Take a look at our list of 10 must-see brands at this year's SAFW, taking place from Thu, Apr 20 to Sat, Apr 22. For all the essential details on dates, location and ticketing, click here and for the full programme click here.
C.U.C.C.L.A
The talent behind the unforgettable C.U.C.C.L.A brand is the incredibly skilled Cúccla Mithá. With a background in fashion design and modeling from the prestigious Magestil-Lisbon Fashion School, she made a dazzling entrance at Mozambique Fashion Week 2021. Showcasing mesmerizing pieces to craft a whimsical wildlife escape, the label weaves linen and cotton intricately together, using Mozambique's abundant cotton resources.
Artclub and Friends
Embark on a journey with Artclub and Friends, a captivating and chic Cape Town casual clothing label that oozes youthful exuberance and inventiveness. Imagined by Robyn Keyser, this stirring collection is inclusive fashion for everyone – made by artistic visionaries for their fellow artisans. Art Club & Friends has teamed up with remarkable talents, as well as craft exclusive collections for retail giants. Embrace your inner artist with Artclub's dungarees, pants and effortlessly cool print t-shirts and hoodies. The essence of creative comfort.
Fuata Moyo
Dive into the world of Fuata Moyo, a dynamic brand and production company that masterfully intertwines art and fashion to craft truly distinctive pieces, each radiating its own personality. Born from the creative minds of siblings Kabambi, Martine, Lucienn, and Tshimaro Mbiola, Fuata Moyo celebrates their African family's rich heritage and remarkable journey through captivating artistic expressions. This effervescent brand exudes kaleidoscopic vibrancy and boasts an unmatched flair for the unconventional. From mesmerising blue-and-white optical illusion pants and paintbrush-splattered dungarees to bold tie-dye creations and edgy leather trousers—Fuata Moyo wholeheartedly embraces and honours the imaginative spirit of following its heART.
Munkus
In 2019, Thando Ntuli burst onto the fashion scene with her vibrant Munkus label, captivating audiences by weaving storytelling into her designs, allowing women to boldly express their most colourful and spirited selves. Hailing from Soweto, this dynamic designer has amassed an impressive array of accolades from 2019 to 2021 from Truworths, Design Indaba and Glamour Magazine. In 2022, she triumphed at the SA Fashion Week New Talent search. Her stunning creations have graced runways in Lagos and Cape Town, culminating in her eagerly anticipated showcase in Paris in 2023.
Bam Collective
Jacques Bam's bespoke brand is a spirited celebration of South African luxury, deeply rooted in our nation’s vibrant culture. Through its alluring creations, Bam Collective explores life's nuances, from reimagining our perception of the body to transcending the commercial and conceptual boundaries of fashion. We love this style – bursting with graphic prints, vivid hues, eye-catching silhouettes and daring details. Expect a captivating and futuristic range of shirts and blouses, skirts and dresses, and uniquely designed suits that wouldn't be out of place on an extra-terrestrial catwalk.
Research Unit
This distinctive fashion label that transcends gender and age is the lovingly crafted creation of husband and wife team Erin-Lee and Chad Petersen. Their philosophy revolves around designing limited, high-quality pieces that embody environmental consciousness and sustainability, striking a harmonious blend of materials, form, fit, and function. Dive into their collection showcasing chic neutral-toned raincoats, minimalist t-shirts, utilitarian cargo pants, luxurious leather bags, and trendy bucket hats. Extras points get awarded to the brand for its At the unwavering commitment to community upliftment – empowering individuals hailing from disadvantaged backgrounds and standing up against mass production. Research Unit believes in and works towards fostering an eco-friendly future.
Helon Melon
Born from the creative genius of Helen Gibbs, Helon Melon emerged in 1995 as a trailblazing force, with its fresh take on design, style, and fabric options. At its core, this trendsetting brand prioritises season-less, eco-friendly creations made from locally-sourced materials that champion sustainability and respect for nature. We think you will love Helon Melon's captivating collection featuring exquisite pure cotton painter's coats and kaftans, luxurious suede bags, and cozy pyjamas. Look extraordinary and feel extraordinary.
Fikile Sokhulu
Durban-based designer Fikile Sokhulu's eponymous brand captivates an ageless contemporary audience. The label fuses organic, natural and feminine elements. These are dreamy designs – that resonate with nostalgia. The Criz Collective weaves locally-sourced, eco-friendly fabrics such as cotton blends, pure cotton, and calico, and each garment weaves a unique story.
Viviers Studio
The fabulously talented Lezanne Viviers' innovative and eco-conscious fashion brand brings to life unique ready-to-wear and bespoke clothing designs. Viviers crafts her garments with exquisite rare textiles and repurposed dead-stock fabrics. She transforms fashion into an immersive sensory experience of contrasting elements. Skilled in-house artisans and tailors meticulously hand-bead and hand-weave each creation such as silk dresses, leather jackets and tailored trousers, breathing life into the designer's vision.
Black Coffee
We are huge fans of Black Coffee. Since 1999, the captivating designs of famed creator Jacques Van der Watt have been a mainstay at South African Fashion Week. Intricate, layered forms and a daring attitude is what sets the label's designs apart. Black Coffee is all about beautifully tailored understated elegance, and an emphasis on crafting – from delicate pleating to complex ribbon details. The collection's transparent ribbon jackets, timeless safari-inspired coats, chic shirt dresses, and versatile tunics are perfect for everyday wear. This is clothing with a distinct identity.
South African Fashion Week's Spring/Summer 2023 show will take place from Thu, Apr 20 until Sat, Apr 22 at Mall of Africa. Tickets start from R280.
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