South African Fashion Week (SAFW) Spring/Summer 2025 opened this week in Johannesburg with a renewed focus on emerging talent, sustainability, and the evolving identity of local fashion.
Held from April 24 to 26 at The Forum in Hyde Park, the event brought together established names and next-generation designers to present collections that reflect both current cultural moods and future-facing trends in the industry.
The launch of the event was marked by the Cruz x SA FW opening party, which set the tone for a spectacular showcase. The glamour of the evening was palpable as the red carpet was rolled out for a mix of influencers, celebrities, and the creative elite.
Attendees such as Natasha Joubert, Khosi Twala, Kayise Ngqula, and Phupho Gumede all embraced the theme of Quiet Luxury, providing a glimpse of sophistication and elegance that filled the atmosphere.
Adding to the excitement, the Cruz Collective made its debut, featuring young and avant-garde designers, including the esteemed Iimangaliso Ndiko from SIXX6. His presentation, exploring the five senses, envisions fashion as the sixth sense, pushing boundaries and inspiring thoughts about the sensory connections we have through clothing.
A hallmark of this year’s event is the celebrated partnership between SAFW and Cruz Vodka. With the tagline, “Where fashion meets freedom,” Cruz Vodka's collaboration aims to illuminate the vibrant Summer/Spring collections presented at the Cruz Collective.
Among the array of designers gracing the runway with their head-turning designs was the esteemed Sheldon Kopman, global sensation Jacques Bam, and the acclaimed Gert Johan Coetzee, alongside Hangwani Nengovhela, the founder and creative director of Rubicon Clothing.
Coetzee specifically invited attendees to experience "The Arrival", a bold new collection that defies notions of time, space, and identity.
“Even after all the accolades, I sometimes ask myself: Do I really belong here? That feeling of questioning your worth is at the heart of this collection,” Coetzee reflected. “But what I’ve come to learn is that heritage doesn’t wait for us to be confident. It moves through us, regardless. It’s already in us.”
The New Talent Search Semi-Finalists for SAFW showcased the depth of emerging talent within South Africa's fashion industry. With designers such as Allegra Nassif from Estella James, Mfundo Hlongwana of Ecstatic from KZN, and others crafting unique responsibly designed prints, these semi-finalists are paving the way for the next generation of fashion.
Each participant represents a commitment to responsible practices and innovation, and while only one will be chosen as the winner, all gain invaluable exposure in a highly competitive environment.
Among the finalists are Juanie from Johannesburg, My Roots from Pretoria, Tanaka Vengere with Ngano Design Africa, Tadi wa Nashe from Kaparipari, and Shepherd Mokhotho’s Taylored Substance. These promising designers are not just vying for a title but are on the cusp of shaping their brands into leading fashion labels across South Africa.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star