The local fashion week calendar is in full swing as the fashion world returns to regular programming post-pandemic.
First for the season is the African Fashion International (AFI) which is currently taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC2) until Saturday.
Making its return to the Mother City since 2019, this is a big celebration for AFI as they mark their 15 year anniversary in fashion.
The three day affair includes a curated experience of runway shows, masterclasses, a shopable expo and live music performances.
The first day kicked off with a master-class panel discussion titled “Building a Conscious & Inclusive Fashion Movement in Africa” . The session hosted by MC , Speaker and media personality Liezel van der Westhuizen included industry insiders of GLAMOUR’s Editor-In-Chief Nontando Mposo, Mental Health Advocate and Miss SA 2020 Shudufhadzo Musida, Style Architect and fashion curator Yoliswa Mqoco, Fashion Editor and Film Director Ky Bxshxff, and Artist, fashion designer and creative director of fashion brand Masa Mara Nyambo Masa Mara.
The robust conversation was well attended and a lot was unpacked about the challenges faced by the fashion industry and some focus areas such as the lack of inclusivity and support structures for up and coming designers.
The first showcase of the evening was sustainable brand Masa Mara who delivered a heartfelt political statement with its collection titled “ Silence the Guns”.
As true to its slogan “For the Brave Ones” brand Masa Mara is bold and daring, and is made for those who dress to be seen. The collection included printed pieces in dresses, suits, coats and separates.
The presentation was political and fashion activism at its best. Rwanda-born creative director of Masa Mara Nyambo has mastered the art of telling the story of his past, present and future paired with his cultural influences.
Commenting on the showcase Nyambo describes the collection as a combination of Post war Trauma and Healing.
“We are recreating the feeling of trauma caused by the war. The smells of tear gas, gunpowder, tires burning, the ears catch the screams of a mother calling for her offspring while trying to make out the last whispers of a dying relative;” says Nyambo describing the short captivating film that was played before the show which showcased the Rwandan genocide that occurred between 7 April and 15 July 1994 during the Rwandan Civil War. For 100 days, the country was plunged into chaos of which members of the Tutsi minority ethnic group, as well as some moderate Hutu and Twa, were killed by armed Hutu militias
“The eye sees the chaos caused by the soldiers and their guns, the fear staring at the siblings hiding in the bush. This is a build-up for the young brave one who in the midst of this running, crying, bleeding chaos, jumps out of his father's arms and says No more! “ he explains.
Other showcasing designers for the night included AFI Fastrack designer, Shamrya Moodley of fashion brand Laani Raani, House of Nala, Urban Zulu , House of Nala, Chip O Neal, K.Moraba and Koki Kamala.
Highlight: On display at the venue is a special “Gold Collection” of exquisite pieces owned by AFI Founder Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe. This is worth checking out as it showcases Dr Moloi-Motsepe's great eye for style and detailing.
*Follow the AFI fashion Week big celebration on Instagram @afi_sa.
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