In less than a month, African Fashion International (AFI) will be hosting the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town (#MBFWCT) from 7 – 10 August 2013. Close to thirty local fashion labels will display their upcoming Spring/Summer 2013/2014 collections at the home of Cape Town Fashion Week, the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).In line with AFI’s theme for 2013 and leading up to the city’s status as the World Design Capital 2014, the event will celebrate the strength of “Fashion, Art and Design” in Cape Town. It takes place during “Women’s Month” and so will also highlight and salute the impact that the fashion industry has on the lives of women.
MBFWCT kicks off on the 7th August with a Gala dinner hosted by the official event partner, the City of Cape Town, at the Civic Centre. The evening will include a fashion presentation from two emerging designers: Earnest Mahomane and head designer Kelly Davids’ of emerging fashion label MilQ and Honey (have you SEEN their amazing winter collection!?)
Bella Cebekhulu, Business Development Manager at AFI, has said that mentoring young up-and-coming designers, providing them with access to top industry experts and opportunities, has been integral to AFI’s way of developing the industry and they are grateful to the many designers and fashion-insiders who remain open to welcoming new talent and sharing their skills with them.
Notable designers include a strong showing of successful women-led design businesses including Jenny le Roux at Habits, Gabi Rosenwerth at Rosenwerth and eponymous labels Stefania Morland and Cheryl Arthur. Men’s apparel will be represented by Fabiani, Ruald Rheeder and Adriaan Kuiters as well as AFI Fastrack™ 2012 winner Kim Gush (a personal favourite). Dax Martin and Craig Port will be catering for both women’s and men’s ranges.
Also included are Lalesso (whose designs have been highly praised by international style icon Kimora Lee Simmons), Lara Klawikowski and Goat Clothing (both showing under AFI Next Generation), Danielle Margaux, Non-European, Shana, Lo, Spilt Milk, Michelle Ludek, Leigh Schubert, Tart and Lazuli.
The closing day (Saturday 10 August) will open with a celebration of Johannesburg-based designers including David Tlale, Thula Sindi, Loin Cloth and Ashes, and Morphe.
Tickets will range from R100 – R250 and will be available via webtickets.
Some images of my personal favourites:
My advice? Don’t miss out on this amazing event, celebrating the diverse and exceptional talent Cape Town has to offer! I’m so excited I’m not sure I’ll be sleeping again until the 10th August.
Article contributed by OmniVogue // @OmniVogue
