AFI Cape Town Fashion Week 2019

AFI Cape Town Fashion Week allowed us to get up close and personal with the new lines of clothing by designers from all over the continent. We did not have many expectations, just hopes for a good time, and the opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes of the Cape Town fashion industry. A few of the shows caught our eyes. The originality and message that each line and model told was exquisite.

RUFF TUNG was a special show as the clothes were not just beautiful pieces of art, but the models themselves an inclusive group. The runway featured plus-size models, as well as models from a range of racial backgrounds. The show itself told a story. It began with a more everyday look and transitioned to an evening party look with sequin materials, and concluded with a classic black and white theme that was very flirty and light.

MaXhosa by Laduma was an amazing show to attend as the designers are South African and bridge the gap between the traditional and modern fashion. Every piece that walked the catwalk outshined the previous look but still managed to complement each other. The line featured modern looks for the everyday person and heavily incorporated traditional pieces, such as Isicholo (beaded, traditional Zulu hats). There was a marriage between the modern and trendy with the sacred and traditional in this line. The use of colour was immaculate and bold.

These two shows were some of the most memorable ones as there was a lot of intersectionality between races, body shapes as well as the merging of the traditional and the modern. A few of the designers’ pieces were also on display for potential buyers.

Other collections included, La Art Neviole Emporium, Aphia Sakyi and ImprintZA. The overall experience of AFI Cape Town Fashion Week was amazing. We look forward to see what 2020 brings!