Ajuma In Merceds-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town

The 10th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town, saw not only a celebration of fashion, but also that of emerging talent and, of course, the inevitable dose of black beauty walking down the ramps of South Africa’s Mother City.Ajuma Nasenyana was in a David Tlale Gown.

The majorly successful annual event, organized by African Fashion International (AFI), was spread out over four days, featuring over twenty-five South African designers of both national, as well as international acclaim. One of the bigger South African names whose designs ambushed the runways, was designer Gavin Rajah, who is no stranger to the Fashion Weeks of Paris either, and has dressed a list of international celebrities, varying from Naomi Campbell to Beyoncé. Besides being one of the original founders of Cape Town Fashion Week, Rajah was also the first African designer to speak at the Global Fashion Conference in Milan. His collection saw lots of feminine lace and pastels which perfectly compliment the darker skin.


Among the internationally oriented glamour, many designers also concentrated on empowering South Africa, by celebrating African roots and supporting local production. Designer Jenni Button – who’s behind the label Philosophy - produced 90% of her collection in South Africa, and Cari Stephenson of Tart, dedicated a collection to South Africa with the help of indigenous and organic elements.

Meanwhile, designer David Tlale – winner of the Arise Africa Fashion Week Fashion Designer of The Year Award – his inspiration came from a more personal angle, with a resort collection that played around the aesthetic of being a man of colour. “I’m inspired by the colourful world we live in, and my collection will go beyond the myths and taboos of colour, even asking myself what makes a certain race to be referred to as “Coloured”. As a designer with coloured heritage in South Africa, I will explore this wonderful and vibrant culture in the community and set the way forward for fashion. The use of print on print in my collection will portray cultural diversity,” the designer said.

Among the line-up of (locally) established names, there were five up and coming designers, chosen by the AFI panel of leaders in the fashion media and clothing & textile industry, based on the designers’ ability to turn their fashion brands into sustainable business platforms. The lucky chosen five were Pumeza Mekuto of Black Coal Clothing; Celeste Lee Arendse of Selfi; Robyn Victor of August Clothing; Tarien Malherbe of Non-European and Maloti Mothoni of Strato. AFI’s Global Brand & Marketing Manager, Allana Finley, concluded by saying:“AFI’s intention, in association with the Cape Town Fashion Council and associated fashion schools, is to empower the fashion leaders of tomorrow and provide room for the healthy growth of the South African fashion industry. With its theme of “Icons in the making”, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town, hosted by the City of Cape Town, brought to you by AFI, looks forward to showcasing this new group of exciting designers.”