shooting content for some of the biggest local and international brands.
At just 25, Snikiwe Mhlongo has earned herself the accolades of being an award-winning content creator, YouTuber, fashionista, UCT Alumni and inspiration to over 344k followers (and that’s just on the gram). Her journey to being an influencer started in 2016, back in her first year, where she made her first video using her friend’s phone. Sni’s humble start is an inspiration to people to follow their dreams and take that first step!
A fashionista who is about savvy money spending over brand splurging is something we can definitely get behind - especially in 2023 (mortgage-payers we feel you). Introducing Looks by Lilli, the incredible influencer we managed to work with for our client Yaga. Check out Lilli’s reel here showcasing her impeccable style and ability to promote slow fashion in fun ways.
To all the kids dreaming of becoming a make-up artist, check out your girl Hannah Kruyer, a professional who is now travelling the globe and creating content with amazing brands. We’ve partnered with her for Yaga, Aperol Spritz and Vuse, and in every single campaign she’s brought so much to the creative table, exceeding both our clients and our team’s expectations - and the feelings mutual:
“[I] Always love working with PHI! Communication is easy, they go above and beyond for their creators, and the whole process from start to finish is always enjoyable 🙂”
Instead of flying under the radar as a Miss SA runner-up, Ayanda has taken things to the next level, proving that you don’t need a crown to be a Queen. As a qualified dietician and human nutrition specialist, Ayanda is changing the South African landscape (literally) through “Project Khulisa.” This social campaign aims to improve the future of all South Africans through nutritional intervention and community vegetable gardens, food parcels and education around diet. How she manages to do it all, goes beyond us, but that’s exactly why you should give her a follow and support her initiatives.
Yolanda is a two-time Stellenbosch University Graduate and content creator that’s an absolute dream to work with. Our client, Stephanie Van Den Bergh, Marketing Manager at Jo Borkett had this to say about the campaign we ran with Yolanda:
“I was incredibly happy with how the entire campaign was managed. I know that it is ideal to include points on improving delivery but I really cannot fault PHI in any way. I felt the content was on brand and spoke directly to the group we intended to target. It was real and true to the brand.”
And while yes, while it was true to the brand, it was also true to Yolanda:
“I was not just used as an influencer for advertising. I felt included, my ideas and suggestions mattered and were used. I felt part of the campaign and not just as an influencer that’s being used to get the word out there.”
When your IG bio says, “Not afraid to be seen trying” you’ve immediately got our attention! As an inspiration to many with her go-getter attitude, body positivity, confidence and ability to shake things off if they don’t go according to plan makes Le Chelle an absolute treat to follow and work with! Here’s to many more collabs - watch this space!
Who says that digital content creators have to be millennials, Gen Z or Gen Xs? Dr Cisca de Kock proves that it’s never too late to start influencing, and just because you’re a specialist in one field, doesn’t mean that you can’t branch out into others. Of course, this jump takes a lot of courage, but follow @cisca_dk as she advocates for “vulnerability and self-love by living life authentically.” As a fashionista and mom of two gorgeous boys, we’re obsessed with her page - you should be too!
Louise focuses on getting her followers looking “bloody stunning,” and it’s easy to see why, as she is a stylist herself and loves a good designer collab. With her edgy style and bold colour choices, Louise is our go-to when it comes to fashion advice - she’s even piqued the interest of American Actress Claire Danes who bought one of her designs.
Attorney (check), A woman in tech (check), Podcaster (check), inspiration (check), mamma (check), dream to work with (check), fashionista (check) - is there anything Ayanda can’t do? Gone are the days of fashionistas just posting make-up or styling tutorials. Now they’re peppering their content with other side hustles. Take Ayanda, who is a podcaster promoting careers, businesses, personal and financial empowerment and showing that being a lover of fashion can really amplify positive messages and inspire others.
Also we think you’ll like these blogs too:
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