MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK AFRICA - Melrose Arch, Johannesburg

'A celebration of African fashion from all parts of the continent': this would be the perfect way to describe the MBFW Africa held at Melrose Arch at the end of October. This annual event brings together celebrated African designers who all converge upon Johannesburg in an explosion of colour, pattern and print. Gone are the days of tired clichés when it comes to African design aesthetic. The continent has steadily been rising as a leading player in the global fashion economy. As the founder of Africa Fashion International (AFI) Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe stated, 'When it comes to fashion design, Africa is the next frontier.' However, what is more inspiring is that despite not always being recognised by international markets, Africans are loving African fashion and wearing it proudly. 

Reminiscent of the triumphant World Cup held in South Africa a few years ago, the words of 'Waka Waka' seem to ring true: 'It's time for Africa!'

These were some of our highlights from the jam-packed MBFW Africa: 

Arriving at MBFW Africa with touches of red

We loved the new MaXhosa collection by Laduma Ngxokolo:
an incredibly talented and skilled SA designer whose star is rising.
He was named Emerging Designer of the Year later in the week
at the AFI Awards Ceremony

Laurence Chauvin Buthaud of Laurence Airline from the Ivory Coast
showcased some refreshing menswear
beautiful colour combinations combined with fantastic tailoring

A definite highlight was the incredibly talented Taibo Bacar from Mozambique
- bound to become a well-known name in future

One of our young talented men, Rich Mnisi,
beat a few other designers to the punch with his sport chic OATH collection
during the AFI Fastrack Show

Marianne Fassler brought out the aesthetic for which she is so well-known
before taking us 'Back To Black' with a show-stopping collection

We were all too excited for the off-site David Tlale fashion show.
Creative Council was a fantastic outdoor venue with  magnificent Joburg vistas

The collection started off with muted blush tones
and segued into vibrant shades of persimmon
David's 'Paradise Peach' shades

We were then treated to David's signature use of print:
crisp white shirts paired with an exquisite vibrant fabric

After the excitement of the fashion shows,
it was time for AFI to award the top industry players of the year.
The glittering AFI Awards Ceremony
topped MBFW Africa off in true style!

We were thrilled for our friends over at Gaschette Magazine
for winning Trend Communicator of the Year
Seen here are (from left):
Colin O'Mara Davis, Jessica Lupton and Steve Marais

We love his work and were proud to see
Rich Mnisi come out on top as
AFI's Young Designer of the Year
  

Marianne Fassler was honoured as Designer of the Year
Well deserved!