WEEK OF FASHION - BEHIND THE SEAMS
WEEK OF FASHION - A WEEK OF FASHION
Editor: Leon Haasbroek
Photos by: Che February & Johnny Lai Sang
This season at the Week of Fashion (rebranding from SA Menswear Week), the narrative took on a whole new meaning for me. I’ve long been immersed in the world of fashion, sitting front row, capturing collections, and weaving stories – at Dossier for our readers and through the lense of ljhpr - for the partners. But this time, it went far beyond just observing. There’s a silent, deeply rooted collaboration between Dossier Magazine and the Week of Fashion that has given me the chance to step in, not just as a storyteller, but as someone actively shaping the platform itself and the experiences the platform offers to its guests.
On the very first day of the season, the 23rd, I felt this internal conviction, a call if you will, that this was no longer about merely spectating. My role, my influence, needed to be put to work in a more profound way. Instead of sitting back, I found myself deeply involved in guest relations, managing the experiences that would elevate the Week of Fashion to new heights.
This shift allowed me a rare, behind-the-scenes view into what it takes for a small, dedicated team to pull off something as colossal as the Week of Fashion. The sheer scale of their efforts, the passion poured into every detail, it was humbling and inspiring all at once. But what struck me deeply, and frankly, what I cannot ignore, is the treatment of the very people who make this all happen.
Many of the support teams on the ground, students from local fashion schools, security, and staff, came with a hunger to gain experience, to learn, and to grow. To witness them, and even myself, treated with rudeness, entitlement, and a lack of respect by many guests was a stark contrast to the spirit of what the Week of Fashion stands for. One designer even proudly stated he had invited over 400 guests, with no regard for the shared space or the chaos this could create. It’s these moments that reveal the chokehold on our industry, one where entitlement overshadows the very creativity we are here to celebrate.
And yet, because of the dedication of the team, that chaos never came to pass. Their professionalism ensured that the shows remained a celebration of fashion, even in the face of such challenges. As an editor, I am compelled to highlight not just the beauty of the collections, but also the areas where we must do better. The Week of Fashion is a platform for the future of fashion, and that future must be built on respect, for the creators, for the teams, and for the very people working tirelessly behind the scenes.
On a more positive front, following the Global Graduate Fashion Show on Thursday, the 23rd of October, I was elated to see my very own client, Palesa Mokubung, showcasing for the first time in Cape Town under the Week of Fashion banner. I was also incredibly excited to witness the various opportunities at the new entrance of Wonderland Studios in the Longkloof Precinct, where ERRE debuted their new Spring/Summer collection, including menswear for the first time. It was also delightful to see master designer David Tlale’s collection gracing the runway. My previous favourites from last season, King on Horses and Flux Luxury Couture, remain close to my heart, and no matter where I go, WEPNER and Richard Hoy always stand out as favourites at any fashion week.
PALESA MOKUBUNG
DAVID TLALE
Adding to that excitement was the incredible debut of HAKU by Zeshaan Samodien, the winner of the Rocking the Daisies Fashion Search, who seamlessly filtered into the Week of Fashion collections. It was a joy to see how the platform afforded this emerging designer the opportunity to showcase their work. For the first time, I also experienced Leoce Luxury Couture by George Stander, whose collection was a standout in its own right.
From the Global Graduate Fashion Show, to promoting the winner of the Rocking the Daisies Fashion Search, and onto established designers like Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, Leoce Luxury Couture, and David Tlale, the Week of Fashion platform serves all walks of the fashion creative industries. It’s incredibly important to note that this platform is a nurturing ground for talent across the spectrum, and therefore it must be supported more greatly by both private-sector and government partnerships.
ERRE
I truly hope that in 2026, we see a stronger, more resilient Week of Fashion, with great partners supporting their efforts, allowing this platform to continue being a beacon for the future of fashion.
HAKU
