The AFI Masterclass Unveils the Power of Resilience and Authenticity

Resilience and authenticity took centre stage at the AFI Masterclass during Cape Town Fashion Week, where luminaries of the fashion world gathered to discuss what it takes to thrive in the industry. The AFI Masterclass was powered by Huawei Watch GT5

Moderated by Jennifer Zabasajja, Bloomberg Television’s Chief Africa Correspondent and Anchor, the panel featured celebrated designers Gavin Rajah, Craig Port, and the reigning Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux.

Their candid and inspiring discussion delved deep into navigating challenges and carving out a lasting legacy.

Craig Port revealed that it took him a decade to gain the confidence to embrace his unique creative voice.

"After years of paying my dues, I realised I was doing it well," said Port.

"It’s irrelevant if the press or your contemporaries approve. If your work is authentic to you, that’s what matters. It takes time to build that confidence—not to please others but to remain true to yourself."

Port shared his journey from designing for brands like Polo and Kangol to finding the courage to establish his own label. His advice to young designers? Be patient and allow yourself time to discover your creative identity.

Gavin Rajah offered a different perspective, reflecting on his early struggles in pre-democracy South Africa, where opportunities were scarce, and the industry was largely exclusionary.

“I think when I started off, I was largely unknown, obviously, but to a large extent I think it was a time pre-democracy South Africa. So, it was very difficult to break in and to find your voice. And fashion as we all know, can be quite exclusionary. Fashion requires a strong presence. If you’re not seen or heard, you’re invisible," said Rajah.

Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux, brought a fresh perspective to the conversation, speaking on the importance of representation and how it inspired her to step confidently into her role as a public figure.

"As a young girl, I never thought I would see someone like me represented so boldly on a stage like this," said Le Roux.

Reflecting on the challenges she faced, Le Roux shared her deeply personal journey of perseverance. When asked if there were moments where she felt like giving up, she candidly admitted.

“In my life, there were moments where I was at my lowest because you keep trying and fighting for your space, but doors are not opening. When I was little, I did receive a lot of support from my community, and that kept me going. When I entered the Miss South Africa platform, they were so good in their pursuit of learning how to be inclusive—seeing how they could make things work for me. Just because you do things differently doesn’t mean you can’t do it well. We need to be open to people doing things differently and allow them to be the first to create new trends and set new moods."

Le Roux also reflected on how platforms like Miss South Africa and events such as Cape Town Fashion Week can serve as catalysts for progress in the fashion industry.

"This morning’s beauty masterclass was a great example of how different facets of the industry can be leveraged to uplift the entire industry. From my perspective, I may not be a fashion expert, but when I collaborate with fashion designers and other industries, I can shine a light on preserving African cultures, African fashion, and everything that is special about it."

Rajah emphasised the importance of challenging traditional narratives. While acknowledging the beauty of cultural and traditional aesthetics, he urged African designers to move beyond stereotypes, carving a path for contemporary African fashion on a global platform.

"Why must African fashion always be defined by a particular print or narrative? Fashion is about inspiration, not confinement. We must showcase the diversity of African creativity on an equal footing with global design giants."

Both Rajah and Port highlighted the need for designers to push the boundaries of their creative vision. Rajah, in particular, underscored the importance of looking beyond geographic and cultural confines.

"I don't want to constrain any young designer or any design mind to thinking you only have to be inspired by this. It's taking back the narrative, right? It's taking it back. You don't only have to read Vogue magazine. In fact, in my studio, I say please don't read it. Please read another book. That's inspiring. Please learn to listen to other music. Please challenge yourself and open your minds to new ways of thinking."

The AFI Masterclass offered an empowering reminder of the resilience required to thrive in the fashion and creative industry.

From staying authentic to embracing risks and redefining narratives, designers and creatives alike were inspired to think boldly and work toward building a lasting legacy.