South African Fashion Week (SAFW) is back
South African Fashion Week (SAFW) is back, and it's bigger and bolder than ever! Mark your calendars because from 26 to 28 September 2024, Melrose Arch will be the epicentre of style, fashion and glamour as it hosts this season’s highly anticipated showcase. With more than 40 designers poised to bring their best and a series of exhilarating events, SAFW is primed to dominate South Africa's fashion scene this September.
Big Names, Bold Collaborations: Fashion’s Finest Return
Lucilla Booyzen, the powerhouse behind SAFW, is excited to announce the return of fashion heavyweights like Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, Erre, House of Olé and Naked Ape. The collections also see the return of past competition winners Floyd Avenue (2017 Scouting Menswear Competition), and Artho Eksteen (2020 New Talent Search). “We are equally thrilled to welcome Melrose Arch to our circle of partners who understand how to leverage and align their brands optimally with the soft power of fashion,” Booyzen said. With Melrose Arch as the stylish new home of South African Fashion Week, the partnership promises to blend high fashion with urban sophistication, making it the ultimate fashion playground.
Cruz Takes the Lead
The collections kick-off on September 25 with the CRUZ Launch Party, setting the stage for a week of fashion magic. The much-anticipated CRUZ Collective will follow on 26 September, featuring collections by Cape Town's Thabo Makhetha who will showcase her "Pheteho 2.0" collection, W.E.P.N.E.R will debut the SAFW runway with “Good Luck, Babe!”, and Durban’s Fikile Sokhulu will bring her unique flair to the runway.
Maisha Mamabolo, Brand Manager for White Spirits at HEINEKEN Beverages, shared his excitement: “Fashion is a daily experience that Cruz is committed to supporting with our collective #MakeItAnywhere this season.” Expect nothing less than a celebration of style and success.
Day One: A Feast of Fashion
Day one is packed with must-see collections. Artho Eksteen’s “Pond” draws inspiration from the serene yet unpredictable nature of water, offering a tranquil yet powerful aesthetic. Michael Ludwig’s “Circular Criticism Collection” will challenge the way we think about self-growth and critique, while Sandy Rogers will present “The Ties that Bind Us,” with her Pret-a-Perfect label.
As if that weren't enough, celebrity favourite Gert Johan Coetzee will showcase his London Fashion Week Collection, bringing an international flavour to the local runway. The ISUZU Luxury Collections will wrap up the day with a bang, merging fashion and luxury automobility in a unique athleisure collaboration. “Fashion and luxury automobility have never intersected quite like this before,” Booyzen noted. Expect cutting-edge designs from Floyd Avenue, Belhauzen, and House of Olé, each vying for a R50,000 prize.
Diverse Voices, Bold Statements: Celebrating South African Talent
Naked Ape’s “Afro Monk” collection will bring an eco-friendly twist to the runway, paying tribute to the spiritual forces that shape our lives. The ever-innovative Lezanne Viviers will debut her “DISCLOSURE” collection, aimed at revealing deeper truths through fashion.
Fans of elegance and cultural homage will be enthralled by Helen Melon's "Gentle Magic" and the much-anticipated Rubicon collection by Hangwani Nengovhela. Inspired by the landscapes of Venda, Nengovhela’s “Medleys of Nature” continues Rubicon’s tradition of weaving natural beauty into sophisticated design.
Spotlight on the Future: Nurturing Emerging Talent
SAFW is not just about established names; it’s also about discovering the next big thing. The Mr. Price Scouting Menswear Competition will put the spotlight on fresh talent, with designers competing for a R50,000 cash prize and a coveted spot in the 2026 lineup. “We are excited to help the next name in fashion gain a foothold in the industry,” said Kevin Smit, Managing Director of Mr. Price.
Esteemed designer Palesa Mokubung will take a reflective approach, exploring her nearly two-decade career with a collection that delves into the past, present, and future. Imprint’s “Sizalwa Ngoobani” will also make waves, offering a backward glance that drives fashion forward.
SAFW stalwart Sungoddess together with Sober’s “A Coloured People” and Thato Matabane’s AFRIKANSWISS will bring a diverse narrative to the runway. Matabane will pay homage to his great-grandmother's (Sekgametse Masoko ) legacy as a designer in Sophiatown - incorporating influences from her Khoisan lineage.
A Perfect Canvas for Fashion
Natalie Stewart, Managing Director of Melrose Arch, spoke about the alignment with SAFW's values through sustainability and innovative design. “We are a premium lifestyle destination ideally positioned to enhance the SA Fashion Week experience,” Stewart stated, underscoring Melrose Arch’s commitment to creating a sustainable, stylish, and secure environment.
Media Collaboration and Industry Support
Ensuring the world takes notice, SAFW’s official media and guest liaison partner, Zebra Square, will play a pivotal role in bringing the event to life across various platforms. With a deep-rooted presence in the fashion and media landscape, Zebra Square is set to keep the conversation about the AW25 collections a buzz.
A Fashion Spectacle You Won’t Want to Miss
The Autumn/Winter 2025 edition of SAFW promises to be a dazzling showcase of innovation, cultural fusion, and style. With its new home at Melrose Arch and a lineup that boasts the best in the business, this year’s SAFW is shaping up to be an iconic event that not only celebrates fashion but sets new trends in the industry. Limited tickets for this must-see showcase are dropping soon. Keep your eyes glued to our Instagram and Facebook for all the deets!
Leon Haasbroek
