South African star Nomalanga Shozi marked a new chapter in her fashion journey at the global celebration of the ELIE SAAB H&M collaboration in Paris by bringing back her recognizable afro.
The South African television presenter, host, actress, and model arrived in the French capital at an invitation from H&M to celebrate the upcoming ELIE SAAB H&M collaboration. Shozi described this event as the beginning of a new phase both in her personal style and career.
Shozi shared that she had been offered to bring back her afro for years, and she kept it a secret for a long time. She believes that Paris and H&M provided the perfect moment for such a return.
For her, the return of the afro is not just a nostalgic beauty moment; it reflects a version of herself that seems familiar but which she now presents with renewed confidence. She emphasized that it is a familiar look that she wears as a woman who has become younger, happier, and bolder than ever before.
Invited to the ceremony at the historic Palais de Bronnoyer, Shozi appeared in public wearing a silver mesh midi dress from the H&M Studio collection. The look featured a soft draped boat neckline, delicate straps, and a skirt with floral embroidery, hinting at the upcoming ELIE SAAB H&M collection, which will be presented in South Africa on October 22nd.
Shozi notes that her current approach to fashion is less about dressing for an occasion and more about reflecting her inner feelings. She stated that fashion has always been a way for her to self-express, but she particularly enjoys dressing in the image of a woman in formation right now. She wants her clothing to look captivating, feminine, and confident, while remaining true to her personality.
This worldview aligns with the spirit of the ELIE SAAB H&M collaboration, which introduces the signature chic of the Lebanese fashion house to a wide audience through womenswear, menswear, and accessories. The collection includes embellished dresses, shimmering sets, and sharply tailored suits, complemented by delicate lace, gradient sequins, and signature monograms, translating the evening wear aesthetic of ELIE SAAB into wearable fashion.
For Shozi, the experience in Paris is also linked to sharing this journey with her audience. Through her series of behind-the-scenes content on social media under the hashtag #LifeOfAStar, she allows her community, The Flames, to see all stages of the event: from preparation and appearance to the fashion itself, the atmosphere, and the glamour.
Shozi mentioned that she enjoys sharing these moments with The Flames. She wants them to see not only the final look but the entire process—the excitement, the preparation, and all the small details that make such a trip special.
Her appearance in Paris followed Shozi's recent hosting of the L’Oréal Paris Biggest Makeup Masterclass in Johannesburg. With experience working on international fashion and entertainment platforms, she attended London Fashion Week last year, conducted shows for leading fashion brands, and performed on international stages, including the BET Awards and MTV EMAs in London.
Now that her afro has officially returned and a new chapter in fashion has begun, Shozi is embracing this moment on her own terms. She said she feels like she is entering a wonderful era of her life, enjoying fashion and her