Cape Town - The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg (MBFWJ) wrapped up on Saturday night as organisers Africa Fashion International moved their annual Spring/Summer showcase north after several years in Cape Town.
Last month Weekend Argus reported that AFI moved the Spring/Summer show to Johannesburg where “more people financially support local fashion”.
AFI boss Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe told Weekend Argus last month Johannesburg was the “economic centre for the continent, with most local shoppers concentrated in Joburg”.
Cape Town will now host AFI’s Autumn/Winter showcase of local and international fashion designers, expected to take place early next year.
AFI owns and operates the fashion week events MBFWJ and the Mercedez-Benz
Fashion Week Cape Town (MBFWCT).
Top South African designers presented their spring and summer trends over four days at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton.
The four-day fashion extravaganza brings industry experts and fashionistas together and is a centre for the hottest trends.
Here is our round-up of the five key trends for the coming season:
1. Prints and pattern: African, floral and geometric prints abound.Ruff Tung presented a beautiful and colourful collection of feminine dresses and jumpsuits that hung from the body in all the right places. Collaborating with artist Gordon Ross and inspired by Cape Town cityscapes, the collection was a kaleidoscope of black, white, aqua and periwinkle prints.
Combined with strong lines, the looks are perfect for the hot summer months.
2. All-white: White is always a hot trend. David Tlale showed us how to wear the trend elegantly with pops and splashes of colour. Each piece was beautifully crafted with detailed inserts.
3. Sheer: This is a trend for those who are not afraid to show a little skin. When done right, sheer remains a statement to make in spring/summer. Marianne Fassler’s collection included a combination of sheer and artistic motifs.
4. Knits: Knits are no longer just winter and MaXhosa by Laduma shows us how versatile knits are. Adding to his patterned aesthetic that is inspired by his Xhosa heritage, he added playful tassles to some of his looks.
5. Sequins: Glittering and sparkling sequins on skirts, dresses and pants are sure to make your summer a shiny one. The best thing is that sequins can be worn both at night and daytime.
* Visit www.africanfashioninternational.com for more info.
Weekend Argus