It was a night of glitz and glamour as iconic eyewear brand Sunglass Hut marked its 50th anniversary and Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse was celebrated as the latest GQ Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and cover star.
Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse was honoured by Sunglass Hut SA as the iconic eyewear brand synonymously celebrated its own 50th anniversary at a glittering event at 15 On Orange.
“We wanted to take a look at the past five decades, with a special focus on the 70s and its impact on our culture,” says André Kitshoff, General Manager of Sunglass Hut South Africa. “Fashion and music were so interconnected, so we wanted to honour the local icons that have played such a pivotal part in shaping our society.”
Local celebrities from all over the country attended Sunglass Hut’s 70s inspired event. Sunglass Hut ambassadors including Rich Mnisi, Karabo Poppy, Kyle Deutch, Gemaen Taylor, YoungstaCPT and Rowlene brought their fashion A-game, as expected.
A specially curated fashion show by the GQ and Glamour fashion team took guests through five decades of sunglass style – starting the countdown in 2020 and working back to 1971. From oversized jackets and chunky sneakers to bell bottoms and jumpsuits, there were lots of nostalgic looks, framed by period-appropriate sunglasses, of course.
GQ Editor-in-Chief, Molife Kumona, said that it is an honour to be able to celebrate Sipho with the first cover for 2022.
“He’s such an inspiration, who has used music to reach, entertain and uplift us all. We were fortunate to visit his home in Soweto for our shoot and the conversation of a lifetime.”, Kumona added.
The GQ Jan/Feb issue, which will be on shelves next week while the digital issue is available here, was handed to guests by roller-skaters in true 70s style.
Earl Kopeledi, Head of Marketing Sunglass Hut SA said at the cover reveal moment, “At Sunglass Hut, we celebrate talent and we love to add a human touch to it. Tonight, we celebrate our 50th birthday but also this wonderful human who has touched so many of our lives over the last few years.”
Guests were treated to a spectacular show by time travelling band Souled Out, fireworks displays, floating runways and a Vintage Lincoln that was specially craned in for the event.
Limited edition recreations of key sunglass styles are available at Sunglass Hut.
Take a look inside the glamorous Sunglass Hut x GQ 70s event at 15 On Orange in the gallery below.
