Beechwood Gardens in Hyde Park becomes a fashion runway for the night
The African Fashion Spaces experience hosted at the Beechwood Gardens in Hyde Park, was not just a fashion show, it was an exhibition documenting the movement of African creativity and talent.
African Fashion Spaces redefines the runway and channels a unique fashion experience from the norm with their fashion exhibition.
The African Fashion Spaces (AFS) exhibition took the fashion world by storm as it showcased an innovative experiential take on traditional runway shows. Instead of a traditional ramp, the exhibition took place in a unique and unexpected environment, creating a dynamic and exciting immersive experience for all guests.
Held on April 27 at Beachwood Gardens in Hyde Park, the event featured some of South Africa’s ‘coolest’ fashion creatives and models and aimed to showcase the diversity and richness of African fashion and heritage within the culture. The serene setting conceptually drew out the essence of each designer by showcasing each brand in their own respective curated runway stage settings, as well as creatives to match the brands’ aesthetics.
Creative director Jay Kayembe said, “We wanted to create an experience that was more than just a fashion show – an exhibition platform that would empower the greater creator economy. We want to showcase African fashion in a unique and dynamic approach within South Africa and going into the broader countries within Africa all of 2023.
“By taking the show off the traditional runway and into unique and unexpected spaces, we were able to create a one-of-a-kind experience that truly highlighted the creativity and diversity of fashion creatives that is inclusive of all subculture genres, that have a talent and passion within fashion.”
The event was hosted by social media devotee Shamiso Mosaka who led the audience through a spectacular two-part show. The two brands for the evening were Long Season and Offmankind – both were impeccable in their presentation of creativity, garments display and conceptual exhibition.
Opening the show, Long Season’s apparel delivered a breathtaking offering that took place at the venue’s tennis court boasting a modern slick black matt as a runway, lit up with orange bright beams, wonder and suspense. The atmosphere was electric, and guests were eager to see what Long Season – a clothing brand dedicated to family, experimental construction and comfort – had in store for them.
The second exhibition by the garden walkway was Offmankind, a brand that represents the rebellious, non-conformist spirit of South Africa’s inner-city ‘kids’. The collection was a mix of urban streetwear and traditional African elements, creating a unique and bold fashion statement. The Offmankind collection reflected the brand’s philosophy of embracing individuality and breaking away from the norm.
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