BAR, SUCRA & JEYNA A Make Their AFI Runway Debut
AFI Insider
It’s not everyday that as a designer you make your debut at a fashion event in the continent. With AFI being the leading fashion events company on the continent and having hosted shows globally, for many designers it’s a nod to their excellence.
The AFI Fashion Experience: Joburg, an elegant and bespoke event catering to those seeking unique fashion experiences, prepares to unveil three exceptional designers making their runway debut.
This season spotlights Rirhandzu Nukeri of BAR South Africa, Bonginkosi Favourite Mabandla of Sucra, and Dr. Djeynaba Aboubakry Diop of Jeyna A, and they are poised to make a significant mark on the African fashion landscape.
BAR South Africa: Knitwear Reimagined
Rirhandzu Nukeri's brand, BAR South Africa (Beautiful African Raiment), has been retailing at House of Nala since 2023, and views the AFI Fashion Experience: Joburg as a pivotal next step. Nukeri aims to expand BAR's reach, showcasing craftsmanship on a grander scale and solidifying its position as a brand seamlessly blending African heritage with contemporary fashion.
"Showcasing at AFI Fashion Experience Joburg is an exciting and strategic milestone for BAR," Nukeri explains.
"House of Nala has provided us with a space to connect with fashion lovers who appreciate high-quality, culturally rich garments. Now, stepping onto the AFI runway allows us to expand our presence, showcase our craftsmanship on a grander scale, and solidify BAR as a brand that seamlessly blends African heritage with contemporary fashion. It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce a wider audience to our knitwear’s luxury, depth, and storytelling."
Nukeri's passion for knitwear stems from its storytelling potential through warmth, texture, and fluidity. Inspired by her late grandfather's style and father's love for Pringle sweaters, she reimagines knitwear, crafting luxurious and structured pieces deeply connected to African identity. "Knitwear offers a unique canvas for storytelling," she says.
Drawing inspiration from her Tsonga roots, Nukeri incorporates vibrant colors, textures, and geometric patterns into her designs. She integrates elements from mud cloth and Ndebele designs, modernizing them through intricate knit patterns and contemporary silhouettes. The key is balancing tradition with innovation, ensuring each piece feels timeless and forward-thinking. "It’s about honouring tradition while ensuring the garments feel current, versatile, and globally relevant," Nukeri states.
This debut collection tells a story of bold self-expression and effortless luxury, fusing African pride, vintage sophistication, and modern refinement.
Sucra: Mila at the Brown Sand Dunes
Bonginkosi Favourite Mabandla, the designer behind Sucra, will mark his runway debut with "Mila at the Brown Sand Dunes," a collection embodying modern luxury, edgy sophistication, and exceptional craftsmanship. Mabandla's journey from industrial engineering to fashion design underscores his passion.
The name Sucra, meaning "a dream within a dream," reflects Mabandla's lifelong love for fashion. Growing up in Tembisa, he saw fashion as a cultural expression and a statement of identity. Despite a decade-long corporate career, he began designing part-time in 2017, fully dedicating himself to Sucra in 2024.
"With this collection, 'Mila at the brown sand dunes,' I'm following a story of a girl who resides in a location where the colour brown is what connects the community,"
Mabandla explains.
"Each design piece is different, yet kept united by the same colour tone, creating a harmony of a beautiful palette. This parallels our world to 'love' and the communities that surround us. The colour brown represents love; therefore, true love unites our differences."
Mabandla aims to showcase his broad interest in both ready-to-wear and haute couture, with elegance as the underlying thread.
Jeyna A: Contemporary African Elegance
Senegal’s Dr. Djeynaba Aboubakry Diop of Jeyna A balances her medical profession with her passion for fashion, embodying contemporary African elegance by blending tradition and modernity. Her goal is to enhance the African woman while preserving her identity and elegance, offering a touch of modernity.
"Jeyna A is a brand that embodies contemporary African elegance, a subtle blend of tradition and modernity," says Diop.
"My goal is to enhance the African woman while preserving her identity and elegance, all while offering her a touch of modernity. Each piece I create is designed to highlight the natural beauty and presence of those who wear it, relying on rich artisanal craftsmanship and an avant-garde vision of African style."
Each Jeyna A piece tells a story rooted in cultural heritage, approached with a contemporary vision. Diop synthesizes her roots and international experiences to create authentic, refined, and universal fashion while staying true to the African spirit.
"I synthesise my roots and what I have learned elsewhere to create authentic, refined, and universal fashion while staying true to the African spirit," she explains.
This collection highlights the strength, beauty, elegance, and grace of the African woman. Jeyna A also offers elegant and modern pieces for men. Craftsmanship is central to Jeyna A, valuing African craftsmanship and showcasing textiles and traditional techniques in contemporary fashion. Diop aims to contribute to the recognition of African fashion, while highlighting Senegal's rich textile heritage.