A Decade of Menswear. A New Era of Fashion

Editor: Leon Haasbroek

Photos by: Che February

A Decade of Menswear. A New Era of Fashion.

By now, most of us in the industry know that South African Menswear Week (SAMW) has officially hit its 10-year stride. I touched on that celebration back in April when we looked at the Autumn/Winter collections. But as we edge into this next season, what strikes me isn’t just the milestone; it’s the momentum. Over 20 seasons, SAMW has evolved from a bold idea into a continental benchmark, a platform that has shaped designers, set standards, and redefined what menswear means in South Africa.

Now, under the Week of Fashion umbrella, SAMW returns re-energised and a re-located entrance at Longkloof Precinctin Gardens. With Wonderland Film Studios still its core, this season feels more immersive than ever, a convergence of heritage, innovation, and that distinctly Cape Town creative pulse.

A Global Beginning

The week opens with something truly exciting: the arrival of Global Fashion Graduate Week (21–23 October), landing in Cape Town South Africa for the very first time. It’s a serious moment for local fashion. With backing from Louis Vuitton, Vogue Italia, WGSN/Coloro, and Monaco Foundry, the symposium brings together the world’s top fashion schools and graduates for two days of creative exchange, leading into a spectacular Graduate Showcase that sets the tone for the season ahead. It’s not just a celebration of emerging talent; it’s a statement that South Africa is ready to play on the global stage.

The Lineup Everyone’s Talking About

By Thursday, the runways ignite with a mix of heritage and fresh energy. Leocé Luxury Couture promises high-drama craftsmanship, Ruald Rheeder continues his streak of sophisticated, wearable tailoring, and Leigh Schubert, a name synonymous with polish and precision, brings her refined hand to the SAMW stage.

There’s no shortage of edge either. King on Horses and FLUX Luxury Couture deliver that fearless, street-led energy that’s made Cape Town fashion so dynamic, while Ezokhetho returns with its signature storytelling, a blend of cultural narrative, colour, and confidence that never fails to move an audience.

Then come the newcomers everyone’s buzzing about: Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, David Tlale, and ERRE. Each makes their SAMW debut this season, blurring the lines between menswear and womenswear. Palesa’s Afrocentric prints, Tlale’s signature drama, and ERRE’s sculptural sophistication will undoubtedly add new textures to the week’s already rich fashion tapestry.

Ones to Watch

Personally, I’m keeping an eye on WEPNER × Richard Hoy, a collaboration that continues to surprise with its seamless fusion of structure and street. Their past capsule blurred the lines between couture craftsmanship and urban cool; if this season’s whispers are anything to go by, we can expect another fearless collection that refuses to play it safe.

And then, of course, there’s Zeshaan Samodien, this year’s Rocking The Daisies Fashion Search winner, who brings his HAKU collection to the SAMW runway for the first time, along with three brand-new looks created exclusively for the Week of Fashion. Watching his journey from festival runway to this global platform feels like witnessing the very essence of what SAMW was built for: nurturing the next wave of South African design voices.

Where Legacy Meets What’s Next

This season feels like a full-circle moment. SAMW has grown beyond being a showcase; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem that continues to give rise to new talent while elevating our established names. The inclusion of Global Fashion Graduate Week reinforces that bridge between education and industry, while the Longkloof move roots the experience in the city’s creative energy.

As I prepare for the week ahead, I can’t help but feel proud of how far this platform has come. Week of Fashion isn’t just about the shows; it’s about the conversations, the collaborations, and the culture being shaped right here in Cape Town.

If this season proves anything, it’s that South African fashion isn’t following trends; it’s setting them.