Gavin Rajah On What To Expect At Cape Town Fashion Week
In the world of fashion, few voices resonate with as much cultural depth and creative influence as Gavin Rajah’s.
As the Creative Director of Africa Fashion International's Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit SS24, Rajah is set to guide audiences through a transformative fashion experience that blends African heritage with contemporary style and sustainability.
This year’s event, hosted at the stunning Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 29 and 30 November 2024, promises an iconic setting that adds a new dimension to Cape Town’s fashion landscape.
From avant-garde runway presentations to intimate spaces inspired by Cape Town’s natural beauty, the event promises to be a sensorial journey. Attendees will immerse themselves in a space where African creativity is showcased at its best.
AFI Insider spoke to the designer ahead of the event.
How does this year's theme reflect the evolving fashion landscape in South Africa and globally?
This year's theme dives into the heart of African heritage, bridging it with contemporary aesthetics and sustainable practices.
South Africa's fashion scene is on a transformative journey, one that reflects a global shift toward cultural authenticity, innovation, and sustainability.
By celebrating our roots, we’re joining the global movement that values storytelling through fashion, allowing each garment to express a part of our evolving identity while resonating with international audiences.
What kind of atmosphere and experience can attendees expect at Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit SS24?
The event offers a sensorial journey, where every detail – from the vibrant designs to the curated spaces – is crafted to inspire.
Attendees can expect an intimate yet electric atmosphere, surrounded by the beauty of Cape Town’s natural landscapes, complemented by avant-garde installations and captivating performances.
This is a place where fashion goes beyond clothing; it becomes an experience that immerses people in the pulse of African creativity, innovation, and artistry.
Are there any special events or activations planned beyond the runway shows?
Beyond the runway, we’ve curated workshops with industry leaders at the AFI Industry Masterclass, including talks on sustainable fashion practices and digital innovation in fashion.
There’s a vibrant House of Nala Premium Pop-Up at the One&Only Cape Town that highlights African designers and artisans, offering attendees a chance to take a piece of Cape Town Fashion Week home.
How does AFI contribute to the growth and development of the African fashion industry?
As a platform that unites designers from across the continent, AFI plays a crucial role in supporting and amplifying African talent. We provide designers with global exposure, media coverage, and networking opportunities with key industry players.
Our Emerging Designer Showcases, in particular, allows up-and-coming designers to present their work to a wider audience, opening doors to partnerships and sales that support their growth.
By fostering collaboration and creating space for innovation, we’re not just celebrating African fashion; we’re building a legacy for the industry.
What impact does the event have on the local economy and tourism sector?
Cape Town Fashion Week is an engine of economic activity, drawing visitors from across Africa and the world.
Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefit from the influx of attendees, while partnerships with South African brands create further economic ripple effects.
This event positions Cape Town as a premier destination, encouraging both tourism and investment, which strengthens our local economy and elevates South Africa’s place on the global stage.
How does Cape Town Fashion Week position South Africa as a global fashion destination?
South Africa’s fashion narrative is compelling and unique, and Cape Town Fashion Week is a powerful medium to share that story with the world.
By showcasing the diversity, creativity, and innovation of our designers, we’re drawing the attention of international fashion media, buyers, and influencers.
Each year, we cement Cape Town as a fashion capital where African aesthetics and global trends intersect, inviting the world to see South Africa as not only a destination for natural beauty but for groundbreaking fashion as well.
What unique elements or surprises can attendees expect to see in the shows and presentations?
This season, expect immersive presentations that blur the line between art and fashion.
Our designers are pushing boundaries with experimental materials, 3D-printed elements, and visual narratives that integrate African heritage with modern design.
Each show is a visual and emotional experience, and we’ve also incorporated interactive installations that encourage the audience to engage with the themes on a deeper level.
There are also collaborations with artists and musicians that add an unexpected and enriching layer to the runway.
How does Cape Town Fashion Week contribute to the global fashion conversation?
Cape Town Fashion Week amplifies Africa’s voice in the global fashion conversation by showcasing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design perspectives unique to our continent.
We’re redefining luxury, championing sustainability, and celebrating diversity. By aligning ourselves with global trends while staying true to African stories, we’re reshaping the way the world sees fashion, proving that the future of fashion is inclusive, culturally rich, and innovation driven.
Gavin Rajah will showcase alongside Craig Port and Craig Jacobs in what will be a stunning showcase of South Africa’s fashion icons!