Jozi Fashion Week draws in top fashion designers
11 August 2016
The attention of the fashion world is on Johannesburg this week as local designers showcase their spring-summer collections in the Mercedes Benz Johannesburg Fashion Week.
The annual landmark spectacle, which started on Wednesday August 10 and winds up on Saturday August 13, has transformed Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton into a sartorial platform for local designers, exposing role players in the clothing and textile industry to global markets and decision makers.
“We would like to extend a warm welcome to all designers, fashionistas and members of the fashion media to Johannesburg and encourage them to explore the unlimited lifestyle offerings the city has to offer as a creative, cultural and fashion forward hub,” says Bintu Petsana, Head of Joburg Tourism, the City of Johannesburg’s tourism promotion and development entity. Held bi-annually, the Mercedes Benz Johannesburg Fashion Week is organised by Africa Fashion International (AFI) and is a glamour-filled affair providing valuable opportunities for up-and-coming designers and sector trailblazers while cementing Johannesburg’s reputation as the continent’s fashion capital and lifestyle hub.
Contributing designers displaying their spring-summer collections include Carducci, David Tlale, Marianne Fassler, Tina Ngxokolo, Siyethema Duma, Stafania Morland, Nandi Mngoma, AKEDO, Spero Villioti. Tuelo Nguyuza, Tsotestsi KL and Augustine Clothing. Tlale’s programme, “The Intern”, makes a welcome return this season and gives nine aspiring designers the chance to wow audiences and win a place under his tutelage.
Emerging designers who have been mentored through AFI in partnership with the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, through the Fastrack programme, are again a distinct feature in this season’s showcasing.
Supported through a sponsorship from Mercedes-Benz South Africa, the Fastrack programme aims to unearth budding design talent by providing relevant skills training and support. Says AFI Marketing Manager Sizwe Nzimande: “We are incredibly passionate about the Fastrack programme as it directly develops the new generation of fashion design talent and gives them a platform for success.
“In addition, the Johannesburg Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week provides a fashion podium to turn the international spotlight on local designers, recognising them as more than dressmakers and celebrating them as trendsetters. The designers who will be showcased this year will no doubt enjoy immense respect and success.”
Tickets to the Mercedes Benz Johannesburg Fashion Week are available online at www.webtickets.co.za