Highlights from Cape Town Fashion Week 2024 Model Casting
AFI Insider
As the model capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Cape Town has become synonymous with spotting some of the most celebrated faces in fashion. And with Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit SS24, just a few weeks away, the city did not disappoint in showcasing the very best modelling talent.
Held at the One&Only Cape Town, this year's model casting brought together a mix of seasoned professionals and promising new faces, who faced seasoned industry professionals for a chance to strut the catwalk at Cape Town Fashion Week.
Leading the charge at the casting was renowned designer Gavin Rajah, the Creative Director for Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit SS24.
Rajah emphasised the long-standing commitment of Africa Fashion International’s vision for inclusivity and forward-thinking in the fashion industry.
"Cape Town Fashion Week has a long history of looking and being sensitised to the industry needs, for both established as well as emerging designers. Our strategic intent focuses on shaping the future of African fashion, addressing the evolving standards of the industry. Diversity and representation are crucial to this vision; these values very important because this inclusion was seminal to the reasons why Cape Town Fashion Week was started."
The models in attendance were a testament to this commitment, featuring a range of backgrounds, experiences, and individual stories.
Among them were past winners of prestigious competitions like Austria's Lou-Anne Gleißenebner, who won Germany's Next Top Model in 2022 and Lwandle Ngwenya a former Miss Bachelorette, alongside models who have transitioned into fashion brand management and production roles.
This dynamic mix highlights how much the industry has evolved, breaking down barriers and reshaping beauty standards.
Danielle Gazi, one of the models at the casting, shared her insights on this evolution of the fashion industry.
“I've been modelling since I was 17 years old. I think that modelling can challenge beauty standards, so I'd offer advice to anyone who's considering modelling to remember that beauty comes from within, and if you radiate from your heart, you'll exude beauty wherever you go.”
Cape Town Fashion Week has long been a magnet for the continent’s top talent, drawing the likes of supermodels like Jourdan Dunn, to rising star talents and industry mainstays like Brian Whitby, Aminat Ayinde and Anyon Asola, along with renowned African designers.
This year’s event will once again feature established and emerging designers from across Africa, promising to celebrate the vibrant energy of the continent’s lifestyle and fashion.