The global fashion stage was set ablaze at Le Défilé L’Oréal Paris, where the brand celebrated its eighth annual runway show on September 29, 2025, at the historic Hotel de Ville de Paris. For South Africans, this year’s iconic event held a particularly profound significance as actress Ama Qamata, L’Oréal Paris’ newly appointed Sub-Saharan-Africa Ambassador, made a breathtaking debut on the runway, embodying empowerment and elegance in a striking short red detailed creation designed by Mélique Street.
Her flawless beauty look, meticulously crafted by L’Oréal Paris experts Harold James & Stéphane Lancien, featured the renowned Infallible range, including Infallible Foundation in shade 385, a vibrant Lumi Liquid Blush in ‘Worth It Medium Share 635’, and a perfecting Setting Powder. Her lips were impeccably defined with Colour Riche 570 ‘Worth It’ Intense Lipliner and finished with the exquisite Colour Riche lipstick in shade 635 Medium. Her hair was glamorously styled by the iconic Elnett Hairspray.
The show, a powerful tribute to femininity, feminism, and the democratisation of beauty, reimagined the French national motto of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, transforming it into a contemporary call for “Liberté, Égalité, Sororité. You’re Worth It.” This theme of sisterhood, strength, and empowerment was powerfully embodied by Ama’s confident walk down the runway. Sikelela Finini, L’Oréal Paris’ Brand Business Lead, elaborated on this inspiring theme, stating, “This year’s runway show boldly reinterprets the iconic French motto through a contemporary lens: Liberté. Égalité, Sororité. It is a powerful and vibrant celebration of sisterhood and solidarity, reflecting L’Oréal Paris’s unwavering commitment to championing women’s worth.”
Ama Qamata’s captivating runway walk followed L’Oréal Paris’ recent announcement of her as the brand’s Sub-Saharan-Africa Ambassador, a momentous occasion celebrated at an exclusive event in Johannesburg. Reflecting on her extraordinary experience, Qamata shared, “This moment is a testament to grit, discipline, and the power of dreaming big. I sincerely hope this inspires South African girls and women everywhere to truly believe they are also worthy of pursuing their grandest aspirations and achieving their biggest goals.”
To commemorate this significant milestone, acclaimed media personality Bonang Matheba hosted an exclusive watch party at the prestigious Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together L’Oréal Paris’ sisterhood of influencers to celebrate Qamata’s achievement and cheer her on as she walked powerfully down the runway. Matheba remarked, “A watch party is a beautiful way to unite a community. Watching Ama on the runway, collectively cheering her on, was an exhilarating experience; it was our way of showing her immense support and pride.”
Finini further expressed the brand’s pride, asserting, “With Ama’s inherent beauty, remarkable talent, and undeniable grace, she perfectly embodies everything our brand stands for – self-worth, empowerment, and authenticity. Witnessing her confidently stride down the runway fills us with immense pride at L’Oréal Paris, and we have no doubt that it serves as an incredible source of inspiration for countless South Africans who admire and look up to her.”
About L’Oréal Paris
L’Oréal Paris is a leading global beauty brand committed to empowering women and democratizing beauty. It offers a wide range of cutting-edge makeup, skincare, haircare, and hair colour products, all rooted in scientific excellence and a dedication to celebrating individual beauty and self-worth.
About Ama Qamata
Ama Qamata is a talented South African actress widely recognized for her compelling roles in the Netflix series Blood & Water and Mzansi Magic’s Gomora. She is celebrated for her dynamic performances and her inspiring journey as a young African woman making her mark on the global stage.