In one room, an extraordinary group of leaders, visionaries and tastemakers who represent the pinnacle of talent in their respective fields. Here are the judges of the SA Style Awards.
The SA Style Awards Judges Luncheon, partnered by VERSUS PAINT, was celebrated in true style at Bellagio Mediterranean Restaurant in Illovo, Sandton, on Tuesday, 25 November. A distinguished panel of 30 judges enjoyed an exceptional culinary experience as they gathered for this prestigious annual occasion.
The stellar panel included leading editors, past winners, and influential business personalities; among them South African treasure Dr. John Kani, business luminary Irene Charnley, designers Craig Jacobs and others, as well as music icon Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse. Together, they deliberated and cast their votes for the 2026 SA Style Awards winners.
Guests were treated to personalised sun hats courtesy of Versus Paint, QMS innovative anti-ageing serums, and sweet delights from Ooh La La Artisan Confectionary.
Winners will be announced in February, with the Awards celebrated in true Met Gala style at the end of March. In the lead-up to the Awards, we will also be announcing our esteemed partners who will help bring this iconic celebration to life.
About Bellagio Restaurant
Expect bold flavours and a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine.
Chef-Owner Louise Castle believes in using the finest and freshest seasonal produce. Classically trained in Italy you can expect her to wow you with the likes of seafood risotto, zucchini fries and the best cheese soufflè in the business. The specials board at Bellagio is one its highlights and keeps the food fresh and exciting.
The shady terrace is ideal for long lazy summer lunches and the stylish interior transports you to a trattoria overlooking Lake Como. That paired with the smells of basil and tomato wafting from the kitchen you will want to turn your lunch or dinner into a very leisurely one.
From freshly baked bread to a towering mille-feuille with berries the menu has something for everyone and is utterly delicious.
Location:
Johannesburg: Block 2, 257 Oxford Road, Illovo, Johannesburg 2196
Cape Town: 74 Prestwich Street (The Foundry Courtyard), Green Point / De Waterkant, Cape Town 8001
About Versus Paint
VERSUS PAINT COLOUR OF THE YEAR FOR 2026 OCEANSTONE TEAL, THE SHADE DEFINING A NEW ERA OF SOUTH AFRICAN STYLE
In a year poised for reinversion, VERSUS introduces Oceanstone teal- a colour that doesn’t just join the conversation of 2026 design; it leads it. This hue arrives with intention; bold enough to command attention, refined enough to set the tone for a new chapter in contemporary South Africa aesthetics.
A SHADE SCULPTED BY NATURE, CURATED BY DESIGN
Oceanstone Teal draws from the quiet drama of deep coastal waters and the matte elegance of mediterranean ceramics. It’s a colour shaped by movement. Tidal, rhythmic, self-assured-yet anchored in a stillness that feels undeniably luxurious. This is not a trend for a moment. This is a colour for a mood. THE MOOD OF 2026;
GROUNDED LUXURY
Design in 2026 is moving toward a softer kind of opulence, one that favours longevity, texture and intentionality. Oceanstone Teal embodies this shift. it brings depth without heaviness, richness without excess. and a sense of calm that speaks directly to the modern South African home. in a world craving meaning over noise, this is the colour that says more by speaking softly.
WHERE OCEANSTONE TEAL LIVES BEST
In editorial settings and architectural spaces alike, this shade behaves like a quiet protagonist:
On feature walls, it becomes a cinematic backdrop-moody, sculptural, unforgettable.
In textured finishes, it reveals the Versus craftmanship that turns walls into art pieces. A Versus Stucco wall in Oceanstone Teal would be an iconic statement in your home.
Paired with brushed metals, natural stone, warm neutrals or crisp whites, it creates the layered luxury that defines contemporary interiors.
In exteriors, it offers a modern alternative to conventional dark tones-sophisticated, unexpected and impossibly chic.
THE SA STYLE AWARDS CONNECTION
Oceanstone Teal feels right at home in a wolrd of couture, culture and creative expression. It mirrors the energy of the collaboration with the SA Style Awards: aspirational yet accessible, rooted in heritage yet looking firmly ahead. A colour that doesnt chase trends- it sets them.
About QMS Medicosmetics South Africa
QMS Medicosmetics began as a groundbreaking discovery in post-surgical scar treatment by renowned facial surgeon Dr. Erich Schulte. Initially developed to enhance scar healing and skin regeneration, Dr. Schulte soon recognized that these advanced, collagen-based formulations could dramatically improve skin elasticity and vitality for everyone. Dedicated to scientifically proven results, pioneering the use of skin-identical collagen and addressing the root causes of aging, rather than merely treating visible symptoms
At QMS, science isn’t a trend, it’s our guiding principle. We are deeply rooted in dermatological research, continuously pushing boundaries through innovation in collagen technology. Three decades ago, we revolutionized the skincare industry by introducing the first-ever 97% skin-identical collagen. Today, we proudly continue our legacy with the launch of COLLAgen3D™, the world’s first 100% skin-identical, micro-molecular vegan collagen, delivering unprecedented rejuvenation and regeneration.
About Oohlala Artisan Confectionery
Karen Schneid is a wife to David, mother of Saffron and Scarlett, and the founder of Ooh La La Confectionery. For many years, she had a flourishing career as an advocate at the legal bar in South Africa, a profession she loved deeply. Beyond the courtroom, Karen was a passionate traveler and foodie, often hopping on planes between cases to immerse herself in global cultures.
Her journey into confectionery began in the summer of 1993 while traveling in Aix-en-Provence. There, she tasted a local confection called a calisson, an experience that would spark a lifelong passion. Determined to master this craft, Karen studied with historians, scientists, and French confectioners, including Madame Acabo, the owner of Paris’s A L’Étoile d’Or. After years of refining her recipes, Madame Acabo famously declared Karen’s calisson “C’est magnifique,” marking a milestone in her journey.
Karen continued developing a wide range of confections, from French nougat and gourmet marshmallows to caramelized nut Pebbles, Turkish Delight, and high-end chocolates. More recently, she has explored Japanese-French fusion creations, expanding Ooh La La’s repertoire. As the business grew, production moved from her family kitchen to a purpose-built factory designed by her husband, where a team of twenty artisans now bring Karen’s vision to life.
Over the years, Ooh La La has received numerous accolades, including recognition from Eat Out magazine and multiple Great Taste Awards in the UK. Karen’s journey from advocate to award-winning confectioner reflects her relentless curiosity, creativity, and dedication to sharing exquisite confections with the world.
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