AUDI JOBURG FASHION WEEK AUTUMN/WINTER OPENS THE SOUTH AFRICAN FASHION SEASON IN STYLE

The second edition of Audi Joburg Fashion Week, the country’s first annual autumn/winter fashion week, proved a huge success after closing on 9 March at the Sandton Convention Centre. Audience members were treated to sixteen fashion shows featuring some of South Africa’s best established and up & coming fashion designers.

Audi Joburg Fashion Week, launched in 2007 in a pioneering move by African Fashion International, closed a long-standing gap in the South African fashion calendar, giving the country’s top established designers the opportunity to showcase autumn/winter collections and trends at a major fashion week run to international standards.

Some highlights of the week included Marianne Fassler’s collection inspired by the artwork of Marlene Dumas, the New Generations Show that featured Frans Kies, Abigail Keats, Audrey Mokhari and Thembisile Mazibuko – new graduates that simply took the media by storm.

Stalwarts Kluk CGdT delivered a party inspired collection and Sun Goddess presented a much more seasoned collection showing the new direction of the label’s designs. Absolute highlights were the David Tlale and Stoned Cherrie shows. Relatively new designer Tlale showed why he was the recent Stars of Mzansi Fashion Award winner – a superb collection showing his imagination and skill.

A particular highlight was the Audi Collections finale show on Saturday night. The show opened with the delicate creations of La Perla lingerie, followed by Gavin Rajah menswear, then Thula Sindi, Trigger menswear and closing with Gavin Rajah Paris.

Showing the garments off to the best effect were Audi ambassadors Danny K and Michael Mol, joined by Tune from Trigger, singer Loyiso and Muvhango actor Muthodi Neshehe.

This showstopper was incredibly well received, with the designers going all out to show the fairest of creations from delectable men’s swimwear to ball gowns, finishing off with Gavin Rajah’s dress made specifically for Naomi Campbell and the Nelson Mandela 46664 fund. The Motsepe Family Foundation purchased this dress at a charity auction recently, with all funds going to the beneficiaries of the 46664 fund.

AFI Chairperson, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe said: “The launch of the Autmn/Winter Audi Joburg Fashion Week this year was indicative of a maturing local fashion industry and is another step closer to ensuring that South Africa is taken seriously in international fashion circles.”

Confirming their commitment to the 2008 Autumn/Winter Collections Rudi Venter, Audi Marketing Communications Manager, said: “This is our second season as sponsor of Joburg Fashion Week Autumn/Winter and it has been very exciting to be able to see the best South African designers bring new ideas to life in a world where there is very little originality.  And we too place great store on leading the way. At Audi we call it Vorsprung. “

Issued by:
Audi Joburg Fashion Week
Evan Schiff                                          
021 422 0390
evan@africanfashionint.com 
www.audijoburgfashionweek.com                                  

Notes for editors:

About African Fashion International (AFI)

African Fashion International (AFI), formerly known as Leisureworx, founded, owns and presents the African continent’s most respected and exciting fashion weeks such as Cape Town Fashion Week, MTN Durban Fashion Week (co-owned with VShe Promotions)and Joburg Fashion Week as well as  other fashion-related strategic marketing initiatives.

AFI’s vision is to be globally competitive and recognised as a leading authority on African fashion-related initiatives and African fashion brands. AFI aims to improve the quality of fashion design output from Africa, to boost and promote African brands, and to dramatically raise the profile of African fashion designers.

AFI is headed by chairperson, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, a well respected philanthropist and businesswoman who is passionate about the promotion of African fashion brands and African fashion initiatives.

Visit www.africanfashionint.com for further information.


<< Go Back