AFI hosts heartfelt Design for Life fashion show
SAF Fast-Track programme designers present their work as a part of Johannesburg Fashion Week’s opening show.
Johannesburg Fashion Week got off to an enriching, wholesome start with a media briefing and the Design for Life breast cancer campaign fashion show on November 8. The show then moved throughout Joburg North.
Africa Fashion International (AFI) dedicated the event to breast cancer survivors, donating R300 000 – as well as proceeds raised through the event – to the Reach for Recovery non-profit organization (NPO).
AFI has consistently held the Design for Life breast cancer campaign in support of NPOs like Reach for Recovery, and non-profit leaders like CANSA.
AFI used the platform to showcase designs from their fast-track programme participants, as well as garments donated by celebrated designers like Mzukisi Mbane, the founder of Imprint ZA.
Fashion designer Loice Dube was one of the Fast-Track participants showcasing their designs on the runway on the prestigious occasion. Dube contextualized the Fast-Track programme stating that it’s a year-long initiative where young and up-coming designers are taken through different challenges.
“It’s basically to expose us to the business of fashion,” Dube said. “They give us different opportunities at shows like this, at expos, and at business expos.”
Dube briefly described her brand Lo-Ice as being inspired by African culture, traditions, and customs.
“I basically make clothes for somebody young, somebody who is on the move; a very sporty person,” said Dube. “I like to focus on a little bit of sportswear, and a little bit of street wear.”
AFI founder Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe spoke to the AFI Fast-Track designers from the podium.
“It’s fantastic to see our young Fast-Track Designers,” Moloi-Motsepe applauded the participating fashion designers. “It’s a programme that’s so close to my heart.”
Moloi-Motsepe also told the background story behind how the brand fought to claim the name Africa Fashion International, as well as how important it is to be working with NPOs like Reach for Recovery.
“Reach for Recovery, as you all know, is an NGO that supports women and men who have survived breast cancer,” Moloi-Motsepe said. “I’ve seen their work as a doctor, when I practiced in medicine; but I’ve also witnessed their doctor when my own mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Motsepe closed the event by sporting her doctor’s cap in encouraging attendants to prioritise their health.
“I also wanted to make sure that I remind all of you that you do need to have your health checks – it’s important,” Moloi-Motsepe concluded. “We know that any detection does result in good outcomes.”
Related Article: Morningside fashion designer charms with frills
