The Argus

Dressed for the occasion: Two models pose with some of the clothes that will be on show at the Nokia Cape Town Fashion Week in August. Photo: Angelo Kalmeyer, Cape Argus

By Candes Keating

The Nokia Cape Town Fashion Week promises to not only highlight the glitz and glamour of the African fashion world, but also to focus on promoting the ailing clothing and textile industry.

Celebrity Gerry Rantseli, spokesperson for the event that will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from August 10 to 13, said on Wednesday: "The time has come for Africa to look within and to celebrate in its rebirth. That is why everyone in the fashion world should be looking at ways of breathing life back into the diminishing local clothing and textile industry."

Currently the industry is facing various challenges, such a job losses and closures of factories due to the recent increase of cheap Chinese imports. Thousands of jobs have already been lost.

Rantseli, who was born in District Six and brought up in Mitchell's Plain, said she identified with people working in the industry because she had many family members whose livelihoods depended on the clothing and textile industry.

Fashion Week organisers hoped that by showcasing the strengths, diversity, affordabilty and high quality of local products, they would be able to encourage South Africans to buy locally manufactured clothing, textiles and footwear and in turn, save many jobs.

"We must take hold of the clothing and textile industry and turn it to our advantage. Cape Town is the fashion capital of Africa and we have the opportunity to make something of it," said Rantseli.

Proudly South Africa's Shaun Govender added: "This is a vital initiative in getting consumers at home to respect and support locally manufactured products. The survival of the South African fashion industry depends on this support."

The inspiration behind this year's designs is African Renaissance and will see a talented line-up of African designers showcasing their collections. These include Hip Hop, Craig Port, Stoned Cherrie, Hilton Weiner, Jenni Button, Young Designers Emporium and many more.