MBOMBELA – The Department of Arts and Culture celebrated Africa month in a spectacular fashion by celebrating exactly that – fashion. The department joined forces with SA Fashion Week to showcase 13 top designers’ collections in Mbombela on Saturday. The events were as glamorous as the garments were gorgeous.
Ms Lucilla Booysen, founder of SA fashion week, elaborated on the rationale behind fashion shows like these. “Events like these must become a retail opportunity. At this moment, prospective buyers contact our offices to buy some of the designers’ merchandise. The ideal would be for the designers to get retail exposure from events like these.”
Booysen, who maintains high standards, was very impressed with what Mbombela dished up. The set where the fashion show was held was built by local students. The decor was also done by local students. “This is really impressive,” she remarked. “Our models, who came from Johannesburg to walk tonight, were so impressed by the beauty of this city and its people. You’ve all made us feel so welcome.”
The designers whose lines were displayed are big names in the business and include local lines Angelique by Nomsa, Bless by Nathi Shongwe and The Aviary. International designer lines Iamsigo, Esnok by Chiza from Zambia and Yefikir from Ethiopia were also shown off alongside Johannesburg’s Sun Goddess, Ephymol, Palse Homme, Naked Ape, Rubicon, House of Ole and Lunar.
Poet Majah enthralled the audience with his magic words and DJ Nolo saw to it that the party lasted into the night.
For information on ordering from the designer lines, contact SA Fashion week’s Lucilla Booysen (0)11 442 7812.
