African Fashion Council Spring / Summer 2025

On September 11th, 2024, the African Fashion Council (AFC) presented a groundbreaking showcase at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), featuring the work of five exceptional South African female designers. Held at the prestigious Chelsea Factory, the event, themed "Shifting Perspectives," promised to captivate the global fashion community with exclusive collections that challenge norms and celebrate African creativity and it sure did!

Gugu Peteni, the founder of the bold and inclusive streetwear brand Gugubygugu, is renowned for her Afri-modern designs that break away from traditional fashion boundaries, earning her acclaim from esteemed platforms like Design Indaba and Project Runway South Africa. Keneilwe Mothoa, a visionary at the intersection of fashion and interior design, seamlessly merges aesthetics with functionality, celebrating African heritage through a contemporary lens. Manthe Ribane Liebmann, a multi-talented artist, draws on her skills as a musician, performer, and designer to create dynamic and expressive pieces that defy convention. Tsakani Mashaba, through her brand HAMETHOP, explores Africa’s rich cultural tapestry by incorporating African art, textiles, and architecture into her handmade creations, offering a unique perspective on traditional and contemporary design. Keneilwe Mothoa, a visionary who seamlessly blends fashion and interior design, merging aesthetics with practicality while honoring African heritage through a contemporary lens.

These designers not only showcased their incredible talent but also underscored the power of fashion as a medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and artistic innovation. The AFC’s "Shifting Perspectives" event was a pivotal moment in NYFW, highlighting the profound influence of African creativity on the global fashion stage.

Gugu Peteni presented a collection that was nothing short of mesmerising, featuring 3D designs and silhouettes in a striking colour palette of white, red, brown, and black. Her designs exuded boldness and sophistication, with the black and brown pieces particularly standing out, thanks to their delicate diamond sparkles. Gugu's work beautifully flattered the female form, adding volume and drama through layered details that highlighted her skill in combining structure with femininity.

Manthe Ribane Liebmann brought a fresh perspective to leather, showcasing pieces in subtle and elegant colours that deviated from the typical black. Her collection featured shades of olive green, and maroon, offering a luxurious twist on traditional leather attire. From oversized leather suits and maroon leather coats to stylish tops paired with leather Bermuda shorts, Manthe's designs were both striking and sophisticated. A standout was a tailored pair of learther pants paired with a knitted oversized top, blending textures and styles with effortless grace. Some pieces were accented with cotton wool detailing, adding a unique touch to her already striking collection.

Tsakani Mashaba took the runway by storm with a collection that celebrated bright, elegant, and subtle colours. Her designs ranged from maxi dresses adorned with blue skys and big tree imagery to vibrant red ensembles inspired by the Tsonga people's traditional skirts (xibelani). Tsakani's work was a perfect fusion of South African flair and refined elegance. Just when the audience thought her collection was all about light yellows, blues, and reds, she surprised everyone with gothic looks—an all-black blazer and a full-length dress complete with a dramatic black bridal veil, adding a captivating contrast to her vibrant pieces.

Thando Ntuli brought an explosion of colour to the runway, embracing bright and feminine hues like pink, yellow, blue, and orange. Her collection was a celebration of asymmetrical designs and 3D elements, with some pieces incorporating xibelani-inspired designs that paid homage to Tsonga culture. Thando's work was a joyful and dynamic representation of modern African fashion, and her playful yet sophisticated designs left the audience in awe.

Keneilwe Mothoa showcased a monochromatic collection in black and white, perfect for the trendsetters and daring individuals. Her designs featured exaggerated hats and sleeves, layered dresses, and bold silhouettes that were both striking and avant-garde. Keneilwe’s collection was a testament to her ability to push the boundaries of fashion, creating pieces that were both timeless and ahead of their time.

These five designers have not only captured the essence of African creativity but have also set a new standard for fashion at New York Fashion Week. Their collections are a powerful reminder of the transformative power of fashion as a medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and artistic innovation.