South African Fashion Week (SAFW) SS25 took the fashion world by storm in late April, as style enthusiasts and industry leaders gathered at The Forum Hyde Park in Johannesburg for a three-night extravaganza. The event highlighted both established and emerging talent, marking a powerful fusion of creativity, culture, and innovation in African fashion.
Mimangaliso Ndiko, a young designer and founder of Sixx6, was one of the notable talents to showcase his work. Having started his journey at SA Fashion Week by winning the Student Competition, Ndiko’s debut collection under the New Talent Search category marked a pivotal moment in his career. Reflecting on his experience, Ndiko shared, “Fashion week always has its intensity, but this season felt different — more aligned, more affirming. Seeing my vision come alive on that stage, the energy from the audience, the reactions… it reminded me why I do this. It wasn’t just a showcase, it was a shift. I walked away not only proud but clear about the next chapter for my brand.”
This year’s edition featured seven shows and 24 collections, accompanied by collaborations with notable brands such as Isuzu, Cruz Vodka, and L’Oreal Paris. The ramp saw an exciting array of designers, including Hangwani Nengovhela, Boitumelo Masehla, and Tadiwanashe Karen Kaparipari, the founder of TADI wa NASHE, who quickly became a crowd favorite.
Among the standout moments was the opening night showcase by South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee, which offered a truly immersive audio-visual experience that left attendees in awe.
Veteran media icon Nambitha Mpumlwana also graced the event, offering advice to young designers looking to make their mark in the fashion world. “When you make that fashion statement, make sure that it’s reflected of you today, tomorrow, and after,” she said. “Timeless elegance is always a winner for me. I think some of the young people forget that and they end up doing some rather, shall we say, interesting things, but they’re kids. Unfortunately, we are in the era of everything going on the internet and the internet does not forget.”
This year’s SAFW edition was a testament to the thriving and evolving nature of local fashion. With a mix of fresh ideas and seasoned wisdom, the future of African fashion appears more vibrant and promising than ever.
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