South African Fashion Week Unveils Stellar Autumn/Winter 2025 Lineup at New Home in Melrose Arch – FASHION FORCE AFRICA
Calling all fashionistas! Get ready for a spectacular showcase of South African design talent at the upcoming South African Fashion Week (SAFW) Autumn/Winter 2025 Collections. This year, the event takes place from September 24th to 28th at its brand-new home in the vibrant Melrose Arch precinct.
The lineup boasts an impressive 40 designers, promising a diverse and captivating experience. Fashion enthusiasts can expect to see established names like Mantsho, Erre, House of Olé, Naked Ape, Floyd Avenue (winner of the 2017 Scouting Menswear Competition), and Artho Eksteen (winner of the 2020 New Talent award) return to the runway. Additionally, the event welcomes a fresh wave of talent, further enriching the fashion landscape.
SAFW’s move to Melrose Arch signifies a strategic partnership that leverages the power of fashion and aligns with the district’s focus on lifestyle and design. This collaboration opens exciting opportunities for collaborations between event attendees and local retailers, restaurants, art galleries, and bookstores within Melrose Arch.
Day one kicks off with a star-studded launch party presented by CRUZ Vodka. The following day features a highly anticipated showcase by the CRUZ COLLECTIVE, featuring designers Thabo Makhetha, Wepner, and Fikile Sokhulu.
Other highlights on day one include:
- Artho Eksteen’s “Pond” collection, inspired by the alluring beauty of rivers and streams.
- Michael Ludwig’s “Circular Criticism Collection,” a thought-provoking exploration of self-growth.
- Sandy Rogers’ Pret-a-Perfect label presenting “The Ties that Binds Us” collection.
The event boasts exciting collaborations throughout the week. Day two features established Pretoria labels like Erre, Ephymol, and The Bam Collective. Later, Gert Johan Coetzee will showcase his London Fashion Week Collection.
Inspired by the ISUZU brand, the ISUZU LUXURY COLLECTIONS present a unique athleisure collaboration featuring Floyd Avenue, Belhauzen, and House of Olé. These designers will each incorporate an athleisure capsule into their overall collections, and one will win a prestigious R50,000 prize.
Shaldon Kopman of Naked Ape will open the next show with his 100% natural “Afro Monk” collection, while Lezanne Viviers, a designer recognized by the New York Times, will launch her Spring Summer 25/26 collection titled “DISCLOSURE.”
The remaining days showcase a diverse range of talent, from established names like Helon Melon, Zamaswazi, and Rubicon to up-and-coming designers showcasing their capsule collections. All makeup looks will be created in collaboration with L’Oreal Paris, emphasizing their commitment to empowering all through beauty.
The final day features the exciting Mr. Price Scouting Menswear Competition, with eight aspiring designers competing for a cash prize and a show at the SA Fashion Week AW 26. The competition showcases a strong emphasis on sustainable fashion with a focus on printmaking.
The event concludes with captivating solo shows by renowned designers Palesa Mokubung and Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint. These presentations are sure to be reflective and powerful, exploring themes of self-discovery and heritage.
The final day culminates with Enhle Mbali Motshwa’s “AmaZulu – The Heavenly Collection” for her Essi Apparrel label. This grand finale brings the event to a close, celebrating fashion, creativity, and South African design talent.
SA Fashion Week continues its commitment to responsible fashion production, aligning with Melrose Arch’s dedication to sustainability practices. Additionally, the partnership with Zebra Square, a media and guest liaison expert, further strengthens the event’s foundation and reach.