Nomalanga Shozi has brought back her signature afro, and she chose Paris to do it.
The South African broadcaster, MC, actress and model made a stylish return to the French capital at the invitation of H&M for the global celebration of its forthcoming ELIE SAAB H&M collaboration, marking what she describes as a new chapter in both her personal style and career.
“People have been asking me to bring back my afro for years, and I’ve been keeping mum about it,” said Shozi. “Paris, with H&M, felt like the perfect moment to bring her back.”
For Shozi, the return of the afro is more than a nostalgic beauty moment. It represents a version of herself that feels familiar, but one she is now approaching with a renewed sense of confidence.
“It’s a familiar look, but I’m wearing it as the woman I am now, young, happy and bolder than ever before,” she said.
Hand-picked to attend the Paris celebration at the historic Palais Brongniart, Shozi stepped into the spotlight in a silver-toned sequined mesh midi dress from the H&M Studio collection. The look featured a softly draped cowl neckline, delicate shoulder straps and a floral-embroidered hem, offering a glimpse into the glamour ahead of the ELIE SAAB H&M collection’s South African launch on October 22.
A new fashion chapter in Paris
Shozi says her current approach to fashion is less about simply dressing for the occasion and more about reflecting how she feels.
“Fashion has always been a way for me to express myself, but right now I’m really enjoying dressing for the woman I’m becoming,” she said. “I want my clothes to feel exciting, feminine and confident, but also like me.”
That attitude aligns with the spirit of the ELIE SAAB H&M collaboration, which brings the Lebanese fashion house’s signature glamour to a wider audience through womenswear, menswear and accessories.
The collection features embellished gowns, shimmering separates and sharply cut tailoring, alongside fine lace, gradient sequins and signature monograms, translating ELIE SAAB’s distinctive occasionwear aesthetic into ready-to-wear fashion.
Bringing The Flames along for the ride
For Shozi, the Paris experience is also about taking her audience along for the ride.
Through her #LifeOfAStar behind-the-scenes social media series, she is giving her community, The Flames, a front-row look at the experience, from getting ready and stepping out to the fashion, atmosphere and glamour surrounding the celebration.
“I love that I get to experience these moments with The Flames,” Shozi said. “It’s not just about showing them the final look. I want them to see everything, the getting ready, the nerves, the excitement and all the little moments that make a trip like this so special.”
The Paris appearance follows Shozi’s recent hosting of the L’Oréal Paris Biggest Makeup Masterclass in Johannesburg. No stranger to international fashion and entertainment platforms, she attended London Fashion Week last year, has hosted runway shows for leading fashion brands and has taken her presenting career onto international stages including the BET Awards and the MTV EMAs in London.
Now, with her afro officially back and a new fashion chapter underway, Shozi is embracing the moment on her own terms.
“I feel like I’m entering such a beautiful era of my life,” she said. “I’m having fun with fashion, I’m having fun with who I am, and I’m not afraid to take up space anymore.”
