AFI FASHION WEEK JOBURG 2021

As Africans, our pride stems mostly from our background and culture, which shape the person you become. The same idea holds true when it comes to fashion. African designers are never short of creative designs and vibrant colors to symbolize their origins. African Fashion Week demonstrated what an African Summer looks like through the eyes of a designer to the rest of the globe.

African Fashion International is a platform that hosts African designers who appeal to the pan-African luxury market, allowing designers an opportunity to appeal to an international market, based on the standard and quality of the brand, but still allowing local buyers to afford it. AFI was established in 2007, by Dr. Precious Moloi-Mostepe, she believed fashion shows lacked diversity, and the African continent deserved to be represented accordingly. The show is a powerhouse, as it consists of live and online platforms, training platforms(master class), and omnichannel offerings for sales. It allows designers a colorful picture to boost their career to an audience that would not have seen their work otherwise. All designer items can be purchased through House of Nala, curated by AFI. The show this year embraced class and opulence, held at The Leonardo Hotel in Sandton, South Africa, one of the highest buildings in the country, with 360 spectacular views of the city, a warm sunset,  with amazing house-music sounds by popular South African female artist; Dj Zinhle. The night was spectacular. 

All the designers who showcased their work, left the audience captivated and pleasantly surprised. Three brands stood out:

Mzukisi Mbane

Is a fashion-forward brand founded by South African designer Mzukisi Mbane , his designs are known for their lifestyle “streetwear” vintage influence, the prints being the main aesthetic. His garments are worn by popular celebrities, former Miss Universe and singer Jidenna, who are keen on taking fashion risks and dare to be bold, the key ethos clearly states “leave a mark”. 

Mbane’s 2021 collection consisted of male and female items, showcasing his signature 2 color print technique, leaving the audience gasping as soon as that red and blue, front slit evening dress hit the runway.  The luxury brand certainly know how to open a show, providing a live performance with drums as models took the runway, this was really one for the books.

House of Fabrosanz 

This is a stand-out brand for sure, patterns influenced by the South African Nguni tribe, inspired by the Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, and Swati cultures. The brand proudly states that they represent “A Queen”, who is fully “woke”, and in charge of her origin, basically a confident woman who is not afraid to stand out in a crowd and demand a presence. Spearheaded by Sandi Mazibuko, this brand is a powerhouse and the style is bold. If you are expecting to make an entrance, this is your fabric. Stand-out pieces were the double lapel fit-and-flare blazer with the pencil skirt, and the uniquely placed aligned fedora’s. 

Lesedi Baakwalanya

Is a young fresh new brand, that tells African stories through spiritualism and fashion,  spearheaded by South African designer Lesedi Baakwalanya. His collection consisted of glamourize swimwear for women and trendy summer attire for men, coupled with floral satin pieces. The black shimmer one-piece bathing was a knockout, along with the men’s satin black kimono, flirting as a unisex option. This entire collection was experimental, and it paid off

Contributor Editor: Brucene Riet