A New Era of Style: SAFW Elevates Autumn/Winter 2025

A New Era of Style: SAFW Elevates Autumn/Winter 2025 at Melrose Arch By Leon Haasbroek

South African Fashion Week (SAFW) descended upon Melrose Arch in breathtaking style, unveiling the highly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2025 collections at their new, glamorous home. The shift in venue brought with it a surge of excitement, fresh energy, and a few delightful surprises that kept the fashion world buzzing—and we were there to experience it all firsthand.

The fashion festivities officially kicked off on Wednesday, 25 September, with the much-talked-about CRUZ Launch Party at The Venue in Morningside. The who’s who of the fashion world—celebrities, influencers, and industry elites—came out dressed to impress, embracing the night’s Studio54 Chic theme with daring glamour. The event sparkled with a heady mix of glittering style, chic ambiance, and electrifying energy, setting the perfect tone for the week ahead.

As CRUZ Vodka hosted its Best Dressed competition, we couldn’t resist making our own selections. The standout fashion moments of the night were nothing short of extraordinary, with trendsetters dazzling us with their bold and inspired looks.

The energy from the CRUZ event carried over seamlessly into Day One of the runway collections at SAFW’s new home, Melrose Arch. The atmosphere was charged with creativity, with the trendiest movers and shakers capturing iconic moments that will surely remain etched in fashion history.

Naturally, our Editor-At-Large, Leon Haasbroek, was on hand, curating his personal favorites from the week’s collections.

Day One saw some of South Africa’s finest designers setting the stage for an unforgettable week of fashion. Amanda Laid Cherry introduced a new chapter with her visionary brand, ALCA, while Michael Ludwig Studio, ERRE, and Ephymol brought their distinctive flair to the runway. But it was Gert-Johan Coetzee’s return to the SAFW runway that truly ignited the crowd, following his London Fashion Week presentation. His collection left the audience in awe, blending international sophistication with local creativity.

ALCA :

MICHAEL LUDWIG STUDIO:

ERRE:

EPHYMOL:

GERT-JOHAN COETZEE:

Day Two continued the momentum, launching with the Isuzu Luxury Collections. Floyd Avenue, known for his Japanese-inspired streetwear, delivered an unforgettable showing, securing the ISUZU Adventure Gear prize to the value of R50 000. South African menswear legend, House of Ole, made a triumphant return to the SAFW runway, reaffirming his position as a trailblazer in local fashion.

Returning to the spotlight was Shaldon Kopman’s Naked Ape with his “Afro Monk” collection—a masterful showcase of natural fabrics like bamboo, hemp, linen, and raw silk. Each piece exuded a raw elegance, embodying a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Viviers followed with a lengthy yet mesmerizing collection titled *DISCLOSURE*, inviting audiences to contemplate knowledge, reality, and the possibilities of transformation in an increasingly transparent world.

My personal highlight of Day Two was undoubtedly Rubicon by Hangwani Nengovhela. Inspired by the rich heritage of Mapungubwe’s historical landscape, the collection radiated sheer elegance and sophistication. The intricate detailing and cohesive storytelling left me in awe of the beauty and heritage infused in every garment.

Rounding out the day’s impressive lineup was Akali Faith, who made their SAFW debut with their collection Potrends Village. Each look told the story of a fictional village in Africa, with characters brought to life through vibrant colors and diverse influences, such as the traditional Zulu dances. It was a refreshing and dynamic conclusion to an exhilarating day, highlighting the power of narrative in fashion.

FLOYD AVENUE:

HOUSE OF OLE:

NAKED APE:

RUBICON:

POTRENDS:

Although I couldn't attend Day Three of collections in person, I was still glued to the action online. The evening began with the highly anticipated Mr. Price Scouting Menswear Competition, where Kingsley Baloyi of Undefined Outdoor Clothing took home the coveted prize. His brand, known for its fresh take on elevated performance techwear and utility, captured the judges' attention. As the winner, Kingsley walked away with an impressive prize package valued at over R50,000, which includes the opportunity to design a limited-edition range for Mr. Price, set to be sold online and in select stores. In addition, he received a R50,000 cash prize and a mentorship program at Mr. Price’s head office, where he will immerse himself in key areas such as merchandising and marketing.

My personal highlights from the day’s shows included the ever-iconic Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung. Fresh off the birth of her second daughter, Palesa paid tribute to the spirit of motherhood with a collection that was bold, vibrant, and unapologetically Mantsho. Signature flared skirts and striking prints graced the runway in her unmistakable style, delivering a joyful celebration of life and femininity.

Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint also presented a cohesive, electrifying collection that took us back to the brand’s roots. With bold patterns and vivid colors, Mzukisi reminded us of Imprint’s core ethos. This collection felt deeply personal—a continuation of the brand's first-ever runway show, *Our Roots*, which solidified Imprint's reputation both locally and internationally.

To round off the day’s collections, we were treated to a deeply thought-provoking presentation by Sober, titled *A Coloured People*. This collection was inspired by a new, progressive, multicultural generation that defies racial, gender, and social boundaries, while confronting societal issues and celebrating diversity.

The grand finale came courtesy of heritage luxury brand SunGoddess, which adorned the runway with its signature opulence. Animal prints, rich colorways, and a strong essence of luxury filled the space, staying true to the brand’s iconic aesthetic and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Each designer brought something deeply personal and unique to the runway, making Day Three an unforgettable exploration of creativity, culture, and fashion's evolving narrative.

UNDEFINED OUTDOOR CLOTHING:

 MANTSHO by PALESA MOKUBUNG:

IMPRINT:

SOBER:

SUNGODDESS:

As South African Fashion Week comes to a close, the Autumn/Winter 2025 collections have left an indelible mark on the local and international fashion landscape. From the glittering CRUZ Launch Party to the groundbreaking runway shows, SAFW at Melrose Arch was a celebration of innovation, heritage, and unbridled creativity. Each designer brought their own unique voice to the runway, offering us not just fashion, but stories rooted in culture, identity, and the promise of a vibrant future.

With the eyes of the world increasingly on Africa, these collections remind us that South African fashion is not only a force to be reckoned with but also a vital part of the global conversation. The future of our fashion industry is bright, and as always, we’re here for every stylish step of the journey.

Photos:

Launch Event: Taff Studio

Fashion Week: Eunice Driver