South African Fashion Week (SAFW) Returns this April

After a short hiatus aimed at redefining South African Fashion Week’s vision and reinforcing its influential platform for South African designers, an exciting and long-awaited announcement has confirmed the return of the 2026 season.

During its strategic pause, SAFW delivered two targeted digital campaigns, including a key October rollout that extended designer collections through curated content and sustained engagement. The campaign achieved strong visibility, with an average AVE of approximately R1.27 million per designer.

South African Fashion Week (SAFW) remains the only dedicated B2B marketing platform for fashion designers in
South Africa. The 2026 season is powered by an influential lineup of sponsors, including Primedia’s 94.7 and 702, alongside JC Le Roux, Magnum, Carlton Hair, and NARS Cosmetics, all playing a pivotal role in shaping this year’s experience.

South African Fashion Week is stepping into a bold new era this year, unveiling a striking change to its runway presentations with a fresh, dynamic venue. The prestigious showcase will now be hosted at the VRTUOSUS film studio in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, setting the stage for a more refined and immersive experience for attendees, media, and buyers alike. Scheduled to run over four stylish days—from Wednesday, 22nd April to Saturday, 25th April—the event promises to spotlight the very best of South Africa’s design talent in an elevated setting that matches its growing global stature.

The schedule is brimming with runway showcases unveiling the latest SS26 collections, further cementing SAFW’s dedication to providing a platform that seamlessly blends cultural richness with strong commercial opportunities for participating design houses.

See the official show programme below: