SA Fashion Week (SAFW) 2023 is finally here with an exciting daily programme that showcases the pinnacle of South African design talent at the Mall of Africa from 19 to 21 October 2023.
Here’s what to expect from the 2023 SA Fashion Week
This year’s fashion spectacle is expected to be a vibrant platform where fashion, sustainability, and creative collaborations converge.
Celebrating its 27th year, the event is gearing up to host 31 collections across nine shows over the span of three days.
This noteworthy fashion assembly is backed by several notable sponsors including Mall of Africa, Mr Price, Isuzu, Cruz Vodka, and Carlton Hair.
RelatedPosts
The overarching theme for this year revolves around fostering collaborative networks and steering towards a sustainable fashion future for South Africa.
Lucilla Booyzen, the director of SAFW, affirmed that 90% of the designers participating this season embody this ethos, highlighting the industry’s proactive stride towards sustainability.
Among the design marvels, the Mr Price Scouting Menswear Competition stands out, featuring nine designers who are either new or established brands like Helon Melon, Bam Collective, and Michael Ludwig.
Key highlights of the event include the emphasis on gender fluid and body-sensitive design, showcasing how inclusivity is making a mark in the South African fashion scene.
Over fifty local retailers are expected to stock SAFW designers, indicating a positive ripple effect on the local fashion market.
2023 SA Fashion Week daily programme
Day one of the event is dubbed ‘The Cruz Collective’, spotlighting designers like Michael Ludwig and Ephymol.
The latter, based in Johannesburg, is known for deriving inspiration from current social and political landscapes.
The day will also unveil works from designers who have left footprints on international stages, like Fikile Sokhulu who has made appearances in Milan Fashion Week.
Here is the complete list of designers on show on Day 1 of the 2023 SA Fashion Week:
DAY 1 SHOW 1 – 18:30
- The Cruz Collective
- Michael Ludwig Studio
- Ephymol
- Fikile Sokhulu
DAY 1 SHOW 2 – 19:30
- Oyama Gonintebe
- The Bam Collective
- Munkus
DAY 1 SHOW 3 – 20:30
- Thula-Tu
- VNTU
- Elwen Designs
Day two transitions to ‘Isuzu Luxury Collections’ with the Black Coffee collection by Jacques van der Watt and Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung.
These collections mirror a fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics, embracing the essence of South African culture while exploring new fashion frontiers.
DAY 2 SHOW 1 – 18:30
- Isuzu Luxury Collections
- Black Coffee
- Mantsho
DAY 2 SHOW 2 19:30
- Viviers
DAY 2 SHOW 3 – 20:30
- Leon Von Solms
- Franc Elis
- Rubicon
The final day is earmarked for the ‘Mr Price Scouting Menswear’ show and other collections, featuring a breadth of new and emerging designers.
The stage will see diverse and innovative designs from the likes of Thula-Tu, VNTU, and Durban’s Elwen Designs, among others.
DAY 3 SHOW 1 – 18:00
- Mr Price Scouting MenswearAfrican Renaissance Designs
- Bash Studios
- Czene.24
- D’Kock
- HLS
- Nhlanhla Masemola
- Sinchui
- Toro-Meraki
- Watermelon
- Mr Price Modern Romance Collection
DAY 3 SHOW 2 – 19:30
- Helon Melon
- Refuse Clothing Brand
- Silver Magpie
DAY 3 SHOW 3 – 20:30
- Ellen Madie
- Sober
- Musawenkosi
- Sun Goddess
