On Saturday, May 16, aspiring models from communities across Cape Town and the Northern Cape took centre stage at the sold-out LIL Runway Elite Fashion Show 2026, hosted at Rooftop on Bree by visual media company Look In Lens.
The inaugural fashion showcase, founded by photographers Alexander and Riccarda MacDonald, brought together emerging talent, designers, influencers and fashion enthusiasts for an evening focused on creating opportunities for young models who often face barriers in the traditional fashion industry.
The event featured contestants from Mitchells Plain, Bellville, Strand, Athlone, Kuils River, Eersterivier and the Northern Cape.
“Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between raw talent and industry opportunity,” said founder Alexander MacDonald. “Tonight, these models didn’t just walk a runway; they claimed their space in the fashion world.”
According to the team, the road to the runway began with 85 hopeful contestants before being narrowed down through castings, photoshoots and training sessions to a final six models.
The showcase featured couture collections from local designers, including Denzil Pillay, Roch J Swimwear, Attitude by Robin Snyders, Nadia Block Couture and Erique Contemporary Designs.
Guests watched models walk the runway in couture garments featuring hand-sewn detail, tulle work and rhinestone embellishments, transforming the venue into a celebration of local creativity and fashion.
At the conclusion of the evening, Mikhail Manasse from Hanover Park, Jade van Heerden from the Northern Cape and Duwayne Lombaardt from Eersterivier were crowned the 2026 feature models.
The winners received development contracts, professional portfolio shoots and mentorship opportunities aimed at helping launch careers in the modelling industry, while the event also featured performances by local artists and dancers celebrating Cape Town’s creative community.