02 Apr 2025

Fashion Without Borders (FWB), a Botswana-born fashion platform, is set to make a dazzling return in 2025, with its South Africa edition in Johannesburg scheduled for April 11-12 at Hotel Sky. 

During an interview with FWB Director, Tebo Bakwena Kabisoso, she shared the grand vision for this year’s showcase, emphasising the theme “Fashion Chic: Promoting Sustainability Through Eco-Conscious Fashion Practices.

“FWB Johannesburg will take place on April 11-12, 2025, at Hotel Sky, with a Kiddies Masterclass and Exclusive Kiddies Fashion Showcase on April 11, followed by the Exclusive Fashion Showcase on April 12,” she explained.

She said additional events include FWB Vaal Triangle in September 2025 and FWB Botswana in October 2025. 

“This year’s edition places a strong focus on sustainability, diversity, and the growth of emerging African talent,” she clarified, adding that one of the major highlights for 2025 is FWB’s plan to extend its presence into West Africa. “While still in the planning stages, this expansion aims to bring more designers and models from across the continent into the FWB ecosystem,” she said. 

Also, she mentioned that there would be a stronger push towards sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, encouraging designers to integrate upcycling and ethical production practices. Another exciting addition is the expansion of kiddies’ fashion programmes, featuring mentorship initiatives and exclusive runway showcases for young talents. Compared to the previous editions, she added that FWB 2025 aims to increase international participation by inviting designers and models from more African nations. 

“It seeks to strengthen partnerships with major fashion brands, retailers, and institutions to provide designers with real-world retail exposure,” she said. On other issues about the event, she said they would also enhance digital engagement through live-streamed runway shows and online fashion experiences. 

“As part of its international partnerships and collaborations, FWB is engaging with top-tier fashion brands and modeling agencies to broaden its reach,” she said.

She said there are also ongoing discussions to collaborate with other global fashion weeks, positioning African fashion on the international stage. 

“FWB 2025 will feature a wide range of categories, including womenswear, menswear, plus-size fashion, kids’ fashion, sustainable and eco-friendly collections, and avant-garde and experimental fashion,” she noted.

Shedding the light about other additions, she said it includes a dedicated sustainable fashion showcase and a fashion tech segment exploring wearable technology, 3D printing, and AI-driven design. She also revealed that applications for designers and models openned in December 2024 and closed in February 2025. 

“FWB has conducted casting events across various countries, including an online casting for Botswana, a physical casting in South Africa, and online selections for other participating nations,” she added. 

She emphasised that the notable mentorship initiative, ‘Adopt a Designer Imperium,’ will continue in 2025. 

“This programme provides selected designers with an internship opportunity at MR Price Group, offering hands-on experience in retail, manufacturing, and marketing,” she said. 

To cater for international audiences, she said FWB would live-stream key fashion shows and masterclasses. Additionally, she said plans were underway to integrate digital fashion presentations for designers who would not be able to attend in person.

“Special themed runway shows will include a sustainable fashion showcase featuring eco-conscious designs, a cultural heritage fashion show highlighting African textiles and craftsmanship, and an avant-garde segment celebrating experimental and futuristic designs,” the fashion icon explained.

As FWB 2025 approaches, Kabisoso remains committed to championing African fashion excellence while fostering inclusivity and sustainability. With a vision to bridge African fashion with the global industry, this year’s event promises to be an unmissable spectacle. ENDS