Emerging and seasoned designers displayed their creative works at this year's Soweto Fashion Week, held at the Soweto Theatre in Johannesburg. The three-day event highlighted fashion trends from townships and featured students from local colleges. Organizers and participants stressed the need for better resources to foster industry growth.
Soweto Fashion Week, founded in 2011 by Stephan Manzini as a passion project, seeks to expand the fashion industry and offer a platform for young designers from South African townships. This year's edition, running over three days at the Soweto Theatre, presented works by established designers and students from nearby Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, giving spectators a glimpse into emerging trends.
Manzini emphasized the event's role in promoting fresh ideas. “There is a lot of talent in townships across South Africa. People are hungry for new things, so we like to help promote talent with fresh ideas,” he said. He further noted the potential for job creation, adding: “We need to come together and see how we can localise the industry and support those on the ground because I believe the industry has the potential for growth and job creation.”
Designer Nondumiso Mabunda from Dobsonville showcased pieces from her five-year-old studio, Dominion Creations. She highlighted funding challenges: “There’s a lot of creative young people in the community. They just don’t have the resources. The government should also help wherever it can with resources.” Mabunda aims to establish a fashion school and shop in Soweto to nurture local talent.
James Moroeng of James Presents presented his collection 'Gardens of Soweto,' inspired by his upbringing in the area. “It’s only fitting that my collection was presented here so I can continue to push for a sense of pride in where we come from, and to never be afraid to tell the story of where we come from,” he said. Like others, Moroeng pointed to limited access to resources as a key obstacle for young designers.
The event underscores efforts to elevate township fashion, blending cultural pride with calls for greater support to sustain growth.