The eagerly anticipated Soweto Fashion Week is just around the corner, and the fashion community is gearing up for another spectacular showcase featuring established and emerging designers. Get ready for a dazzling fashion extravaganza!

From November 2-4, the Soweto Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2024 will feature presentations of the latest collections by seasoned designers.

Next month’s runway will feature an array of talented designers, including Precious Lulu Couture, N.O.T.E, FDB Human Store, Pieces of Me (POM) Jeans, Tshegofatso By Design, and Be Beautiful Hair

Precious Mahlangu, the founder of Precious Lulu Couture, a womenswear brand that prides itself on high-fashion creations with intense attention to detail, bold ethnic elements and cosmopolitan silhouettes, will bring an entourage of emerging designers under her mentorship programme.

Precious Mahlangu
Precious Mahlangu. Photo Credit: Precious Mahlangu/Instagram

Coming from a small town on the North Coast of KZN, Soweto Fashion Week was the first platform I assumed outside my community. It gave me a clear perspective of where I wanted to situate myself in this diverse creative industry.

Soweto Fashion Week will happen during my birthday week this season to celebrate growth and the milestone of 15 years in the industry professionally.

I will be bringing a collective of aspiring designers from 035 FASHION HUT, my incubation program based in Northern KZN, to showcase on the platform that gave me a chance that ultimately opened massive doors for my brand.

Precious Mahlangu, founder of Precious Lulu Couture.

Elias Sibata, hailing from Soweto, proudly represents the essence of the community through his role at N.O.T.E (Not Of This Earth) Clothing. Growing up in Soweto, Sibata’s passion for fashion was kindled by his mother, a skilled seamstress who owned her own thriving fashion enterprise.

See also  Thebe Magugu Makes His Mark on Mzansi with Joburg Flagship Store
Elias Sibata
Elias Sibata. Photo Credit: Elias Sibata/Instagram

The Sew Africa College graduate launched his brand in 2010. His designs are usually spiritually aligned.

My design process is largely influenced by my spirituality, some of my garments are carefully crafted following my dreams and premonitions.

Some fabrics call one to channel Our Maker and Our Guides by either prayer, fasting (giving up worldly/debaucheries pleasures) or burning sage and calling on Them to help guide me through the design process.

These are fabrics such as your Palo, Njeti, and Vasco, to name a few- when designing for Abangoma and Zion and/or Apostolic churches. It is one of the reasons my brand is called Not Of This Earth

Elias Sibata of N O T E.

Also from Soweto is Sibu Sithole, the founder of the FDB Human store. The designer whose brand focuses on street couture will be unveiling his latest prints alongside “street couture” denim.

FDB Human Store
FDB Human Store. Photo Credit: FDB Human Store/Instagram

Nkateko Marananele, the visionary behind POM Jeans, a prominent South African brand renowned for its expertise in denim, is set to unveil an enduring collection of versatile and timeless jeans.

POM Jeans
POM Jeans. Photo Credit: POM Jeans/Instagram

We showcase our versatility and ability to create timeless pieces that appeal to diverse customers. By using denim, we create collections that are both stylish and accessible, making our customers feel confident in their clothing choices.

Ultimately, our choice of denim lies in its ability to connect with people on a personal level, making it a valuable material for us as designs to incorporate into our creative expression,” said Marananele.

Nkateko Marananele, founder of POM Jeans.

Tshegofatso Malefane, the creative mind behind Tshegofatso By Design, will eloquently convey the rich tapestry of the African narrative through a captivating blend of prints and cultural attire.

See also  Africa to the World: Spotlight on Designers Showcasing at Milan and Paris Fashion Week
Tshegofatso Malefane
Tshegofatso Malefane. Photo Credit: Tshegofatso Malefane/Instagram

My design process starts from creating my graphic into the textile design of the graphic in the fabric. I then look for inspiration that will help carry my vision out.

With pattern making, my technique involves geometry, and my fabric adaptation includes chemistry and relation.

I speak about the beauty of Africa and the geographical world whilst empowering people and offering the liberation one needs to free their minds.

Tshegofatso Malefane, creative director of Tshegofatso By Design.

Be Beautiful Hair is set to host a dazzling hair show, spotlighting the latest and trendiest hairstyles featured in their catalog.

Be Beautiful Hair
Be Beautiful Hair. Photo Credit: Be Beautiful Hair/Instagram

Be Beautiful Hair embraces every woman by empowering them to uniquely and confidently wear their crown. Partnering with Soweto Fashion Week was inevitable as we speak the same language, style and innovation.

This platform allows us the perfect opportunity to empower women to express their beauty and style in any way they want.

Be Beautiful is about to unleash the inner trendsetter and turn heads at Soweto Fashion Week with our cutting-edge premium hair creation, where fashion meets creativity.

Sune Nel, brand manager of Be Beautiful Hair SA.

Coca-Cola is set to reward emerging designers whose collections are destined to captivate the audience with enticing prizes.

The upcoming Soweto Fashion Week is scheduled to occur at the Soweto Theatre from November 2 to 4. Secure your tickets, with prices beginning at R50 when purchased through webtickets, and R100 for those obtained at the door.