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And the winner is...
Nelson Mandela, the epitome of South African style, creativity and resourcefulness.
Nelson Mandela
More aspirational than the A-list.
Better dressed than the B-list.
More cultured than the C list.
It's the D-list.
The D-list is our D-Day honours list for prominent South Africans who are passionate about South Africa design.
This is a subjective, personal list drawn from suggestions made by a panel of top South African fashion designers. It is by no means definitive, but the starting point for debate, and a challenge to all high-profile South Africans who flaunt foreign labels.
Ariane Besson
Ariane in a Marion and Lindie dress.
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Internationally-acclaimed TV commercials director and best-dressed award winner.
Why she's on the D-list: Because she looks fabulous in bespoke South African outfits and lives in an apartment full of South African "junk" and Hylton Nel plates.
What she says: "What I cannot understand is the need to revert to postcards of Provence or Tuscany for reference. Homes should be personal visions … and living in South Africa our references are ultimately South African - an eclectic mix that ranges from the tribal to the sculptures of Helen Martins to plastic mats."
Her personal style: "It's constantly evolving and tongue-in-cheek. I cannot bear the thought of taking one's self too seriously."
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Suzy Bell
Suzy Bell wearing Stoned Cherrie Hat and Skin frock, embracing Stoned Cherrie designer, Thabani Mavundla.
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Cultural commentator, newspaper columnist and creative director of multi-media installations featuring local music, art and fashion.
Why she's on the D-list: For being a self-confessed South African cultural junkie who describes everything from Litema designs engraved onto wet mud houses to Bitterkomix to Heath Nash lampshades to sculptures by Bonnie Ntshalintshali as singing "with heavenly beauty - the bliss that is South African design".
What she says about South African design: "It is fresh. Like the ancients say: 'there is always something new out of Africa'."
Her golden rule of style: "Innocence. Honesty. Simplicity."
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Evita Bezuidenhout
Sunday Times 
Evita: Boere-befrock
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Former ambassador to Bapetikosweti, currently Ambassador without Portfolio and Chief Liaison person with President Mandela's office with regard to Afrikaans Cultural Affairs.
Why she's on the D-list: for adapting so graciously to the new South Africa without losing her cultural identity or her "Boere Baroque" style. For encouraging us all to vote and wear condoms and for counting a knopkerrie as one of her most treasured possessions.
What she says: "It doesn't matter how good South African design is for the reason that it's unique and if it breaks you can go back and get another one."
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Sara Callow
No picture available
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Writer, stylist and fashion editor.
Why she's on the D-list: For understanding the social and political implications of local fashion, without taking any of the fun out of it. For constantly experimenting. For choosing Black Coffee to make her wedding dress.
What she says: "South Africa has an infinite wealth of homegrown fashion talent. I wish we could divert the ridiculous obsession we seem to have with countries such as the US. We are not a Photostat machine!'
Her golden rule of style: "Too much is never enough!"
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Andrew Chicken
Andrew Chicken wears Gavin Rajah
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Innovative local entrepreneur who distils indigenous South African essential oils for international perfume houses in Switzerland and France.
Why he's on the D-list: Because he loves wearing local fashion and his atypical dress sense is always a conversation point.
What he says: "I am proud of the talent and skill, which is evident in some very dynamic and innovative designs and concepts. Our long isolation seems to have stimulated a fresh outlook and some innovative lateral thinking … "n Boer maak 'n plan" concept but in a greatly refined way."
His look: "Maverick, but not fashion victim … but of course we all need a little help sometimes."
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Tamara Dey
Tamara wearing a Black Coffee creation on her new CD cover.
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The first lady of kwaito, and an icon of township pop.
Why is she on the D-list? Because she embodies our potential for cultural fusion without compromise. She has created and sustained a unique image by incorporating the designs of some of SA's top fashion houses into her own personal style
What she says: "Our consumers are too focused on international labels and have not realized that SA products are being exported to countries all over the world. I will continue to support local design in everyway I can, and I know local design will continue to inspire me. I have great expectations for our country and for every one of us. SA ROCKS!"
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Marianne Fassler
Sunday Times 
Marianne wears Marianne
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The original Afro-chicster, and a fashion icon in her own right.
Why she's on the D-list: Because she trail-blazed the new South African design aesthetic long before the new South Africa was born. Because she has proved that there is an international market for South African design with her global client list and regular trunk shows in the US and Britain.
What she says: "My look is distinctly exotic African , eclectic and contemporary.
Just about everything in my home is South African. My home is like a huge South African Art and craft museum\shop. It is the whole that is inspiring much more than the sum of the parts.-from my Rasta plastic chickens to my William Kentridge collection, everything is valuable and loved."
What is style?: "It is something quite elusive. Style is recognizable, it turns heads. It also has a lot to do with confidence and intellect."
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Gwen Gill
Sunday Times 
Gwen the Doyenne
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Doyenne of newspaper social and style columnists.
Why she's on the D-list: For her unsentimental, critical but enduring support of the best of South African design.
What she says: "Imports just can't compete with our most innovative, quirky New South African design - especially clothes with an African tweak, modern "curios" and fabrics and beads used to devastating effect. Sadly some design is also still rooted in the bad old days when the Big Five, crimplene, carnations in buttonholes, grey shoes and shoulder pads ruled."
Her golden rule of style? "Make it simple, make it different, make it fit your lifestyle."
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Craig Jacobs
Sunday Times 
Soul man
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Former fashion journalist (Sunday Times, Y-Mag, ELLE and Style), now partner in sty(list)A, a new fashion collective/image consultancy/events management company.
Why he's on the D-list: Because while he promotes local design and uncovers hidden talent, he is prepared to criticize local fashion when it's not up to standard. Because he is actively working to encourage more young black talent to join the industry.
What he says: "The richness of our collective cultures, our landscape and ecology have created a multi-textured canvas for our designers to produce items from simple woven baskets to intricate couture garments with a distinctive African sensibility. And the rest of the world is taking notice."
His golden rule of style: "Not to slavishly emulate others but to use your wardrobe to reflect your own inner essence."
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Marc Lottering
Riyaad Jamal 
Marc in an Isaacs and Maragelis shirt
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Big mouth comedian.
Why he's on the D-list: Because he loves dressing up, and relies on local designers to interpret his mood.
What he says: "I've built my career on telling stories about growing up on the Cape flats. I tell these stories unashamedly, unapologetically, and with pride. The response has shown me that South Africa need not take a back seat to any other nation. This philosophy is certainly true for South African design. When I perform locally and abroad, I beam when I walk onto stage wearing world-class South African designs. It leaves me with a sense of belonging in the world."
His golden rule of style: "Walk tall in the world. Celebrate yourself … celebrate where you come from and who you are."
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Nelson Mandela
Sunday Times 
Man of style and substance
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Father of the nation.
Why he's on the D-list: For single-handedly reinventing what it means to be South African, for making us excited about what we can achieve if we work together, and for those shirts.
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Nkhensani Manganyi
Sunday Times 
Stoned Fox
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Former TV actress turned talk-show host, fashion fundi and the creative genius behind the Stoned Cherrie brand.
Why's she on the D-List? Because she exemplifies D-Day's commitment to giving the familiar a beguiling twist: creating a distinctive Afro-urban style which conflates past and present.
What does she say: "We are currently negotiating our identity as South Africans. There's a new kind of consciousness about. Most of our creative endeavours aim to make history a part of popular culture so that we can inspire an interest in restrospection and a celebration of who we are."
What's her golden rule of style: "Don't be dictated to. Dance to the rhythm of the madness in you."
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Claire Mawisa
Sunday Times 
Claire shows her form
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Former model, TV personality and DJ. Currently contributing Beauty Editor to Seventeen magazine and also a freelance MC.
Why she's on the D-list: Because she refuses to be fashion clone. Because she exemplifies South Africa's iconoclastic style by playfully combing South African haute couture with retro accessories.
What she says: "Being away from home (a year in London) made me realise how talented and under-rated our local designers are compared to international designers, from concept to quality. I urge everyone to support local designers and in so doing, help to create jobs".
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Thandiswa "Red" Mazwai
Sunday Times 
Bongo and beyond
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Lead singer for Bongo Maffin, ambassador for South African youth culture and walking testament to African style.
Why is she on the D-list? Because she's not afraid to speak her mind. Because she detests tight, sexy clothes and flashy hair extensions, refuses to conform to imported hip-hop fashion, and puts her music ahead of making money
What she says: "Everyday we listen to English on the hidden and TV. It's time people hear our languages and feel our vibe. I don't see why people should listen to Jennifer Lopez and not Apple Seed's Zimbabwean Shona chants."
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Primrose Moloantoa
Sunday Times 
Primrose wears Marianne Fassler
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Former Face of Loreal in Africa, now PR co-ordinator for Sun International Resorts.
Why she's on the D-list: Because she represented a multinational cosmetic company without sacrificing her African-ness. And because she stepped onto the international stage at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival in a Marianne Fassler dress and drove the photographers crazy.
What she says: "Given the economic imbalances of our country, entrepreneurship needs to be encouraged and design is a vital part of the solution. Our inspiring locations and diverse cultures combined with our local talent will put us on the map as one of the fashion centres of the world."
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Rosie Motene
Sunday Times 
Glittering Rosie
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Generations star, style award nominee, high-flying celeb.
Why she's on the D-List: Because not only does she support South African fashion, she also supports South African society through her work with abused women and children.
What she says: "I want to change the mindset of many South Africans. People are constantly believing in everyone and everything that is not South African. We need to stop looking abroad - it's straining our eyes."
Her golden rule of style: "Comfort, elegance and your shoes must always match your bag."
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Dr Precious Motsepe-Moloi
Sunday Times 
Dr Precious Motsepe-Moloi with hubby, Patrice.
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Medical doctor, President of the National Cancer Association (Cansa), frequent nominee for the best-dressed lists.
Why she's on the D-list: Because she combines a tough job with boundless compassion and a rare sense of beauty and style. Because her name hardly ever appears in print unless accompanied by the adjective "glamorous". Because she puts her puts her money where her mouth is when it comes to supporting local designers.
What she says: "What you wear should reflect the person you are".
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Sheryl Ozinsky
Sunday Times 
Balls and brains
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Head of Cape Town Tourism
Why she's on the D-list: For putting her heart and soul into supporting and encouraging South Africa's creative industries. For filling her wardrobe and her home with locally designed treasures.
What she says: "C'mon Charlize - why are you wearing Vera Wang when you ought to be brandishing a locally-designed dress? I really don't understand all this fuss about Italian this-and-that and New York this-and-that - when really our own backyard is a very happening place! Style, to me, is about having the balls to stand out and be counted. About creating a little red Oscar mat around yourself."
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Kuli Roberts
Sunday Times 
Kuli, with attitude
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Presenter of M-Net's Trading on Style, former editor of Pace magazine, former fashion and beauty editor for Drum, cultural loud mouth.
Why she's on the D-list: Because she's got such strong opinions on South African design, and she walks her talk.
What she says: "Our design is fabulous because it's inspired by the dark and delicious continent. We have retained what we learned from our grandparents and still embrace it years later with pride. In 10 years, we have achieved so much. Let us continue to work and achieve what will ultimately convince all South Africans that we rock, we are united and if you do not want to be part of it, take the ship back to where you will surely find your ancestors and oppress them!"
Her golden rule of style: "Be free to explore. Try it all and discover yourself and you might find that you like it all! There are so many options."
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Gretha Scholtz
Sunday Times 
Gretha looking racy
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Former model turned designer and one of South African fashion's most glamorous international ambassadors.
Why she's on the D-list: Because wherever in the world she wears South African designs, she invariably causes a sensation. Because she's the only girl in the country with Gavin Rajah couturier-designed curtains.
What she says: "We're right there on the forefront of fashion, but we have that extra edge, and that makes us unique. I wish South Africans would stop being so "star struck" with European designers, artists, singers, actors etc. etc. and support local talent."
Her golden rule of style: "Be comfortable in your own skin, wear your clothes with confidence. Oh, and of course, fab stilettos with everything!"
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Thembi Seete
Sunday Times 
Real diamonds, fake fur
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Actress, musician and winner of the most stylish music video artist in the Sunday Times/Elle Magazine TV Style Awards,
Why she's on the D-list: Because she's a fashion icon without being a fashion victim, because she designs her own clothes, chooses her own fabric, and has a seamstress run them up for her.
What she says: "I believe that we are an extremely versatile nation. We have the ability to add an Africa feel to almost any garment, regardless where it comes from, without disturbing the original design."
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Jodie Stinson
Barney Edwards 
Modern-day muse
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Glamorous Australian-born former model, now local fashion muse, collaborator and award-winning décor stylist.
Why she's on the D-list?: Because she's fully embraced the culture and beauty of her adopted country. Because she would rather shop in Durban's Grey Street than the fashion capitals of Europe.
What she says: "We possess creative talent that can hold its own anywhere in the world. The fact that we have such an interesting mix of cultures for designers to draw inspiration from is what makes us so unique".
If she could change one thing it would be "to speed up the process of acceptance of mixed racial interaction on a social level - we can learn so much from each other".
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