Culture Craze
North West’s Bold Look Has Fans Mistaking Her for South Africa’s Shamiso Mosaka
When Hollywood Meets Jozi Street Style
It’s not every day that a Kardashian makes headlines in South Africa for something other than reality TV. But this week, it wasn’t Kim or Kanye stealing the spotlight; it was their daughter, North West, whose bold new look had South Africans momentarily convinced they were looking at local media personality Shamiso Mosaka.
The 12-year-old stepped out in late October with turquoise hair, grills, and statement jewellery, instantly sparking a wave of reactions online. On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, South African users flooded comment sections with the same refrain: “I thought this was Shamiso.”
What began as a celebrity-style update quickly became a social media moment that blurred the lines between Hollywood glamour and South African street fashion.
A Look That Felt Familiar
For anyone who’s followed Shamiso Mosaka’s evolution, the comparisons made perfect sense. Known for her bold accessories, facial tattoos, and unapologetically edgy fashion sense, Shamiso embodies a new generation of South African style, one that blends rebellion with authenticity.
So when photos of North West surfaced showing off her latest transformation, local audiences couldn’t help but notice the uncanny resemblance. One user joked, “Girl, I had to zoom in. I swear I saw Shamiso!” Others turned the moment into memes, showing side-by-side comparisons of the two young women, laughing at how “Mzansi coded” North’s look appeared.
What the Moment Says About Influence
While the comparisons were playful, the reactions also revealed something deeper about the current cultural landscape. For years, fashion trends have typically flowed from the West to the rest of the world. But this time, South Africans recognised a look that felt distinctly homegrown reflected back at them from Los Angeles.
It was a subtle reminder that South African style, often dismissed as niche, is part of a global conversation. From music and film to fashion and social media, Mzansi’s creative energy is finding its way into international spaces, sometimes even when the world doesn’t realise it.
Kim Kardashian's daughter North West, 12, sports disturbing new look https://t.co/Qog7ETXCgW pic.twitter.com/8GLDKvImt5
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) October 21, 2025
Shamiso’s Quiet Influence
Though Shamiso herself hasn’t publicly commented on the viral comparisons, her influence on South African youth culture is undeniable. From her television work to her digital presence, she’s carved out a reputation for authenticity, embracing individuality, challenging beauty norms, and expressing confidence without apology.
That’s what makes this moment so satisfying for her fans. Seeing someone like North West adopt a look that mirrors Shamiso’s signature style feels like global validation. It’s not about imitation; it’s about recognition.
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A Style Loop That Goes Both Ways
For once, the usual direction of influence seems reversed. Instead of South Africans copying international stars, the world seems to be taking cues, consciously or not, from African creators. And that shift is something worth celebrating.
Fashion has always been cyclical, but in this case, it’s also geographical. From Johannesburg to Los Angeles, bold self-expression speaks the same language. And if North West’s latest look proves anything, it’s that local inspiration can travel far, sometimes all the way to the red carpet.
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Source: Bona Magazine
Featured Image: English – Liputan6.com
