The first runway shows will debut on Thursday night at Mall of Africa in Midrand, Johannesburg

A-listers such as Lerato Kganyago, AKA, Nadia Nakai, Anele Zondo, Siphesihle Ndaba, Yaya Mavundla, and Nefisa Mkhabela and Birth of Stars cast kicked off SA Fashion Week (SAFW) with a bang on Wednesday night at the official opening party in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Fashion designers including Ole Ledimo, Hangwani Nengovhela, Paledi Segapo, Craig Jacobs, Amanda Laird Cherry, and Sello Medupe were also in attendance. 

The first runway shows will debut on Thursday night at Mall of Africa in Midrand, Johannesburg, where Cherry and Rubicon will debut their autumn/winter 2023 collections. Founder of Rubicon, Nengovhela, has shared that her latest collection will be inspired by her late father Dickson Ralushai. In the 20 years of the brand, it has unapologetically honored and celebrated her Venda heritage.

“The past two and half years have been a true testament to our resilience and persistence in an almost non-operational industry. This year’s AW’23 collection is inspired by the power and strength that we possess,” said Nengovhela.

“And just like still waters we never compromise our form but rather adapt to any trials and tribulations that come our way. The new collection will interpret the way in which water flows smoothly whilst never losing its formation, but rather adapting to the different streams that may come it’s way.”

The second day of SAFW tomorrow will see new collections by Black Coffee, Munkus, Ntando XV, Erre, and Essie Apparel by Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa.

The closing day of SAFW on Saturday will include shows by MaXhosa Africa, Ephymol, and Loxion Kulca.

“I am looking forward to seeing fresh and futuristic designs on the runway from up-and-coming designers. I would like to see how they come up with new ways of constructing and redefining fashion with their choice of fabric that they’ll use per design,” said Ledimo, founder of House of Ole and creative director for Loxion Kulca.

“Loxion Kulca leans on being fresh, cool, and funky. It’s streetwear with a touch of bespoke fashion. You can look forward to a fun take on streetwear fashion this Saturday.”

At the opening party, some of our favorite stars showcase their daring sartorial picks. Zondo looked edgy in a pop of color, while Big Brother Mzansi winner Mpho wa Badimo was serving party vibes in a psychedelic number. Her metallic rainbow dress made her look like the star that she is.

Mavundla was also a bight-hued goddess in a pink David Tlale look.

Tsotsetsi opted for a monochrome tailored set piece by Loxion Kulca. Gomora starlet Ndaba also showed off her minimalist style in designs by Thebe Magugu and Rich Mnisi.

Source: sowetanlive.co.za