With the Coronavirus reaching pandemic levels, many fashion events have either been canceled or postponed around the world in Milan, Paris and New York. The African Fashion International Fashion Week was held on the 12th to 14th of March this year at the Cape Town International Convention Center. AFI focuses on presenting African talent in the fashion industry at a world-class level. This year’s AFI Fashion Week was about developing sustainable fashion businesses.
The first two days of the AFI Fashion Week, the Autumn and Winter collections, ran without a glitch. Unfortunately, they had to call off the last day of fashion week due to the threat of the spread of the Coronavirus. On the last day, models walked down the ramp with no audience without any guests. The show was available online to watch. Nonetheless, this season included some of the finest designers across the African continent as well as some talented emerging designers. Here are our top fashion picks from the runway.
Idiosyncratic Designs
Dress: @shweshwekini & @gavinrajah
UNICEF partnered with Gavin Rajah to highlight the scrouge of violence against children in South Africa. The collection also showcased the awareness about the current pandemic situation with Covid-19. The models wore masks during the runway. The plastic coverings over some of the models’ heads were reminiscent of the hazmat suits wore by medics. Mapitso Thaisi made her debut on AFI by launching a vibrant collection of swimwear.
All Things Unconventional
Dress: @dedanicollection & @stefaniamorland
African culture came into play in the design process of Dedani’s collection, but it got turned on its head with modern silhouettes. The use of bold prints really gave the collection unspeakable power. From working with a range of colors from chocolate to tawny brown, purple and gold, Stefania managed to create a royal glossy effect creatively, using sheer and silk for an ultimate result.
Elegance Personified
Dress: @ericraisina & @shanamorland
There’s no doubt that Eric loves playing with colors and this powerful green dress by Eric Raisina was a perfect example of sustainable yet stunning creation. It represents the feminine energy in a very strong way. The “Goddess Collection” by Shana Morland was enchantingly beautiful. The gown was a vision of tulle and detailed shimmery.
Vibrant Colors
Dress: @maxhosa & @michelleludek
Known for his patterns, beadwork, and symbolism from the rich culture in his modern contemporary clothing designs, Ngxokolo’s collection turned head as the models walked the ramp. Michelle Ludek made a return to the fashion industry by showcasing a range of color palettes and trendsetting designs catering to the youth market.
Power Statement
Dress:@ameninteriorfashion & @nadreylaurent
‘Ke tshwere Ke tlala’ – a Tswana phrase meaning ‘ I am starving’ is the title of The AMEN A/W 21 collection that highlighted the unseen/untold story of unemployment in Johannesburg. Nadrey Laurent launched “The Great Koudou Collection” which was effortlessly chic for a modern-day bride.
Feature Image Credit: @gavinrajah & @ameninteriorfashion
