Global Fashion Graduate Show
Global Fashion Graduate 2025: Where South Africa Meets the World
Editor: Leon Haasbroek
Photos by: Simon Deiner / GRPcr8 / SDR Photo
On the 22nd and 23rd of October, I had the privilege of attending the symposium for the Global Fashion Graduate South Africa 2025, where industry insights from top global voices set the stage for something truly special. Listening to Millie Aoki de La Valette and Baron Osuna from Louis Vuitton, alongside Rina Tollio from the OTB Group, who shared insights on talent acquisition for Maison Margiela, Marni, Diesel, and Jil Sander, was nothing short of inspiring. Their wisdom was the perfect precursor to the grand finale – the Global Fashion Graduate show.
The runway showcased 20+ brilliant graduates from over 16 institutions across 20+ cities, with the likes of Milan, London, New York, Chicago, Mumbai, Paris, Osaka, and of course, Cape Town, all represented. Schools such as Accademia IUAD, IED, Marangoni, Royal School of Art, , FIT, SAIC, L’Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués, Osaka Institute of Fashion and from Ghana KNUST shared the spotlight with South Africa's own Design Academy of Fashion, FEDISA, Elizabeth Galloway Academy, STADIO and CTCFD.
What stood out most for me was how our South African students held their own – their work not only stood shoulder-to-shoulder with these international powerhouses, but in my eyes, they truly shone. It was a delight to witness the next generation of designers stepping confidently into the global marketplace.
What was equally striking, albeit disappointing, was the complete absence of partnership from the City of Cape Town or the Western Cape Province. Despite the incredible global attention this event brought to our city, there was no support from these institutions. It’s something that, as an editor and someone passionate about our creative industry, I hope will change in the future.
Thanks to key partners like WGSN & Coloro and event partners Artsthread, the Cape Town Fashion Council, and Group of Creatives, this event was not only possible but a resounding success. Seeing this all unfold reaffirmed my belief that South Africa’s fashion future is bright, and our young designers are already a force to be reckoned with.
