From New York to London to Milan and then Paris, fashion week has landed in Africa with the just concluded AFI Fashion Week Johannesburg 2019 which took place at Sandton’s Convention Centre, South Africa from October 10 to 12.
According to the hosts, African Fashion International (AFI) was established as part of an unequivocal determination to propel and restore refined African fashion brands on the global stage. For AFI Fashion Week Johannesburg 2019, bright African prints, florals as well as textured and woven fabrics made it to the runway among other rich “materials.”
Africa’s most celebrated and talented designers showcased their Spring and Summer 2020 collections as they showed of their creativity with designs that came in exaggerated details, powerful silhouettes, stand out cuts, loose resort pieces as well body-hugging fits.
Loin cloth and Ashes presented a modern ready-to-wear collection of girly dresses and separates while Rich Factory presented an inclusive collection that catered to women of all shapes and sizes, including not-so-usual shapes and silhouettes.
For Africa Fashion Unites runway show which showcased collections from a variety of African designers, Jazz and Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti opened up the runway show.
For this show, Gavin Rajah collaborated with floral couturier The Blom Boy to present a special capsule collection titled “Where have all the flowers gone?” paying tribute to women who are victims of violence and crime on the continent.
Madagascar’s Eric Raisina impressed the crowd with textured and woven designs in natural textiles such as silk, raffia, sisal, linen and cotton. These were paired with one-of-a-kind pieces and accessories that were reminiscent of classic 60s disco era. Nigerian design house, House of Jahdara, played a game of tulle, serving the fabric in a variety of colors and luxe designs.
Check out some of the most rave-worthy designs from the AFI Fashion Week Johannesburg 2019 SS20 runways…
Matte Nolim
Gavin Rajah
House of Jahdara
Eric Raisina
PALSE by Paledi Segapo
African Fashion Unites
David Tlale
Loin Cloth and Ashes
Masango By Siphosihle
Rich Factory
Taússy Daniel
La Art Neviole Emporium
Photo credit: Africanfashioninternational.com
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