Spotlight Fashion Week Studio Inc.

Showcasing the best in local fashion design, organisers of Fashion Week Studio Inc. recently hosted their first runway show at Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town.

The runway show, which was directed by LA-based Fashion Week Studio director Amélie Pimont, a multifaceted fashion curator, also served as the launchpad for Pan African Luxury – a collective that represents some of the continent’s top fashion designers.

The group will be showcasing works by talented designers in NYC, Paris and Milan next year, positioning local fashion alongside global luxury brands to showcase the skill, craftsmanship and creativity of African fashion designers.

As Nathanaëlle Hottois Galetlole, founder and owner of Fashion Week Studio Inc, explained during the event, her goal with Pan African Luxury is to introduce African designers as luxury designers to the world and not as beggars or upcoming designers but as complete brands that can produce iconic pieces for the international stage.

“We have three upcoming shows to prepare for 2024, starting in Paris, Milan then New York and through the Pan African Luxury group launch we hope to pave the way for more African designers to showcase their work to the world,” Galetlole said.

Highlights of the show included collections by Belle Togs by Gauteng-based designer Keke Moeca, as well as a combination of Xhosa and Tswana culture and traditional wedding or Makoti pieces by South Africa’s designer couple Jessica Jane and Wandile Molebatsi under their label Molebatsi.

British-Nigerian fashion designer Christopher Emefiele showcased contemporary luxury menswear under his label Christopher Emef and Senegalese fashion designer Safiètou Seck used a unique variety of handwoven fabrics from Senegal, Burkina Faso and Mali for their collection under the label Sarayya.