Top African designers lined up for Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit SS24
A celebration of fashion, live entertainment and gourmet food as the Mother City joins Paris and Milan as one of the world’s style capitals
African fashion brands have taken the world by storm this year, across major fashion weeks and trade events, from London and Milan to New York and Paris – and now they are coming to the catwalks of the Mother City.
Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit Spring Summer 24, presented by Africa Fashion International (AFI), features top designers from South Africa and the African continent. It is a must-attend event for any fashionista or those interested in design.
The line-up includes acclaimed pan-African designers Alia Baré (Niger/Senegal), Sisters of Afrika’s Hélène Daba (Senegal), Laurence Chauvin-Buthaud of LaurenceAirline (Côte d’Ivoire), Papy Kaluw of Urban Zulu (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Safiétou Seck of Sarayaa (Senegal).
South Africa is represented by Malondié’s Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba, Bathini Designs’ Bathini Kowane, Scalo by Sello Medupe, Keletso Moraba of K.Moraba & Collective, Sandi Mazibuko of FabroSanz and Cape Town’s Julia Buchanan of JULIA.
Two celebrated local designers are also set to make notable returns to the AFI Fashion Week runway. Craig Jacobs of Fundudzi, one of AFI’s pioneering collaborators in 2007, returns after a 14-year hiatus. His latest collection will feature in the grand finale, offering a nostalgic yet evolved representation of his craft. Another exciting addition is Craig Port, the Cape Town-based designer who last showcased with AFI in 2018.
Globally renowned fashion designer Gavin Rajah – who will also be showcasing his designs on the catwalk – is the creative director of the much anticipated event.
AFI’s in-house brand, AFI Privé, will also launch its eagerly awaited Spring/Summer 2024/25 signature collection. A highlight will be the finale collections by the AFI Fastrack Prize 2023 finalists.
Meet the Cape Town Fashion Week designers:
Alia Baré (Niger/Senegal). Originally from Niger, Baré lived in France and Singapore before settling in Senegal. She left her career in banking to pursue her dream of fashion design, graduating from the Raffles Institute of Design in Singapore. In November 2015, she made the daring move of setting up her own brand – Alia Baré – in Dakar. Baré is an empowering women’s wear fashion brand that celebrates the female form through exquisite fabrics. Its figure-hugging silhouettes, creative use of fabric and meticulous attention to detail have earned it the reputation of producing stylish and comfortable garments.
Bathini Designs’ Bathini Kowane (South Africa). Making her Cape Town Fashion Week debut, Kowane started her business from her living room in 2015. She’s a self-taught designer and patternmaker with a background in corporate banking. What started as custom designs has grown into ready-to-wear collections sold online and in South African boutiques. Bathini Designs is all about making women feel comfortable while also making a statement.
Craig Jacobs of Fundudzi (South Africa). Jacobs founded Fundudzi in 2004, inspired by the sacred Lake Fundudzi in Limpopo. This unique lake, formed millions of years ago by a cataclysmic landslide, is revered by the Vhatavhatsindi people and guarded by a python god. Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs embodies the spirit of Africa through its ethical and sustainable approach to fashion. The label celebrates African artisanship by creating carefully crafted garments and accessories that tell captivating stories. Modern, meaningful, and undeniably African, Fundudzi is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and innovative spirit of the continent.
Craig Port (South Africa). Growing up, Port developed a deep love of the sea and coastal living, influences that have shaped the laid-back glam of his fashion and lifestyle ranges. Port is a brand renowned for its distinctive approach to resort wear. Inspired by performance sport and popular culture, Port collections blend laid-back glamour with effortless comfort. Soft, easy-to-wear fabrics and thoughtful silhouettes define the brand’s modish aesthetic.
Gavin Rajah (South Africa). Cape Town-based Rajah specialises in handcrafted garments that are made with the finest fabrics and craftsmanship. The brand is synonymous with luxury. He has shown his collections at fashion weeks around the world. The brand has expanded into an atelier dedicated to product design and has successfully launched homeware, home fragrances and interior objects, not to mention a successful event concept company that has created experiences for some of the best brands in the world.
House of FabroSanz’s Sandi Mazibuko (South Africa). FabroSanz is a wholly owned African female fashion design business making its debut at Cape Town Fashion Week. Since its inception, the growth of the FabroSanz (FRS) has been totally driven by Mazibuko’s tenacity and self-drive to fulfil her vision to be a well-known and a respected brand locally and internationally. Having had no success in applying for grants or funding to start and expand her business, she totally relied on her marketing skills to promote her custom made designs which gave her the capital to establish FRS. Over the past 10 years FRS has grown from unique potential to start-up to a fully-fledged fashion house.
Julia Buchanan (South Africa), JULIA, founded in 2014 by Buchanan, started off as a swimwear brand inspired by Cape Town and its surrounds, and makes its debut at Cape Town Fashion Week this year. Buchanan is a creative entrepreneur with a strong commitment to nurturing and empowering local talent. Over the years, the brand has bloomed into a collaborative space forming impactful partnerships with brands such as Pick ‘n’ Pay Clothing and Corona Africa.
K.Moraba & Collective’s Keletso Moraba (South Africa). Moraba is the founder and creative director of K.Moraba & Collective, a collection focused on the high-end fashion market and inspired by things that evoke feminine, wistful and bold silhouettes. Moraba is the former winner of The Intern by David Tlale and has dressed South African stars and influencers such as Luthando “Lootlove” Shosha, The Real Housewives of Johannesburg stars Lebo JoJo Gunguluza-Mokoena and Brinnette Seopela, fashion model Blue Mbombo, Winnie Ntshaba, Jessica Nkosi, and Zahara. Big Brother Mzansi winner Mpho Wa Badimo [Michelle Dimpho Mvundla] wore a K.Moraba & Collective dress at the Hollywood Bets Durban July.
Laurence Chauvin-Buthaud of LaurenceAirline (Côte d’Ivoire). At the origin of the LaurenceAirline brand is founder and artistic director Chauvin-Buthaud. Through her brand, she expresses a singular and contemporary vision of nomadism whose essence lies in her multicultural roots, between Abidjan and Paris, as a base. LaurenceAirline asserts its desire to promote a West African culture while offering a reading that is resolutely open to the world. The brand makes its debut this year at Cape Town Fashion Week.
Malondié’s Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba (South Africa). Founded in 2015 by Buthelezi-Ndaba, Malondié is an award-winning fashion label for women who strive to push the boundaries of daily wear through authenticity and South African influence. Its goal is to understand the wants and needs of customers, guaranteeing quality, charm and sophistication with all its collections. Buthelezi-Ndaba is also a wife, mother of three, an ambitious law student and a budding real estate investor and wants to positively influence and enhance the lives of others through her work and everyday life.
Safiétou Seck of SARAYAA (Senegal). SARAYAA evokes Seck’s blended background with African and Western culture and her love of original associations. The brand, named after a gold production region in Senegal, aims to emphasise a woman’s elegance, preciousness and richness. SARAYAA endeavours to make eye-catching designs and consistently deliver creativity and is sophisticated and multi-ethnic with a unique African signature. The brand has been created for the elegant woman and her appreciation of fashion and devotion to looking unique all the time.
Scalo by Sello Medupe (South Africa). Scalo is a South African fashion brand that has been providing quality and style to its customers since its founding in 2009 by Soweto born Medupe. With a passion for creativity, fused with the unique hustle of Johannesburg, the brand offers modern sophistication and futuristic design by revolutionising shape, achieving great fits and fluttering silhouettes. Focused on introducing fresh, innovative looks, Scalo takes risks with bold fabrics and colours, along with an understanding of how to best flatter the human form. Sello Medupe grew up in Soweto and completed his studies at SEWAFRICA College in Johannesburg’s Fashion District.
Sisters of Afrika’s Hélène Daba Diouf (Senegal). Sisters Of Afrika is a ready-to-wear brand created in 2013 by Hélène Daba Diouf, who decided to highlight the local craftsmanship of Senegal to create unique outfits and promote the know-how of its employees. The brand is ethical and committed, because it allows women and men to live comfortably from their profession, while enjoying their passion to support their whole family, by allowing their children access to education and a better life. In addition, by creating this brand, the company wants the economy of African countries to prosper. It makes its Cape Town Fashion Week debut.
Urban Zulu’s Papy Kaluw (Democratic Republic of Congo). Founded by self-taught fashion designer Kaluw, Urban Zulu specialises in both ready-to-wear and bespoke garments. Kaluw describes the label as “a movement promoting oneness”. Drawing inspiration from spirituality, the brand celebrates the beauty and texture of everyday life, balancing ideals of love and unity with practical functionality. Incorporating the depth of the word “Zulu” (“Heaven in IsiZulu and IsiXhosa) into the narrative of his label, DRC-born Kaluw defines it as “the embodiment of an urban paradise”. Having migrated to South Africa from the DRC at the age of 19, Kaluw once sought a future in science, but made difficult circumstances work for him when he dropped out of university to pursue fashion.
The two-day programme is as follows:
Friday, November 29
The AFI Masterclass (11h00). More than just an event, the AFI Masterclass is a movement that shapes the future of African fashion. Designed for designers, fashion design students, industry insiders and business leaders, this year’s edition will delve into the most pressing topics in the world of fashion. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into emerging trends, sustainable practices, digital innovation and how the global landscape continues to evolve in response to these changes.
Saturday, November 30
The AFI Fastrack Prize Show (11h00). The return of the AFI Fastrack Prize 2023 finalists back on the Cape Town Fashion Wek runway where it all began. This is your chance to witness the journey as the finalists showcase their final collections, originally presented at the AFI Fastrack Prize 2023 finale at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
Celebrating African Craftsmanship (12h00). The House of Nala brings together three of the continent’s most exciting designers – Bathini Designs, Malondié and Alia Baré.
Everyday Luxury (13h00). Experience the essence of sophistication with the PRIVÉ collection, where everyday luxury meets impeccable craftsmanship. Specially created and tailored merchandise will be available exclusively through AFI, making this show a must-see for those who appreciate timeless elegance and exclusivity. With an intimate atmosphere, patrons will be able to see every detail of these luxury pieces up close. Exclusively at AFI.
The Best of African Fashion on One Stage (14h00). Discover the creativity and diversity of African fashion in this Pan-African show, where leading designers from across the continent come together to celebrate African excellence. In this intimate setting, attendees will get an exclusive look at the intricate details and bold designs that represent the spirit of modern Made in Africa fashion. Confirmed showcasing designers are Urban Zulu (DRC), LaurenceAirline (Cote d’Ivoire), Sisters of Afrika (Senegal) and Sarayaa (Senegal).
The Icons of South African Fashion (16h00). This show highlights the most revered names in South African fashion, bringing their latest collections to life in a captivating, intimate setting. Patrons will be treated to a front-row experience, seeing each exquisite garment up close and personal, crafted by designers who define South Africa’s fashion landscape such as Scalo, FabroSanz, JULIA and K Moraba & Collective
The Cutting Edge of South African Design 11 (17h00). Explore the latest collections from South Africa’s most dynamic and innovative designers. This show offers an exclusive opportunity to see the cutting edge of local fashion up close, with designs that push boundaries and redefine trends. Patrons will be fully immersed in the creative energy of this intimate runway experience that includes the iconic and world-renowned Gavin Rajah, Craig Jacobs and Craig Port.
In its faithful delivery of immersive experiences, AFI’s Cape Town Fashion Week continues to redefine the runway experience, combining high-end fashion with live entertainment, gourmet food from luxury food trucks and networking opportunities. AFI is proud to once again curate an extraordinary gathering of cultural visionaries and fashion lovers alike.
Tickets are available for each of the shows while there is also a all-day pass available for Saturday. Book now at Quicket.
For those eager to bring Cape Town Fashion Week style into their own wardrobes, the House of Nala Premium Pop-Up takes place at the Cape Town One&Only, where fashion lovers will be able to shop the latest trends from Sunday, December 1.
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