Joburg - The prelude to SA fashion week was quite a spectacle, thanks to industry moguls, young designers and celebrities who showed up to the affair.
The country’s most prestigious fashion gathering was hosted by Cruz Vintage Black Vodka, with all the who’s who of the South African fashion world in attendance.
The runway shows have been in motion since October 22, with three days of incredible South African fashion being showcased to not only an eager South African audience, but fashion devotees from around the globe.
SA Fashion Week will conclude with trade shows, taking place on October 23 and 24 in the Mall of Africa, where store owners, buyers and stylists will be able to interact with the designers and attend educational seminars hosted by the experts of the fashion industry.
Kicking off SA Fashion Week celebrations, luxe vodka brand and official headline sponsor CRUZ Vodka, together with over 180 fashion and entertainment industry players, celebrated their long-standing SA Fashion Week sponsorship with an invite-only, star-studded red carpet affair at Ferguson’s 5th Floor in Illovo, Sandton.
Esteemed guests who were dressed to the nines included media personalities Kim Jayde, Chris Jaftha, Ayanda MVP, Kamo Moth, Lesego ‘Coconut Kelz’ Tlhabi and Lerai.
Reality TV stars including Annie Mthembu, Mpho Wa Badimo, Nicole Capper and Angel Pather dazzled in colourful local numbers.
Mrs South Africa Jo Judnick-Wilson and ex-Miss SA Tansey Coetzee walked the red carpet together.
Maisha Mamabolo, White Spirit brand manager said: “Last night was spectacular with some of the biggest names in the industry in attendance at the official opening. Cruz has an on-going commitment to partner with this prestigious local showcase, SA Fashion Week. A perfect fit for our goals. We pride ourselves as a brand in supporting up and comers — be it music, art and especially fashion. The world of creation.”
SAFW’23 showcasing fashion designers Ole Ledimo and Rubicon’s Hangwani Nengovhela showed up, as did other local favourites, Paledi Segapo and Scalo.
YouTube sensations, the Birth of Stars trio, Oratile ‘Coachella Randy’ Masedi, Kamohelo Pule and Kagiso Mogola, also stole the show with their self-styled ensembles.
Treated to an exclusive evening of glitz and glam, where many of the country’s favourite personalities came out in numbers to enjoy decadent Cruz cocktails and high fashion – all inspired by New York City and set against the backdrop of the Sandton skyline.
Renowned media personality and DJ Lerato Kganyago, alongside DJ Enzo, delivered the beats while Sun El and Nomfundo Moh performed their latest hits to an electrifying audience.
CRUZ, the hand-crafted New York Vodka, served as the perfect complement to kick-start a week of what can only be described as a celebration of SA fashion second to none.
The Star