- SA Fashion Week will be taking place over three days.
- Thabo Makhetha and Ezokheto are among the designers showcasing their collects this season.
- As the designers put in the final touches to their designs, they share what goes on before a show.
From patterns to textures, this week is all about South African fashion as one of Mzansi’s highly anticipated fashion events. SA Fashion Week (SAFW), runs from 18 April to 20 April 2024.
This is not only a platform for South African fashion to be celebrated but it is also a stage where established and upcoming designers can showcase their clothing and receive recognition.
@truelovemagazine #PalesaMokubung will present her latest collection at #SAFW. She shares the importance of showing at fashion week and the opportunities it has opened up for her brand #Mantsho. #safashionweek ? original sound - TRUE LOVE
We got in touch with some of this season's designers who will be showcasing SAFW spring/summer to share what takes place before a show:
Thabo Makhetha
“We excited to see how people are going to respond to the collection,” says fashion designer Thabo Makhetha. She also mentions that there are some nerves kicking in because the last time she showcased at the SA Fashion Week was in 2020.
The brand has also decided to not use their intrinsic style of Basotho blankets and will be taking on a slightly different direction.
“As much as I say I use the Basotho culture as my inspiration, this time on the ramp there are no blankets at all. The conversation is more around what did we wear before the blankets were introduced to us.”
Thabo says she has also created her own woven fabric and she has spent this week putting in the final touches into her designs.
“I suppose until people respond you don’t really know like if you did well or not. I think we put together a beautiful collection. My team and I have been working really hard so I’m very happy with what I’m presenting,” the fashion designer concludes.
READ MORE | Introducing the SA Fashion Week x L'Oreal collaboration
Ezokhetho
Founder of Ezokhetho Mpumelelo Dhlamini experiencing mixed feelings ahead of the show.
“I’m feeling excited and a bit nervous but I’m sure people are going to enjoy the new collection,” says Mpumelelo.
“It’s sort of a homage to my parents especially my mom,” Mpumelelo says as he describes his new collection as one that tells a story of how he managed to get to where he is and what he looks forward to in the future.
“People will definitely see that the brand identity is getting stronger and has gotten stronger over the years,” Mpumelolo adds, and described how his collection will have a lot of colour, a play on stripes, a play on patterns and fabrics.
Sava
Sania Bacar, who is the founder and designer of Sava, says this is her very first time showcasing at the SA Fashion Week and she is very optimistic because she knows it will bring much exposure to her brand.
“It’s going to take the brand to the next level.
“Everything is ready and set for the show on Saturday and I am very happy with the results. I hope the public also feels the same way as I do,” She says.
Sava’s collection at SA Fashion Week is inspired by the essence of the Mozambican city, Maputo, and Sania says it will consist of much print and colour.
“It’s a bright collection, it’s fun, it’s young.”
Belhauzen
Founder of Belhauzen, Belinda Venter, says she is very excited and that she is ready for the runway.
She describes the collection as “fun and vibrant” because it will bring an infusion of both the city life and nature and it will consist of colours such as orange, pink and green along with some print elements.
