SA Fashion Week A/W20 Luxury collections
For the past six years South African Fashion Week (SAFW) has displayed men’s collections. This year, 25- 26 October marked the seventh year of menswear experiences where all the installations and runway shows were vastly different to one another, making for a series riddled with originality.
Front-Row SAFW A/W 20
Franc Elis’ collection at SAFW A/W 20
national Menswear market
SAFW reports that the past five years have seen a growth spurt in menswear, indicating that South African men have become more fashion-conscious. Men are said to have become more conscious of sending out “the right signals”, especially in a business context. This realisation of the importance of self-presentation has resulted in a willingness to invest more in what they wear each season. Perhaps accessibility and the availability of more local designers has also been a contributor to the surge.
Ephymol
Hombre
Ntando XV
Otiz Seflo
the Collections
Ephymol produced a series of suits and smart casual ensembles. From relatively tame and simple looks, all the way to colourfully attention-grabbing flamboyance. Hombre’s collection of predominantly earth-toned and black swagger was characterised by simplicity and ease. Ortiz Seflo and Ntando XV exhibited imaginative series which were capped by interpreting conventional favourites with slightly unorthodox cuts. Ortiz Seflo leaned towards more shimmery embellishments. Whereas Ntando XV’s adornment was a futuristic edge on traditional forms. Floyd Avenue captured every man effortlessly.
Floyd Avenue at SAFW Autumn/Winter 2020,
The SAFW Experience
The SAFW Autumn/Winter 2020 Luxury Collections unfurled on the rooftop of shopping mecca, Sandton City in Johannesburg. 30 designers showcased collections in SAFW’s 36th season on runways and installations in the fashion capital. Much to our pleasure, a strong sustainability ethos was already visible in the design philosophy of participants in the New Talent, Cape Wools & Mohair SA Designer Challenge and SAFW Student Competitions. In fact, menswear designer Coenraad De Mol of De Mil was awarded the Cape Wools & Mohair SA Designer Challenge Prize.
From 01-03 November fashionistas and all members of the general public can access the “Luxury Pop-Up” experience at Sandton City Mall. Where the fine craftsmanship of specially selected designers will be up for sale.
All images by Eunice Driver Photography