South African Fashion Week (SAFW) brought together some of the country’s leading designers and stylish celebrities in Johannesburg, with actress and radio and TV host Thando Thabethe among those celebrating local fashion.
The event took place from 20 to 25 October 2026 at The Forum, Hyde Park Corner, where designers unveiled their Autumn/Winter 2027 collections. With 27 designer collections making their runway debut, this season celebrated handmade craftsmanship and contemporary urban individuality.
The programme featured established names such as Gert-Johan Coetzee, David Tlale, Ephymol and Black Coffee, the label formed by South African designer Jacques van der Watt. The event also featured the SAFW New Talent Search powered by JC Le Roux, while Pierre Cardin made its first South African Fashion Week runway presentation.
Other designers and brands featured included Colleen Eitzen, Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs, Selaelo Selota’s streetwear brand THRRR…PHAAA!, Irene Makhavhu Designs and YONA. The programme also included a collaborative showcase by Pierre Cardin South Africa, Black Coffee’s collaboration with Joburg Ballet and Kitty Phetla, and David Tlale’s The Intern by David Tlale and The Restoration.
The event also introduced an unexpected sporting twist to the runway with the Field to Fashion collection, featuring YONA and Orlando Pirates.
Thando was among the celebrities who attended the fashion showcase, turning heads in a long, colourful dress. Beyond enjoying the designs on display, she also reflected on the importance of celebrating South African fashion and giving local designers the recognition they deserve.
Sharing her experience on social media, Thando revealed that she had spent the week lending her voice through Primedia Broadcasting to shine a light on African fashion.
“@safashionweek with the most beautiful people!!
I spent this week lending my voice with @primedia_broadcasting to shine a light on African fashion, and honestly, I’m leaving so full.
Sitting at those shows, watching what our designers created with their hands, their history and their hearts… I kept thinking, the world needs to see this. African fashion isn’t a “trend” or a moment. It’s who we are, and it has been influencing the world for a very long time, often without the credit it deserves.”
Thando’s message highlighted the creativity and cultural significance behind the collections, emphasising that African fashion deserves to be celebrated beyond the runway.
She was also joined by fellow celebrities Amanda du Pont, Lasizwe, Maps Maponyane and Banele Ndaba, who brought their own fashion statements to the event.
The gathering made the experience even more memorable for Thando, who shared a group photo with some of her favourite people during the final show.
“And for the last show, I got to bring some of my favourite people, the ones who are always pushing the fashion envelope. @moghelingz,@mapsma @amandadupont @lasizwe @mmaponyane and@thabile_tto thabile_tto
thank you!!! The squad I didn’t know I needed”
With celebrated designers, fresh collections and familiar faces coming together, South African Fashion Week once again provided a platform for local talent while reminding audiences of the creativity and individuality shaping African fashion.
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