Fashion has always been more than just clothing. It is expression, storytelling, and identity woven into fabric. For Tshego Lakes, a fashion and beauty influencer based in Pretoria, Gauteng, fashion is a language, one that speaks of elegance, sustainability, confidence, and accessibility.
Tshego’s journey into fashion did not begin with a grand plan or a formal blueprint. It started simply and organically, with daily outfit posts shared out of pure creativity and self-expression. What began as a personal habit soon transformed into something much larger. People began to notice. Followers grew. Engagement increased. And before she knew it, her sense of style was resonating with women far beyond her immediate circle.
“I just started posting my daily outfits,” Tshego recalls. “People loved the way I put my clothes together, and that encouraged me to keep going.”
That encouragement became fuel. With each post, Tshego refined her voice in the fashion space, one that champions elegance without excess, style without intimidation, and sustainability without compromise.
Fashion with Purpose
At the heart of Tshego Lakes’ fashion influence is a clear and intentional message: women do not need expensive or unattainable wardrobes to look elegant and stylish. Her work consistently demonstrates that affordability and beauty can coexist, and that fashion can be both conscious and aspirational.
Sustainability plays a central role in her approach. Rather than chasing every fleeting trend, Tshego focuses on timeless pieces, thoughtful styling, and mindful consumption. She encourages women to reimagine what they already own, to invest in quality over quantity, and to build wardrobes that reflect personal identity rather than pressure.
Elegance, to Tshego, is not about labels, it is about confidence, posture, and self-belief. Style is not dictated by price tags but by creativity and intention.
Through her content, she reaches women from all walks of life, offering inspiration that feels achievable and relatable. Her influence reassures women that they can be beautiful, polished, and stylish on their own terms.
From Social Media to the Runway
One of the proudest milestones in Tshego Lakes’ journey came when she walked in the L’Oréal Walk Your Worth Fashion Show, a defining moment that marked her transition from digital influence to industry recognition.
Walking for a global brand like L’Oréal was not just a career highlight; it was validation.
“It was my proudest moment,” she shares. “To see something that started online translate into a real-life opportunity was incredibly fulfilling.”
The experience reinforced her belief that authenticity opens doors. That when creativity is shared honestly, it attracts the right attention. And that platforms built on passion can evolve into professional opportunities.
Inspiring Women Through Representation
Tshego’s influence extends beyond fashion visuals. At its core, her work is about representation, showing women that they can look elegant, beautiful, and stylish regardless of budget or background.
She creates content for women who want to feel confident in their skin. For women who may have believed fashion was out of reach. For women learning that style is not about perfection but about self-expression.
By consistently showing affordable outfits styled with intention, Tshego dismantles the idea that elegance is exclusive. She reminds her audience that beauty is not reserved for a select few, it is accessible, inclusive, and deeply personal.
Her platform has become a space where women feel seen, inspired, and encouraged to experiment with their own fashion identities.
The Meaning of the Emerge Africa Fashion Icon Nomination
Being nominated for Fashion Icon at the Emerge Africa Awards is a moment of reflection and gratitude for Tshego Lakes.
“I’m truly amazed at how something that started with simply sharing creativity has grown into being taken seriously and celebrated,” she says.
The nomination represents more than recognition, it is a reminder. A reminder to keep pushing. To keep creating. To keep doing what she loves, even on days when the impact feels invisible.
It affirms the belief that someone is always watching. Someone is always inspired. And that creativity, when nurtured and shared, can open doors that once seemed unimaginable.
For Tshego, this nomination is both a celebration of how far she has come and motivation for where she is headed.
Looking Ahead: A Vision Bigger Than Fashion
Tshego Lakes’ vision for the future is bold and expansive. She dreams of seeing herself on top billboards, collaborating with large global brands, and exploring fashion trends on an international scale.
But beyond visibility, her ambition is rooted in growth, creative growth, industry growth, and impact. She aims to continue evolving her influence while staying grounded in the values that shaped her journey: sustainability, elegance, and accessibility.
As her platform expands, she remains committed to inspiring women to embrace their individuality, to dress with intention, and to understand that fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression.
A Journey Still Unfolding
Tshego Lakes’ story is a testament to the power of starting small and staying consistent. It is proof that creativity shared authentically can lead to recognition, influence, and opportunity.
From daily outfit posts to international runways, from personal expression to industry acknowledgment, her journey reflects the spirit of emerging African excellence.
As she continues to shape her path in fashion and beauty, Tshego stands as a reminder that elegance is not bought, it is embodied. And style, when rooted in purpose, has the power to inspire far beyond the mirror.
As an official nominee of the Emerge Africa Awards, Tshego Lakes voting details are shared below for readers who wish to support her through public voting.
