The Delicious Festival 2025 proved once again why it’s hailed as the mother of all things food, fashion, and music. Held on the 21st and 22nd of September, the weekend pulsed with energy as an incredible lineup Zee Nxumalo, Babalwa M, Kelvin Momo, Kwesta, Sjava, Lira, Zoe Modiga, Wyclef Jean, and the incomparable Lauryn Hill took the stage. But beyond the music, it was fashion that truly reigned supreme.
From the moment guests arrived, the festival transformed into an open-air runway. Style wasn’t just worn, it was spoken. South African fashion took center stage as attendees embraced bold individuality, each outfit a reflection of personality and pride. The dress code? Effortless sophistication. Think looks carefully considered but never overworked curated pieces that allowed comfort to meet elegance. Unlike so many events where fashion uniformity takes over, Delicious was a mosaic of originality, with no two outfits telling the same story.
images courtesy of IG | @mimi_photography
images courtesy of IG | @mimi_photography
images courtesy of IG | @mimi_photography
images courtesy of IG | @mimi_photography
The defining moment came on Sunday night, when Lauryn Hill graced the stage in breath taking Thebe Magugu creations, while her dancers and backing vocalists echoed the festival’s spirit in luxurious MaXhosa ensembles. It was a powerful nod to South African designers on a global stage made even more significant by the fact that Lauryn’s team had personally reached out to collaborate. The result was a seamless marriage of heritage and high fashion that left the audience on its feet.
As we wandered through the festival grounds, it felt like moving through a living gallery each passer by an artwork in motion, a celebration of culture, creativity, and unapologetic self expression. Delicious wasn’t just a festival; it was a reminder that fashion, like music, has the power to unite and inspire.
This look is bold, edgy, and fashion-forward, making a strong statement at the festival. The layered jewelry, unique styling with strapless top and oversized denim, and confident pose showcase a creative and eclectic sense of style. It exudes a cool, artistic vibe perfect for a lively festival atmosphere.
This look is vibrant and stylish, perfect for a festival setting. The patterned outerwear adds a lively touch, while the red accessories and sneakers keep the outfit coordinated and fashionable. The relaxed fit and sunglasses complete the fun and comfortable festival vibe.
This look exudes a relaxed yet stylish vibe perfect for outdoor events. The combination of a crisp white T-shirt with subtle print details creates a clean and casual foundation. The pastel pink trousers add a pop of colour and a touch of sophistication, providing a fresh and playful contrast to the classic white sneakers.
The accessories, including a trendy straw hat with a colourful band, dark sunglasses, and a yellow crossbody bag, complete the ensemble with a cheerful and vibrant touch. Overall, the outfit is well-balanced, blending comfort with fun, making it ideal for festivals, concerts, or casual summer outings.
A casual yet stylish ensemble that incorporates classic elements with a modern twist:
The outfit successfully blends vintage-inspired pieces with modern casual wear, creating a cohesive and fashionable look suitable for a relaxed outdoor event or gathering. The color palette of earthy tones (brown, khaki) paired with black and white creates a balanced and appealing aesthetic.
This look presents a stylish and relaxed ensemble, perfect for a casual outdoor event or a day out. The combination of classic pieces with modern silhouettes creates a chic and comfortable aesthetic.
This look presents a stylish and relaxed ensemble, perfect for a casual outdoor event or a day out. The combination of classic pieces with modern silhouettes creates a chic and comfortable aesthetic. They’re rocking coordinated, print-based outfits with a relaxed, festival vibe. The woman’s flowy dress and the man’s matching pants create a stylish, cohesive look. Accessories and casual footwear add to the laid-back feel.
These looks are bold and stylish with a strong streetwear vibe. The person on the left sports a relaxed graphic tee, denim shorts, and purple sneakers, giving off a cool, casual street style. The person on the right has a striking, layered outfit with a vibrant patterned coat, white shirt, wide-leg black pants, and accessories, creating a fashionable and eclectic look. Overall, they both showcase confidence and individuality through their outfits.
This look is a chic blend of luxury and casual style. The classic white shirt paired with Gucci shorts adds a touch of high-end fashion to a relaxed, street-style vibe. The white Gucci bag and sneakers complete the look, making it trendy yet comfortable. Overall, it’s a stylish, effortlessly glamorous outfit.
Together, the trio embodies festival fashion at its best: individuality, confidence, and fun. None of them look like they’re trying too hard, yet each outfit tells a story.
What makes it work is the contrast: playful prints, edgy fringe, and statement textures—all unified by the comfort of sneakers and bold accessories.
Overall, the concert-goers truly showed up and showed out. While there were a few hits and misses along the way, South African fashion undeniably stole the spotlight. It’s refreshing to see how attendees embraced the festival spirit, interpreting the theme with creativity, effort, and flair. The looks struck the perfect balance: stylish yet comfortable, playful yet polished, proving that fashion and fun can go hand in hand.
Who was your favourite style star from the crowd? Drop your pick in the comments below, we’d love to know!