Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
an african affair
BOLD colours, rich and textured fabrics, statement accessories, youthful trends, as well as high fashion was the order of the day at the African Fashion International
(AFI) Fashion Week.
Held at the Sandton Convention Centre over the weekend, some of the best pan-African designers showcased their spring/summer 2020 collections.
This season was a gathering of fashion fanatics, critics, buyers, celebrities, the media and the general public.
Fashion is serious business and Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, the chief executive of AFI Fashion Week invited the best designer talent from across Africa.
“Globally, the fashion business is a 2.4 trillion-dollar industry.
“African designers have a unique proposition for buyers and consumers on the continent and in the diaspora, that should translate into sales.
“As creatives, our designers have a strong cultural voice to drive the message of unity and to bring societies together,” said MoloiMotsepe.
Fashion Week started with the pan-African showcase with designers: Loin Cloth & Ashes (Tanzania), Gavin Rajah (SA), Eric Raisina (Madagascar), Mai Atafo (Nigeria), Kahindo Mateena (DRC/US), Laurence Airline (Ivory Coast), KLûK CGDT (SA) and Neo Serati (SA).
Nigeria’s heavyweight Femi Kuti and South Africa’s Kwesta, as well as America’s Got Talent finalists, the Ndlovu Youth Choir, brought down the house with their energetic performances.
The showcase finale included celebrities and influencers, such as Miss SA Zozibini Tunzi, Zandile Msutwana, K Naomi, André Lotter, Hildegardt Whites, Nicholas Nkuna, Mishal Mookrey, Theodore Jantjies, Debora Nana Akyaa Beeko, Joy Kendi Mwiandi and the Mbadiwe twins
Ozee Scovy Ozumba Mbadiwe and Oseloka Holiday Mbadiwe.
Fashion designer David Tlale wrapped up the first day of Fashion Week with a tribute to his mother Joyce.
“Since I started my brand, it’s the first time to showcase without my mother and it’s befitting to pay homage to her, and celebrate the life that she has given us as her children and also us as a brand,”
Tlale said.
“It’s about looking back and reminiscing about the good times, the hard times, more than anything, the beautiful times coming ahead with the brand… she’s now with us as a brand wherever we go in whatever we do… I know that her soul is with us.
“Whatever we do is going to amplify and become even bigger than we thought and the narrative of celebrating Joyce’s life is to say we know where we come from, we know why we started, we know who we stand for and what really defines us.”
On day two, Loin Cloth & Ashes opened the show with stunning summer dresses in peach pinstripes, as well as shirt dresses.
Eric Raisina was all about saving the planet.
He showcased a stunning ready-towear collection made from recycled materials, including plastic and grass.
Masango by Siphosihle went for neon colours.
He showcased high-end dresses and jumpsuits with dramatic ruffles.
Rich Factory showcased a remarkable ready-to-wear collection for all types of women, celebrating body positivity.
She stuck to her signature style of African contemporary clashing prints while Taibo Bacar went big on accessories made of snakeskin print.
Palse was also part of the line-up and he showcased a ready-to-wear menswear collection with see-through shirts.
Day three had Kahindo showcasing light summer dresses while BeachCult revealed their animal print swimwear range.
They were followed by Kreyann’ who revealed an impressive ready-towear for a classical woman.
Khosi Nkosi brought celebs to the runway such as Tunzi, Pinky Girl and actress Ntando Duma who was joined by her daughter, Sbahle.
Khosi Nkosi’s collection was a mixture of Xhosa, Tsonga and Tswana couture.
“At a time when cultural appropriation in fashion is being discussed globally, it is important for Africa to insist on putting its stamp on African fashion, style, design and on trends that are from this continent,” said Tunzi.
K Moraba’s collection was a range for men and women.
He showcased suits and flamboyant dresses, with black and pink being the dominating colours.
Taussy Daniel focused on highend fashion, bringing to the runway gowns with bronze, and red colours taking centre stage.
Matte Nolim’s collection was summery, while La Art Neviole Emporium presented high-end couture, including wedding gowns.
Award-winning hip-hop artist Ricky Rick wrapped the season with a performance after the last show on Saturday.
Fashion Week was launched 12 years ago by Moloi-Motsepe with the aim of giving young designers a platform to exhibit their talent for all to see.
The initiative has great success stories to tell, such as the one of Thebe Magugu who won this year’s LVMH Prize in Paris.