South African Fashion Week now onwards in April & October

13 Dec '08

5 min read

The designers (and their businesses) have matured over the last 5 years and are now ready to engage commercially, with larger retail groups and not just private clients,” he said.

And whilst the shrinking rand may seem to offer designers import replacement opportunities with top end boutiques, Annabelle Desfontaines, owner of leading local stockist of iconic names such as Dries van Noten and Anne Demeulemeester, believes that the real opportunity for local designers lies simply in offering the caliber of product that she could comfortably hang alongside her imports.

“I would love nothing better than for a few local designers to hang proudly alongside my Van Notens. My shoppers are undaunted by price escalations but they won't compromise on excellence. Entice them with excitement and they will buy it at any price,” she says.

According to Booyzen, the local retail potential is significant with an initial network of 75 exclusive up-market boutiques that will be targeted in addition to the medium and large chain stores.

Principal sponsor, Sanlam's Head of Group Marketing, Nandi Scorer, said that the financial company welcomes this stronger focus on commercial viability that will undoubtedly contribute to unlocking greater business opportunities for the fashion industry.

“The SSAFW continues to demonstrate its sound grasp of this industry and its potential to add value to the South African economy,” she said.

In turn Sanlam has undertaken to extend its involvement with designers by introducing a dedicated business support and mentorship programme for export-ready designers to assist them with capacity-building, here and internationally.

The first event that will mark the Sanlam SA Fashion Week's new schedule, will take place from 2 – 4 April in Johannesburg. and will show the Summer 09 collections of 34 new and established designers such as Black Coffee, Klûk CGDT by Malcolm Klûk and Christiaan Gabriel de Toit, Stoned Cherrie, Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung, Ephymol by Ephraim Molingoana, House of Olé by Olé Ledimo, Abigail Betz , Amanda Laird Cherry, Colleen Eitzen and Tiaan Nagel.

The key sponsors for the 2009 event are Sanlam, Department of Arts and Culture, 5FM, Sunday Times, eTV, Samsung, M.A.C and Redken.

Estelle Cooper