New home for Fashion Week’s 10th anniversary

THIS year’s Joburg edition of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week has found a new home.

The style extravaganza, which gives local designers a platform to present their top creative designs to fashion enthusiasts, will now be held at the Mall of Africa.

The Midrand shopping complex will house the attendees, as well as the designers who will showcase their spring/summer collections to celebrate the show’s 10th anniversary.

The official venue was announced by African Fashion International, which owns and operates the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town, which was held in the Mother City in March, and its famous show in Joburg.

African Fashion International founder and chief executive Dr Precious MoloiMotsepe said they were thrilled to be hosting the gathering at the mall.

The fashion show will be staged in the retail giant’s lavish outdoor amphitheatre, with striking views of the Waterfall Country Estate providing the backdrop for this year’s celebration of South African fashion.

Moloi-Motsepe added that the calibre of clothing stores at the mall was factored in when they decided on a suitable venue to host the event.

“The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is a premier event and we are privileged to be able to partner with some of the most well-respected businesses and companies in the country each year,” she said.

“I am thrilled to have the Mall of Africa as our new venue to host the 10th anniversary and we look forward to a memorable fashion week at this stunning location.”

Moloi-Motsepe said her organisation and the mall’s management had a good working relationship and were intent on promoting local talent.

“African Fashion International and the Mall of Africa have a strong partnership in their shared vision to celebrate local talent and to take African fashion to the world stage,” she said.

The Mall of Africa is one of the largest on the continent, with more than 300 stores showcasing local and international fashion brands under one roof.

Events manager Nicola van Kan said the space allocated would allow all those showcasing their designs and the fashionistas attending the show to do so in comfort.

“Spacious grounds, modern infrastructure and safe parking make the Mall of Africa the ideal location for one of the most anticipated events on South Africa’s social calendar,” she said.

The Mall of Africa is conveniently located for easy access from Joburg, Midrand and Pretoria.

Van Kan said they were looking forward to the show.

“We are proud to host such a renowned event and management looks forward to a long and fruitful relationship with African Fashion International.”

For more information and bookings, visit www.africanfashioninternational.com