Cape Town Fashion Week is Back and Better than Ever: Meet the Talented Designers on the Runway
Johannesburg, South Africa (March 8, 2023)
African Fashion International (AFI) is delighted to announce the list of ground-breaking designers who will be presenting their collections at Cape Town Fashion Week (CTFW) 2023. Featuring designers from multiple regions on the continent, the CTFW designer showcase is sure to enthral audiences.
For 15 years, we have convened in Cape Town for this Pan-African celebration of home-grown talent. The Cape Town International Convention Centre will play host to a dazzling display of African fashion, which will run from March 22 until March 25.
This event will bring to one stage the continent’s foremost designers. From such established names as Kat Van Duinen (South Africa) and Taibo Bacar (Mozambique) to emerging talents Kaylaamiel (Botswana), Alia Bare (Niger) and more, we look forward to witnessing this year’s league of innovators take the runway to tell captivating stories against the beautiful backdrop of Cape Town.
From established names to emerging talents, this event is set to showcase incredible diversity in design talent. Get your front-row seats reserved, as we bring you a sneak peek into what’s in store for Africa’s most anticipated fashion event!
Tickets are now on sale: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/209392-afi-ctfw-2023-shows/#/
MASA MARA
MASA MARA celebrates the balance between tradition and progress, old and new. The brand brings tribal cultural wear into the present day with active wear pieces that embody traditional values while expressing modern creativity. By doing this, they give today’s generation a chance to enjoy both past and current styles.
Born in Rwanda in 1992, Nyambo MasaMara is a multi-disciplinary artist and creative professional. His pseudonym is derived from the royal status of his homeland’s cattle, which have long horns. An accountant by trade, Nyambo branches out into fashion design through his brand MASAMARA as well as visual artistry; his work drawing inspiration from his life experience.
MASA MARA will be the first show to kick off Cape Town Fashion Week, from 16:30 to 17:00 on Thursday the 23rd of March 2023
Chiip O Neal
Chiip O Neal is a contemporary and culturally versatile unisex brand founded in 2019 by David Neal Dodoo. The brand is committed to sustainability and upcycling materials and fabrics in their design process while creating functional pieces that reflect the wearer’s state of mind, emotions, and personality.
David Neal Dodoo founded the contemporary, culturally versatile brand Chiip O Neal in 2019. Known for its sustainable and conscious practices, Chiip O Neal has gained global recognition under his creative direction. Dodoo’s work has been well-received on various platforms. Drawing from his inventive vision and proficiency in the field, he envisages myself as a self-assured fashion business owner who has refined my expertise to forge enduring connections with patrons, customers, and entities.
Chiip O Neal will be the amongst the first shows of Cape Town Fashion Week, showing between 16:30 and 17:00 on Thursday the 23rd of March 2023.
Urban Zulu
Founded by self-taught fashion designer Papy Kaluw, Urban Zulu specialises in both ready-to-wear and bespoke garments. Kaluw describes the label as “a movement promoting oneness”. Drawing inspiration from spirituality, the brand celebrates the beauty and texture of everyday life, balancing ideals of love and unity with practical functionality. Incorporating the depth of the word “Zulu” (“Heaven in IsiZulu and IsiXhosa) into the narrative of his label, DRC-born Kaluw defines it as “the embodiment of an urban paradise”.
Having migrated to South Africa from the DRC at the age of 19, Kaluw once sought a future in science, but made difficult circumstances work for him when he dropped out of university to pursue fashion.
Urban Zulu will be amongst the first set of designers scheduled to kickstart the Cape Town Fashion Week programme on Thursday the 23rd of March 2023, from 16:30 to 17:00.
House of Nala
AFI’s House of Nala provides customers with a lavish collection of clothing for men and women that suits any event. The line features casual attire for everyday wear as well as daring fashion pieces, all showcasing the exquisite mastery of African fashion.
Thulani Mlambo and Keneuoe Mhletswa are The House of Nala brand designers. Thulani, a young fashion designer from Johannesburg, focuses on experimental design to make sustainable and budget-friendly fashion. Mainly creating men’s clothing for the brand, he is joined by Keneuoe who oversees women’s wear. Originally from Lesotho but now based in South Africa, Keneuoe has experience in various roles within the industry including editorial styling and was also previously a finalist in AFI Fastrack competition.
House of Nala will show on Thursday the 23rd of March 2023, at 19:30.
LaaniRaani
2021 AFI Fastrack Designer of the Year, accountant, writer and fashion designer Shamyra Moodley, will make her Cape Town Fashion Week debut.
Sustainable and circular production are at the centre of Moodley’s brand, LaaniRaani, which hand-produces garments from donated and reusable fabrics. Combining her love of colour, texture, and designing garments that spark joy, Moodley uses her unique craftsmanship and specialties to create a narrative reflecting her African, Indian, and Irish heritage.
LaaniRaani celebrates the intersection of art and fashion with love and care, creating timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces in Moodley’s home studio. An assortment of sustainable materials, including reclaimed T-shirt yarn, vintage sarees and remnant fabric waste, are the foundation for every design – each crafted with the utmost respect for both the environment and humankind.
Having taken the stage at the AFI Fashion Experience in Abu Dhabi, Moodley is fresh from showcasing her sustainably produced garments, at the CanEx Investment Summit Fashion Show in Barbados.
Showing in the second series of shows on Thursday 23rd of March 2023, from 19:30-20:00, Moodley’s label, LaaniRaani, promises to be much sought-after.
K. Moraba & Collective
K.Moraba & Collective is a brand for high-end fashion consumers, founded and creatively directed by Keletso Moraba. It offers collections that feature feminine, wistful, and bold silhouettes inspired by various sources. K Moraba & Collective showcases an innovative approach to fashion design, highlighting the beauty and richness of African culture while advocating for ethical production methods.
Keletso Moraba, the founder and creative director of K. Moraba & Collective, is a women’s clothing designer who infuses his pieces with dreamy elegance reflective of Africa. Originally from Burgersfort on the Mpumalanga/Limpopo province border, his passion for fashion led him to move to Johannesburg after high school where he studied clothing production at Central Johannesburg College’s Alexandra campus. K.Moraba & Collective was born from Keletso’s determined spirit and previous success as a winner of ‘The Intern’.
K. Moraba & Collective will be the second-to-last show on Thursday the 23rd of March 2023, from 21:00 to 21:30.
Ituen Basi
Ituen Basi is a luxury Nigerian fashion brand that pays homage to individuality and heritage. Introducing an enchanting fusion of timeless elegance and modern flair, this renowned label debuted in Lagos in 2008 to tremendous acclaim. Striving for the utmost contemporary classic Nigeria, Ituen Basi consistently brings a unique take on fashion while refining traditional elements. Their signature attention to detail is evident in every aspect – from fabric treatment to design rendering, garment construction to waste management.
Ituen Bassey – trading as Ituen Basi – is a renowned Nigerian fashion designer. Ever since her debut collection in 2008 she has been instrumental in revolutionizing the Ankara interpretation of fashion throughout Nigeria and Africa at large. From creating costume designs for musical theatre to catwalk shows, she has been inspiring people with her work in both the UK and Nigeria drawing from the varied culture, art, and heritage of both countries.
Ituen Basi will be the final show on Thursday the 23rd of March 2023.
Alia Baré
Alia Baré is an empowering women’s wear fashion brand that celebrates the female form through exquisite fabrics. Its figure-hugging silhouettes, creative use of fabric, and meticulous attention to detail have earned it the reputation of producing stylish and comfortable garments. High-quality materials and craftsmanship are paramount to its unique designs which promote a sense of beauty and self-confidence in every woman who wears them.
Originally from Niger, Alia Baré lived in France and Singapore before settling in Senegal. She left her career in banking to pursue her dream of fashion design, graduating from the Raffles Institute of Design in Singapore. In November 2015, she made the daring move of setting up her own brand – Alia Baré – in Dakar.
Alia Baré will show on Friday the 24th of March, between 16:30 and 17:00.
Malondié
Founded in 2015 by Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba, Malondie is an award-winning fashion label for women that strives to push the boundaries of daily wear through authenticity and South African influence. Their goal is to understand the wants and needs of customers, guaranteeing quality, charm, and sophistication with all our collections.
Londeka Buthelezi has quite a few roles on her plate. She is a wife, mother of three, an ambitious law student and budding real estate investor as well as the creative designer and founder of Malondie. Londeka has a burning desire to positively influence and enhance the lives of others through her work and everyday life.
Malondié will show up between 16:30 and 17:00 on Friday the 24th of March 2023.
Kaylaamiel Creations
Kaylaamiel Creations is a luxury clothing brand specialising in sophisticated timeless, and classic women’s clothing. The brand prides itself with offering their clientele luxurious, well-crafted, and unique pieces of clothing. At Kaylaamiel, we pay proper attention to detail is what sets our brand apart. Our client is a sophisticated woman who exudes great confidence and loves finer things.
Born and raised in Gaborone Botswana, Seneo Moji is the founder and creative director of Kaylaamiel Creations. She oversees the research and development of new styles for the brand and manages the design process from concept to final styling.
Kaylaamiel Creations will show on Friday 24th of March 2023, between 16:30 and 17:00.
Gvllvnt
Gvllvnt incorporates high-quality African-sourced vintage garments into his tailoring. Applying a simplistic approach to suiting and tailoring, Gvllvnt is an authority in formalwear and streetwear.
Gvllvnt is a South African bespoke luxury brand founded by Soweto-born, self-taught tailor, designer and lifestyle influencer Tshepo Rakale.
Gvllvnt will show on Friday the 24th of March 2023 between 16:30 and 17:00.
Imprint ZA
Imprint ZA is an Afro-Futuristic Pan-African fashion brand. Created to celebrate the glamour as well as to tell the stories of our African ancestors using iconic print, fabrics, and specific points in time. Put more succinctly, the brand has a simple and often-stated ethos: “Leave a mark.”
As a self-taught fashion designer, Mzukisi Mbane has made his mark in South African fashion. He is the founder and creative director of Imprint ZA, a proudly South African luxury fashion brand. As part of his clothing line, Imprint ZA specializes in both men’s and women’s clothing. Mzukisi launched Imprint ZA in 2011.
Imprint ZA will show on Friday 24th of March 2023, between 18:30 and 19:00.
Palse
PALSE is an award-winning fashion brand, founded in 2010 by Paledi Segapo. The brand prides itself on impeccable workmanship, and tailored apparel that is unorthodox, modern yet timeless. PALSE is positioned and catered for middle to high-income groups. Several local and international celebrities regularly wear PALSE, making it one of South Africa’s go-to fashion brands.
Paledi Segapo is the founder and creative director of PALSE by Paledi Segapo. He holds a master’s degree in business leadership qualification with a dissertation titled Growth Strategies Within the Fashion Enterprise. As a business consultant and fashion industry professional, Segapo has both corporate and fashion industry experience. At the highly regarded fashion institution STADIO (formerly known as LISOF), Segapo taught Business Management studies.
Palse will show on Friday 24th of March 2023, between 18:30 and 19:00.
KAT VAN DUINEN
Established in 2010 as a high-end fashion and leather design house, Kat van Duinen’s eponymous label blends outstanding fabrics, perfect detailing and tailored fit into their designs, with a focus on sustainable exotic leather items and ready-to-wear lines accentuated by a vivid African vibe. At its core, this brand is renowned for its commitment to preserving South African artisanship and industry. It sources a vast array of materials from within the country, ranging from luxurious exotic leathers to natural-fibre textiles.
Defined by understated luxury and timeless elegance, KAT VAN DUINEN has built a brand that is the epitome of sophisticated design and highest-quality craftsmanship. Handmade in South Africa, their pieces are meticulously crafted to ensure each item is a beautiful treasure that stands the test of time. From luxurious leather bags to delicate jewellery, Kat van Duinen combines traditional elements with modern designs to create an exquisite collection that exudes effortless style.
KAT VAN DUINEN will be the final show of the evening on Friday the 24th of March 2023, from 20:30 to 21:00.
Hugo Flear
Hugo Flear is a fashion house located in Cape Town, renowned for its timeless ladies’ linen clothing. His designs take inspiration from South African culture, imprinted using digital printing on 100% pure linen fabric. With the quality of his craftsmanship, from vivid graphics to perfected garments being the brand hallmark.
Hugo Flear, a Cape Town fashion designer and AFI Fastrack Alumnus, is revolutionizing African fashion. His designs for #ageless women boast 100% pure linen fabric and intricate craftsmanship featuring vivid graphics and impeccably constructed pieces. Proudly South African, his designs showcase the marvellous fauna and flora found in the country.
Hugo Flear will be the first show on Saturday the 25th of March 2023, from 12:00 to 12:30.
SCALO BY SELLO MEDUPE
SCALO is a South African fashion brand that has been providing quality and style to its customers since its founding in 2009 by Soweto born Sello Medupe. With a passion for creativity fused with the unique hustle of Johannesburg, the brand offers modern sophistication and futuristic design by revolutionizing shape, achieving great fits, and fluttering silhouettes. Focused on introducing fresh, innovative looks, Scalo takes risks with bold fabrics and colours, along with an understanding of how to best flatter the human form.
Sello Medupe grew up in Soweto and completed his studies at SEWAFRICA College in Johannesburg’s Fashion District. Throughout his initial year at college, he was praised for his work, earning a Top Student of the Year – Garment Construction Award (2007). By the third year he had showcased his collection at Mpumalanga Fashion Week. His interest in fashion ignited while in primary school- initiating with sketching and advancing to sewing for family and acquaintances by high school.
Scalo will show from 14:00 to 14:30 on Saturday the 25th of March 2023.
Otiz Seflo
Otiz Seflo is an innovative brand with a sophisticated and versatile flair catering to an assorted array of customers. Our selection of high-end fashion, including wedding and evening wear, is tailored for those who are daring in their Fashion & Style choices. Since its foundation in 2009, the brand has captivated renowned personalities through multiple red-carpet appearances. They continually seek out novel methods to integrate fashion on both a local and international level.
Otsile Sefolo is the founder and creative director of Otiz Seflo. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in university to pursue a degree in internal auditing but quickly realised that this path was not for him. Instead, he drew upon his creative passion to launch his own fashion venture which has since become renowned for its extravagant looks seen on our local celebrities.
Otiz Seflo will be the second-to-last show of Cape Town Fashion Week, showing on Saturday the 25th of March 2023, between 14:00 and 14:30.
Taibo Bacar
Taibo Bacar is renowned for its integration of haute couture and ready-to-wear. First established in Maputo, Mozambique in 2008, it has now become a standout fashion label across Africa. Taibo Bacar is determined, delicate and classic – designed to give every woman who opts for an eclectic look the perfect silhouette. With carefully crafted cuts and top-quality fabrics, the brand ensures that all those wearing the clothes feel envied, respected, and cherished.
The Mozambican born fashion designer is considered one of the leading designers in Africa. The son of a seamstress, Taibo grew up around the sounds of sewing machines, fabrics, and the design sketches that he drew for some of his mother’s clients, so it is no surprise he progressed from having a career in IT to pursue one as a fashion designer. The brand has won many African and international awards.
Taibo Bacar will close out Cape Town Fashion Week on Saturday the 25th of March 2023, showing from 16:00 to 16:30.
2 comments
Hi i would like to sign up for modeling how do i go about it
Hi i would like to sign up for modeling how do i go about it