African Fashion International: Menswear Collection

DAVID TLALE

SOUCHA

CARDUCCI MAN

FABIANI

NOIR



Pictures: Simon Reiner

AFI Overview

The Africa Fashion International (AFI) fashion week has proven once again why African fashion is becoming more influential overseas. No longer are African designers looking at international trends and designers for inspiration but are looking at what the African has to offer which is a great step for growth.

Despite the event’s chaos, miscommunication with the media, buyers and the general public, show cancellation and rescheduling it turned out to be a well orchestrated event. This 4-day event saw the all the Joburg A-Listers and the general public flocking to the Sandton Convention Centre for a glimpse of what’s to come next season.

Day 1 was marked with tragedy as designer Qumni Bespoke could not showcase sadly due to a death in his family. However that was soon forgotten as hyped was building for David Tlale’s show which was scheduled for 9:30 but later rescheduled for midnight( to the inconvenience of many). Tlale pulled all stops(literally), his show was fully equipped with a live Orchestra and an Opera singer which attracted people of all walks of life including S.A’s top designers Ole Ledimo, Ephraim Malingoane to name a few and well the show did not disappoint.

Day 2 of the fashion week saw US-based designer La Quan Smith, Bumni Koko and one of SA’s loved store Fabiani showcase. La Quan Smith’s designs were inspired by the mermaid, we saw neon colours, fishnets, short mini-dresses (Freakum dresses), sequinced cat suits. On the other hand, Fabiani brought a whole new twist to modern men’s fashion. The show reintroduced men of the 21st century to the harem pants popularly known as ‘Mc HAMMER Pants’, bright coloured socks, man bags, fedora hats, bowties, floral shirts and chinos. Also on display to the delight of most women was the Fabiani underwear.

Sadly, at this time it was being confirmed that Stoned Cherrie had pulled out of the fashion week to the disappointment of those who had already purchased a ticket. Apparently Stoned Cherrie pulled out due to a clash with the Ghana and Uruguay semi-final game.

By day 3 the mood and excitement has decreased due to show cancellations and rescheduling. Due to poor attendance for the afternoon show, the show is later rescheduled to the slot at 7:30, to the inconvenience of the public and media who are now forced to sit and wait for the next show scheduled for 6: 00pm. At this stage to became clear that general public attendance is more important than sticking to the schedule put in place by the event organisers.

However the Mataano twins and Gloria Wavamunno do not disappoint. Mataano’s creations are more for the day-to-day activities and can be worn without any hassles. Wavamunno makes use of distinctively African materials and patterns, her clothes can be worn for just about any occasion (clubbing, work, cocktails and etc).