10 Nov 2022

 This year’s edition of the African Fashion International (AFI) to be staged in Johannesburg from November 17 to 19, will feature the latest collection of three of Botswana’s designers.

Seneo Moji of Kaylaamiel Creations, Tumi Mohoasa of Nguo and Lebo Merafhe will represent Botswana and showcase women’s wear, alongside other African best designers.

Other African countries that will be represented include Madagascar, South Africa, Mozambique, Senegal, Rwanda and Cameroon.

“It is an opportunity to see the latest trends and designs from across the continent, and to support the African fashion industry,” stated AFI marketing manager, Roshnee Pillay.

Pillay told BOPA that the event would be the first AFI Fashion Week hosted within South African borders this year, after showcasing in Abu Dhabi and Kasane in April during the Forbes African experience where Mothusi Lesolle of IZaura and local couple, Candida and Wedu Montsho of DIHDAH, presented their creations.

AFI puts African talent first and celebrates the continent’s rich cultural heritage through fashion. Pillay said they were proud to bring African designers to a wider audience and help them build successful businesses.

Other talents to look forward to include South Africa’s Gavin Rajah, Alia Bare of Senegal, Eric Raisina of Madagascar, Kreyann from Cameroon and Mozambique’s Taibo Bacar to mention just a few.

AFI Fashion Week will be a retail-focused fashion week, with designs available straight off the runway for purchase at the new House of Nala store in Sandton City, said Pillay.

She also said there would be an AFI Masterclass that would feature some of the most trusted voices and creatives in the fashion industry.

“With the theme: Trends 2023: Fashion, Tech, Life, Business, this year’s AFI Masterclass seeks to explore key trends that will shape fashion and other creative industries, to ensure African creatives respond effectively,” stated Pillay.

 AFI Fashion Week Joburg she said, would be a celebration of its formation 15 years ago and its chair and founder, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe was this year, named one of the most influential catalysts in fashion on The BoF 500 2022 index and also was honoured with the inaugural Franca Sozzani Award in New York in 2017.  ENDS