Bonang, Noni Gasa & other trendsetters talk fashion must-haves

The SA Style Awards at Hyde Park Corner honour some of the most fashionable local personalities. Leading up to the 20th anniversary next year, SA Style Awards judges selected 20 past Style Award winners. We chatted to a few local trendsetters and trailblazers about personal style, fashion pick-me-ups and wardrobe must-haves

Basetsana Kumalo, businesswoman

"The one item in my wardrobe that always makes me feel great is a Gavin Rajah wrap shawl collar jacket, which I use with pants, a skirt or a dress to create a really chic look. It helps me to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. I love items like these. Functionality is key!"

(Find out why Basetsana Kumalo's combination of beauty and brains make her a top entrepreneur.)

Mandla Sibeko, Netflorist chairman and FNB Joburg Art Fair co-director

"My personal style is a smart-casual look that's easily adaptable to fit a meeting with anybody, from a president to a supplier or artist. I have plenty of crisp white shirts; you can never have enough."

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Bonang Matheba, TV and radio host and Bonang Matheba Entertainment founder

"My personal style evolves with my mood, but I'd describe it as incredibly elegant and very, very glamorous. I'm known for my killer red-carpet looks, which are usually very simple and always on trend."

Lindiwe Suttle, singer-songwriter

"There is nothing like personal style, there is just style and good taste. I believe style is something you are born with. It is having a sense of colour and knowing the silhouettes that suit you. Maybe the result of this you can then call personal."

Maira Koutsoudakis, Life Group CEO

"Silk of any sort, from flowing kaftans to silk underwear, never fails to make me feel phenomenal. Worn with heels these make any girl feel fantastic. My other big love is ancient Greek-style sandals worn with Eres swimming costumes and distressed denim cut-off shorts for that gypsy boho beach look."

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Trevor Stuurman, photographer and creative director

"The one item in my wardrobe that always makes me feel good is my Simon and Mary hat ... every man should own things locally made."

John Jacob, interior architect

"The more effortless a man looks, the better. The right dark suit, classic lace-ups and sneakers and the perfect pair of dark denim jeans are essential. Excellent underwear and socks (I like Hanro), accessories (Tateossian is one of my favourites) and a signature cologne (I like Byredo Black Saffron) are a must."

Lee-Ann Liebenberg, model

"I always feel special when I wear my black YSL sandals, a delicious red lipstick and a splash of Dior's Ambre Nuit ... I know it is very much a cliche, but every woman should own a beautiful, well-cut little black dress. You will never be overdressed or underdressed. And at least one pair of jeans that fit amazingly well."

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Ursula Chikane, broadcaster and producer

"Years ago, I bought a Diane von Fürstenberg raincoat dress with a lace trim and the widest wrap band. I love it now as much as I did the first time I ever wore it. I call it my 'OMG dress' because every time I wear it, I love what I see and go: 'OMG.' That dress is perfection!"

Noni Gasa, Woolworths PR manager

"The ultimate pick-me-up from my closet is my go-to fitted Gucci bustier dress with lace panelling and origami detailing. My style is deliberate: simple garments punctuated by one statement piece."