PRESS RELEASE: AFI to Host the AFI Fashion Experience Joburg

AFI Fastrack Prize winner, Loice Dube to Debut as Lead Designer for AFI Privé AW2025 Collection at AFI Fashion Experience Joburg 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMAGES: https://tinyurl.com/5ajjshka

Johannesburg, South Africa, (28 February 2025) - Africa Fashion International (AFI) is proud to introduce Loice Dube as the lead designer for AFI Privé’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection. As the AFI Fastrack Prize 2023/24 winner, Dube’s debut will be a defining moment in her career - unveiling her vision on the AFI Fashion Experience: Joburg runway on 7 March 2025.

Dube’s appointment as an in-house designer for AFI Privé marks a significant milestone and underscores the transformative impact of the AFI Fastrack Prize.

 She follows in the footsteps of Keneuoe Mhletswa, the 2021 AFI Fastrack Prize runner-up, who became an in-house designer for AFI Privé in 2022. Their journeys highlight the success of the AFI Fastrack platform, which nurtures Africa’s next generation of designers.

The AFI Fashion Experience Joburg, held at The Forum | The Campus in Bryanston, Sandton,  will launch the Autumn/Winter 2025 collection in celebration of International Women’s Day during the 9th Annual Gender Equality, Wellness, and Leadership (GEWAL) Summit.

The Showcasing Designers

In addition to the AFI Privé collection, the Fashion Experience will include collections from Bathini Designs (South Africa), K.Moraba & Collective (South Africa), and Alia Baré (Niger). Notably, three designers - BAR South Africa, Sucra, and Jeyna A (Senegal) - will make their AFI runway debut at the event.

“AFI is incredibly proud of the House of Nala designers, particularly those emerging from the AFI Fastrack programme, like Loice Dube and Keneuoe Mhletswa,” says Roshnee Pillay, PR at AFI. “The collections to be showcased, epitomise the creativity, quality, and innovation that define what we stand for as the leading fashion retail and events company in Africa.” 

From Runway to Retail

Guests will experience a seamless link between the runway and retail through the House of Nala Pop-Up, offering immediate access to the showcased collections.

Following the event, the collections will be available at the House of Nala flagship store in Sandton City, the pop-up store at One&Only Cape Town, and online, ensuring accessible African luxury fashion.

Empowering the Next Miss South Africa

In conjunction with the GEWAL Summit and AFI Fashion Experience, Miss South Africa will host a workshop for aspiring titleholders, focusing on empowerment through a series of insightful talks. Participants will hear from former Miss South Africa titleholders, previous judges, and representatives from the organisation, sharing their journeys and experiences to inspire the next generation.

“The aim of these workshops is to expose young women to the inspirational atmosphere of the GEWAL Summit while fostering a sense of empowerment and self-expression through fashion and beauty, especially as we celebrate International Women’s Day,” says Stephanie Weil, CEO of Miss South Africa.

AFI’s Continued Growth and Vision

AFI has undergone significant growth recently, expanding beyond its world-class fashion events into retail through its House of Nala stores.

With locations at Sandton City and a pop-up at One&Only Cape Town, AFI continues to elevate African fashion and solidify its status as a leader in showcasing the continent’s best fashion brands. 

ENDS

For additional information and media-related requests, please contact:

Roshnee Pillay
AFI Marketing Manager

roshnee@afi.za.com