AFI Fashion Experience Joburg Celebrates African Design Talent

AFI Insider

In the heart of Bryanston, Sandton, the AFI Fashion Experience Joburg unfolded like a love letter to African creativity.

Fresh off the heels of Cape Town Fashion Week in November 2024, African Fashion International once again proved why it remains the continent’s best platform for celebrating and elevating African design.

Choosing to celebrate the last days of summer as Johannesburg prepared for autumn, the show was hosted outdoors, bathed in natural light.

This unique setting allowed guests to experience the clothing in an intimate and authentic way.

The AFI Fashion Experience was kicked off by four designers—K.Moraba & Collective, Jeyna A, Sucra, and BAR South Africa—each bringing their unique vision to the runway.

Keletso Moraba’s K.Moraba & Collective, unveiled its Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, Midnight Blossom. Navy hues and black, representing the depths of a midnight sky, were juxtaposed with soft pinks, evoking the gentle vibrancy of a blooming flower.

The hallmarks of the brand, corsetry, minimalistic elegance, and refined detailed fabrics, were used to create pieces that resonate with the modern individual while staying true to its signature aesthetic.

Jeyna A, the Senegalese label by Dr. Djeynaba Aboubakry Diop presented Guidelam, a collection that felt like a bridge between traditional West African clothing and a modern, global aesthetic. Her designs, rich in cultural symbolism, showcased the beauty of African craftsmanship while embracing contemporary luxury.

Sucra, by Bonginkosi Favourite Mabandla, was inspired by shades of brown and delivered a collection that was bold, daring, and elegant. His designs, characterised by sharp silhouettes and intricate detailing, told a story of resilience and reinvention.

Rirhandzu Nukeri of BAR South Africa redefined knitwear with a collection that was both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition. Her designs, which have been retailing at House of Nala since 2023, felt fresh yet familiar, like a modern reinterpretation of a beloved classic. 

As the sun started to dip, AFI Privé presented a tour-de-force show.

Designed by Loice Dube, the AFI Fastrack Prize 2023/2024 winner, in collaboration with the AFI Atelier designers and tailors, the collection transformed the courtyard into a 50s-style jazz lounge reminiscent of Sophiatown-era South Africa.

The music performance by the exciting newcomer, Xaviera, was the perfect soundtrack. 

The show was more than a fashion presentation—it was a theatrical production. The clothes, infused with character and narrative, became as much a part of the performance as the models who wore them.

Dube’s collection, titled Abundant Grace, drew inspiration from the intersection of African and Western spiritual traditions. 

It blended the ethos of Black Dandyism with the elegance of church attire. The collection boasts a rich colour scheme of navy, white, red, rust, and black.

Together with the sleek tailoring and intricate beadwork, the collection features pieces that are both timeless and contemporary.

The show also saw appearances by Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, and South African football legend, Teko Modise.

One of the most exciting aspects of the AFI Fashion Experience Joburg was the seamless connection between the runway and retail.

Guests were treated to an exclusive House of Nala Pop-Up, where they could explore and purchase select pieces from the showcased collections and other House of Nala collective designers, including Bathini Designs, Alia Baré, House of Sebo, AFI Privé and Lindani Styling.

The collections will soon launch at the House of Nala flagship store in Sandton City, the pop-up store at One&Only Cape Town, and online.