Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025: Fashion like you've never seen it before

IOL News

27-04-2025

Dr Smile certainly knew how to jazz it up in his stunning outfit. See what inspired his look in the story below.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
If you were lucky enough to attend the 22nd annual Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025 at the CTICC last night, you know it wasn't just about the music, it was a full-on fashion parade.
With soulful sounds floating through the air and the city's style icons in attendance, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025 was the place to see and be seen.
From retro-inspired overcoats and bold streetwear to statement accessories and vibrant colours, festival-goers proved that jazz and fashion are the perfect duet.
Jazz festival fashion: Iconic looks from the 22nd annual event
Sister, sister: Effortless cool from Chandre & Esona Ndongeni
"Our parents used to come here; this is such a huge full circle moment,' shared these sisters who beautifully embodied the festival's allure as a space where tradition meets reinvention.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Fashion at the festival is all about feeling the vibe, and no one embodied this more than the Ndongeni sisters. Chandre, experiencing her first jazz fest, was excited for Masego, while Esona stole the scene with stunning yellow shades and a breezy white linen set. The effortless, fresh, and fun-her look was a love letter to laid-back style, wrapped in festival energy. "My parents used to come here - this is such a huge full circle moment," the sisters shared, proving that jazz and fashion are both about tradition and reinvention.
Dr. Smile: The golden age gentleman
Among the glittering crowd was the ever-dapper Dr Alexander Abedian-Rawhani, a.k.a. Dr Smile.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Among the glittering crowd was the ever-dapper Dr Alexander Abedian-Rawhani, a.k.a. Dr Smile. Channeling the golden era of men's fashion, he rocked a classic patter reminiscent of 1940s and '50s debonair icons like Cary Grant. The look oozed authority and polish, blending vintage charm with modern flair. As Dr Smile himself said, 'The event inspires your outfit' and he certainly dressed to impress!
When friends share a fashion frequency
Khulekani Mayisa and Sindiso Nyoni. When friends share a fashion frequency
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Khulekani Mayisa, a Johannesburg-based photographer, wowed in a black dress topped with a tiger-striped jacket, red lips, white shades, and a playful French hat. Her partner in chic, Sindiso Nyoni, rocked a kickbox streetwear two-piece, finished with a crisp white Adidas cap and sneakers. If there's a word for this kind of sartorial synergy, it's "friendship goals."
Leopard-print moment
Skye Khola looked ready to prowl the jazz jungle in a relaxed leopard-print jumpsuit layered over a black short-sleeve top.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi
Skye Khola looked ready to prowl the jazz jungle in a relaxed leopard-print jumpsuit layered over a black short-sleeve top. She accessorised with a black leather newsboy cap, round sunglasses, and a pop-of-colour scarf tied at the neck. Her crossbody bucket bag and silver ring completed the look. As she put it, 'At the jazz fest, I'm just looking forward to the Brother Moves On set and looking fly while doing it!' Now that's festival confidence.
Fashion is always personal, but sometimes it's family, too. Thato Segathle wore a dark blue, kimono-style jacket designed by her brother, complete with wide sleeves, light grey details, and a bold red bandana. Paired with Isaiah Hobbs' equally cool look, this duo proved that festival fashion is all about unique statements and meaningful connections.
Thato Segathle and Isaiah Hobbs. This duo proved that festival fashion is all about unique statements and meaningful connections.
Image: Vuyile Madwantsi