Behold: Meet The Designers of South African Fashion Week

Fashion Week

May 1

From minimalist designs to dramatically detailed ensembles, South African Fashion Week's (SAFW) designers presented their Spring Summer 23 Collections at the Mall of Africa held from 20 – 23 April 2023. It was a celebration of African essence and luxury with a modern twist. A-List Stars sat in the front row, and as usual, we couldn't take our eyes off them. To name a few who made appearances; Khanya Mkhangisa, Wiseman Zitha, Mzukisi Mbane, Boity Thulo, Lunathi Mampofu, Nambitha Ben Mazwi, Mihlali Ndamase and more. But the real action was on the runways. Thirty-eight designers offered us various styles and patterns, giving us options to elevate any wardrobe. The Bam Collective, Mantsho, Essie Apparel, Michael Ludwig Studio, Oyama Gonintebe, Munkus, Fikile Sokhulu and more gave us pieces that will remain relevant, season after season, honestly. Lets meet two designers showing this season.

By: Thubelihle Chance Ntombela

Photographer: Thabo Mabotja (theflavourofgod)

Thula Sindi

Thula Sindi is one of the world’s leading global fashion lifestyle brands with a history of bold, non-conformist ideals that inform everything we do. After taking a 14-year hiatus from the runway, he finally returned with a new body of work. Prior to returning to the runway, Thula Sindi has been working tirelessly to push his brand Africa Rise Online. The Klerksdorp, South African-born designer, didn't disappoint at all with his Simplicity Inspired By Sophistication collection. Of course, many people anticipated his return, and he delivered top-tier cocktail dresses, luxury and contemporary wear. The brand’s exhilarating and sensual aesthetic drives our approach to product design and communication. This creates a canvas that offers the possibility of limitless self-expression.

Getting emotional, Thula Sindi shared with us about his collection and what's next for him. "It's all about celebration to me. The connection between the fabric and body has always been too personal. I've always created pieces that are connected by the intention and purpose of elevating everyday essentials to globally iconic status. This goes down to all the necessary details of each piece that we showcased on the runway. I missed that distinct runway storytelling and I'm really overjoyed that this collection was well received by people,” he explained.

Image Courtesy: Thula Sindi

Athenkosi Takuta

Confused as to what a fashion perspective might look like a decade from now? Well, look no further. Athenkosi Takuta, a founder and creative director of the clothing brand ARTAE is here with the solutions. We caught up with Athenkosi Takuta, one of the designers showcasing their new collection at the SAFW SS23. To say he’s a bold creative designer wouldn’t be enough, Athenkosi Takuta is a trendsetter, and we’re here for it. "In a nutshell, ARTAE is a genderless and ready-to-wear contemporary clothing brand with sustainable design practices. Our brand mainly creates iconic styles, which come alive at the intersection of classic and modern cultures of fashion. This collection was too close and personal to me, and I'm eternally grateful for the support that's been pouring for ARTAE," Athenkosi said. The Bachelor of Arts In Fashion graduate from the University Of Johannesburg said they have an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and sustainability while offering premium quality for all genders.