In a celebration of local fashion, this past weekend, SA Menswear Week (SAMW), in partnership with Week of Fashion, showcased its biggest selection of designers to date, with over 106 designers walking the runway for the AW23 season. SA Menswear Week is Africa’s only bi-annual stand-alone platform dedicated to the development and promotion of menswear within the African continent.
Taking place at Wonderland Film Studios, the 17th season of SAMW included presentations from Cape Town Fashion Council’s Graduate Showcase, Week of Fashion Womenswear, and SA Menswear. The two-day exhibition began on Friday, 31 March, and continued the next day, presenting the SHOWroom, which exhibited the works of 18 designers. The SHOWroom included 10 designers from Ethiopia and Burundi, featuring bags, jewellery, and apparel. In addition, discussions around the local fashion industry’s export markets, buyer’s mindset, and more, were held by women empowerment NGO, SheTrades.
Left: Imprint ZA, Right: Habits
“Our goal is to diversify and include designers who would not normally be showcased on such a platform,” says Kerry-Lee Bell, acting CEO of Cape Town Fashion Council and partner of Cape Town’s Week of Fashion. From up-and-coming local designers, graduates, and African designers from across the continent, the CTFC is cultivating a network of fashion practitioners and championing the growth of the local fashion industry.
Our goal is to diversify and include designers who would not normally be showcased on such a platform
“Discovery and talent acquisition is a large part of what we do,” Kerry-Lee says. “As an organisation that works across industry stakeholders, we know that we are stronger together. Collaboration and connection are key components of our vision.”
Left: Nao Serati, Right: Lara Klawikowski
Among the selection of designers were Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2020 Changemaker, Lara Klawikowski, and other local favourites such as Imprint ZA and Masa Mara. In addition, SAMW supported the work of student designers, such as in the Markham x Fedisa and Redbat Posse showcases. Rebat Posse supports young designers, and the showcase included a look by Fikile Sokhulu.
Left: Redbat Posse, Right: SVL Designs
A common thread we witnessed at this year’s showcase was a growing awareness of fashion’s negative environmental and social impact. Designers are embracing sustainable practices, with designers such as Fred Rich and SVL Designs using upcycled clothes as part of their collections. Other designers promoting slow fashion practices included Lara Klawinkoski, Imprint ZA, and Nao Serati. By using natural fibres or textile waste, and producing locally, many of the designers demonstrated a firm commitment to sustainability within the fashion industry across the continent.
This season is about way more than just fashion, it’s about collaboration
Left: Fred Rich, Right: Markham x Fedisa
“SAMW drives a culture of industry networking and pushing these relationships outside of fashion week events when it comes to getting campaigns, advertising, garment placements, and connecting with our partners across the world,” says Simon Deiner, Creative Director of SAMW.
Left and right: Ezokhetho
SAMW’s AW23 showcase created a space for industry stakeholders to come together in a celebration of local fashion and provide a network for the growth of South African fashion.
“This season is about way more than just fashion, it’s about collaboration, not only in shows, but also between designers, students, and other spheres of the fashion industry and design,” the press release explained.
Masa Mara
- Images: Lara Klawikowski’s show photographed by Simon Deiner
- In-copy images: Photos by Simon Deiner
