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The Cape Town International Convention Center will host the 15th annual Cape Town Fashion Week (CTFW) from 23-25 March 2023. The venue will be beautifully decorated with African art forms painted in African colors and guests will freely attend. Enjoy a selection of drinks from the cash bar to the complimentary gin bar.
Image by Meagan Duckitt
Now in its 15th year, AFI provides a platform for designers to showcase their talents. The FASTRAC program is the brainchild of Dr. Precious Motepe who has given talents including Tebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi to name a few. Aviye Bonsa helped with the pop-up stores and explained that AFI is an inclusive initiative to showcase designers of all skill levels.
Specifically – the AFI Fastrack program is a talent recruitment program that creates students from fashion institutions in South Africa and based on their entries, finalists are selected to showcase their range. These finalists are given additional advice to prepare them for the general fashion industry.
The lovely Motesepe introduced last year’s winner, Shamera Moodley, who spoke to the finalists and explained her journey and the opportunities the platform has given her. One highlight is her visit to the UAE and being given the opportunity to perform internationally. Her range ‘Laani Raani’ is made from scraps and recycled fabrics, definitely nothing like ‘home-made’. Fine fabrics of interest, including satin, brocade, silk and natural fabrics, combined with classic designs, and artistic images were the perfect recipe for pure excellence. She clearly deserved to win.
Image by Meagan Duckitt
All the designers who showcased collections were showcased on the floor and guests were allowed the opportunity to view and shop the range in designated pop-up stores. This includes fabrics, designs, textures and AFI sales staff explaining the concept behind each range to customers.
Highlights
On Day 1, some of the standouts were Nala House which featured beautiful rich red velor fabric and silhouettes featuring mid-length empire style dresses, and cape coats with elegant black fur trims and pearl necklaces and appliqués. Menswear showcased more relaxed silhouettes including boucle bomber and jogger sets, block print tees and dungarees.
Image by Meagan Duckitt
Cape Town’s very own Temple Children entertained the crowd before K Moraba and Sambuk showcased their beautiful tailoring. Pops like rich camels are loaded with black, white and rust. Menswear includes layering over structured suits, while womenswear focuses on floaty silhouettes with bell skirts, flared pants and body-hugging dresses.
Chip O’Neill ended the evening by pairing natural fabric neutrals with denims with handmade details and embroidery, tie-dye, striped linen and tailored appliqué details.
DJ and producer DJ Zinhle entertained the crowd as she ended the evening.
Image by Meagan Duckitt
Day 2 included performances by Alia Barre, Malondi Kailamiel, Givlint and Highlights and the event was accompanied by African dancers and singers. The designs were equally stunning and featured signature prints on hats, scarves and ladies wearing bright shoes. Cape style dresses and bell sleeves along with maxi dresses were key looks for women. The region was a statement of ‘African postcards’ asking us all to know who we are, to go home and remember those who have no access to housing.
Image by Meagan Duckitt
The talented young Stuna completely changed the atmosphere as he got the crowd on their feet with his charm and energy.
Another standout was Cat Van Duynen’s playful and sophisticated mix of exaggerated sleeves, flared skirts, balloon dresses and sportswear featuring beautiful lace, elegant taffetas, lurex fabrics and bright colours.
Saturday’s performances include Hugo Flair, Skalo, Otiz Ceflo and Tybo Baccar.
In general, the anchor trend of all designers was the celebration of femininity and masculinity – each designer interpreted it as he realized. Feminine figure-hugging and floaty silhouettes are finished with puffy sleeves, exaggerated hems, knits and statement shoes and hats.
Prints were either clashing or abstract, as well as many African variations of fancy fabrics and details such as hand-embroidered edges and unfinished appliqué. Men’s clothing featured strong tailoring, layered silhouettes and a sense of masculinity and strength.
Image by Meagan Duckitt
The event was nothing short of spectacular and every year the African Fashion International moves forward by leaps and bounds, and this year was no different. We are excited to see what the future holds for African designers.
For more information on how to show, visit https://africanfashioninternational.com/
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