Merchants on Long Celebrates Summer with a Vibrant Season of African Fashion – FASHION FORCE AFRICA MAG
Get ready for a summer celebration of African fashion! Merchants on Long unveils a dynamic lineup of pop-up events, designer collaborations, and talks, showcasing the continent’s most exciting creative voices.
African Fashion Takes Center Stage: Merchants on Long Unveils a Summer Season Extravaganza
Made in Africa Pop-Up
Celebrating Pan-African Talent Throughout the Season
Merchants on Long, a renowned South African concept store, is renowned for its dedication to championing African fashion and design. This summer, they’re taking things to the next level with a captivating program of pop-up events, designer collaborations, and insightful talks. Prepare to be dazzled by a vibrant showcase of talent, featuring established and emerging voices pushing the boundaries of African fashion.
The season kicks off with a bang, featuring a spotlight on award-winning South African designer Sindiso Khumalo. From October 23rd to November 2nd, a selection of Khumalo’s captivating looks will take center stage. This will be complemented by a curated selection of spring/summer fashion and design pieces from a diverse group of cross-continental designers. Expect to find stunning accessories, menswear, womenswear, and even homeware pieces from established names like Rethread, Gugu by Gugu, Inke Knitwear, and many more. This selection reflects the collaborative spirit of Merchants on Long, featuring designers who previously participated in their curation for the Karoo Winter Wool Festival.
In early November, the store undergoes a transformation with the launch of “ROOTS: Made in Africa.” This collaboration between Merchants on Long and the Nigerian-based platform LHAUDE Africa is a traveling pop-up series. LHAUDE Africa is dedicated to uniting the powerhouses of African fashion – creative businesses, brands, professionals, investors, and industry leaders. Their mission is to shape the future of African fashion, and this pop-up event embodies that perfectly.
Developed in close collaboration with Merchants on Long, the six-day “ROOTS: Made in Africa” event will showcase the talents of rising design stars and feature engaging panel discussions with key voices in African fashion. Get ready to discover innovative brands like Kiko Romeo and Mangishi Dol, and gain valuable insights from industry leaders like Sulona Reddy, Tamburai Chirume, Errica Iacopini, and Tracey Chiappini.
The celebration of pan-African talent continues throughout the season. From December 9th to 14th, a highly anticipated collaboration between Merchants on Long and the Ghanaian label Friend Studio will take place. Their exclusive capsule collection, “For the Locals,” promises a vibrant celebration of African craftsmanship.
As the season draws to a close, events continue to impress. On December 6th, a pre-shopping event will be held for the prestigious L’Ormarins King’s Plate. Additionally, a unique collaboration between Okapi and Millerner will be unveiled, featuring exclusive hats and accessories created in association with fine artist Whitney Halsted.
Through these exciting specialist pop-ups, collaborative design processes, and captivating activations, Merchants on Long continues its mission to foster a deeper appreciation for Africa’s vibrant and diverse fashion landscape. This season promises a stunning showcase of luxury, handcrafted, and ethically-sourced design creations. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of African fashion!
- Sindiso Khumalo: October 23 – November 2
- ROOTS: Made in Africa: November 4 – 10
- Friend Studio Capsule Collection: December 9 – 14
- Okapi x Millerner: December 6 – January 4