IFashion Londiwe Mbhele reporting for IFashion one of Africa’s biggest on line magazines.
The next AFI showcasing in Joburg is set for March 2013.
With the Wits Art Museum as its backdrop, last night AFI confirmed that its partnership with Mercedes-Benz continues. And, its first fashion showcasing in 2013 is set for next month.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg (MBFWJ) kicks off on March 7 and concludes on March 9. It also has a new home in Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.
Unlike previous fashion week events, next month’s schedule has shifted slightly.
Pictured Above:The AFI Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg schedule was announced at the Wits Art Museum
According to AFI, day one and two will include the likes of Grapevine, Avant Apparel, Thula Sindi, André Martin (for Life) and David Tlale. Day three will shift the focus onto emerging designers with AFI Fastrack and Next Generation presentations. Both programmes have been created to help guide emerging talent to gain a better understanding of the fashion industry, as well as to provide them with a platform on which they are able to further grow their businesses. In addition to these presentations, fashion connoisseurs will undoubtedly be captivated by new collections from Suzaan Heyns, Fabiani and Gavin Rajah.
“My heart-felt belief, underpinned by research and market understanding, is that Africa holds the promise of a positive future for the production and consumption of luxury goods and fashion. Joburg, as more than Africa’s leading international business and networking hub, holds the key to this promise. The city is a world-class fashion and shopping destination and cultural centre, and its designers are shining stars whose futures in the global market look increasingly bright,” says AFI’s Executive Chairperson, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, in a statement.
This year’s partnership with the City of Joburg and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency is also aimed at driving fashion consumers to the ever-evolving and trendy Newtown. “Partnering with AFI to host these leading fashion events puts Joburg on a global platform as a fashion industry, along with cities like Berlin, New York and London,” says Ruby Mathang, MMC for Economic Development at the City of Joburg.
In addition to the city-bound event, two yet-to-be-announced off-site shows are expected to take place too.
And, just in case you are wondering, AFI’s second instalment for the year is already confirmed to take place in Cape Town, from August 8, with a second Joburg showcasing set for October 30.
For more details on AFI’s fashion week schedules and information, visit afi.za.com.
