Don’t Say it Loud, But South African Fashion is reinventing Afrofuturism and Luxury Wears
A Recap of the South African Fashion Week SS25
From April 24 to 26, 2025, Johannesburg’s Hyde Park Corner pulsed with an energy that only true style and innovation can summon. South African Fashion Week (SAFW) returned for its Spring/Summer 2025 collections, weaving a new narrative around the theme of “Quiet Luxury”, a powerful, almost whispered revolution in how we perceive elegance today.
Gone were the loud logos and flashy statements of seasons past. In their place: thoughtful tailoring, lush fabrics, sustainable stories, and an undeniable focus on craftsmanship that spoke volumes without needing to shout.
This season, Quiet Luxury wasn’t just a trend — it was a philosophy. Designers leaned into minimalism, focusing on exquisite details, timeless cuts, and slow fashion values. Every look told a story of intention, restraint, and refinement, resonating with a global shift towards authenticity and conscious consumption.
Johannesburg, a city of bold expression, proved that even whispers could create echoes when passion and creativity led the way The runway was a rich tapestry of established names and emerging talents, each interpreting Quiet Luxury through their unique lens.
Gert-Johan Coetzee dazzled with his “The Arrival” collection — an Afro-futuristic dreamscape where tribal geometry met celestial inspiration. His structured gowns and intricate beadwork imagined a diaspora journeying across galaxies, carrying heritage like precious cargo. 
(model in Gert-Johan Coetzee/photo- pierre van vuur)
NGANO Design Africa by Tanaka Vengere — crowned winner of the 2025 New Talent Search — brought a tactile, deconstructed beauty to the runway. Vengere’s work fused traditional African craftsmanship with modern minimalism, championing sustainability at every seam.
Sixx6 creates garments that go beyond fashion, offering a full sensory experience. Inspired by the five senses — scent, sight, taste, touch, and sound — each design features rich textures, bold prints, and signature embellishments that turn movement into a statement. Through innovative fabric manipulation, Sixx6 invites wearers to not just see, but truly feel fashion. 
models wearing sixx6/photo Eunicedrivenphotography
TADI wa NASHE by Tadiwanashe Kaparipari offered a poetic take on strength and femininity, drawing from the biblical story of Deborah. Flowing capes, intricate pleats, and luxurious fabrics told a story of leadership and grace. 
model wearing Tadiwanashhe/photo: Maxine Araujo
Naked Ape by Shaldon Kopman stayed true to his ethos with “Afro Monk” — a serene, earthy collection that married 100% natural fabrics with fluid silhouettes, celebrating spirituality, simplicity, and African roots.
Meanwhile, brands like BeachCult by Joanna Hedley, E_Mania, and Munkus continued to push boundaries, with designs steeped in cultural pride, artistic storytelling, and sustainable innovation.
The CRUZ Collective: Tradition Meets the Future
A major highlight was the CRUZ Collective showcase, where standout designers like Thabo Makhetha, Wepner, and Fikile Sokhulu redefined heritage fashion with futuristic flair. Their collections moved fluidly between tradition and modernity, offering a fresh, luxurious take on African identity in the global conversation.
The week launched with a glamorous CRUZ Vodka Quiet Luxury Opening Party, setting a tone of effortless sophistication that carried through every show, panel, and celebration.
Competitions: The Next Generation Shines
SAFW’s commitment to nurturing new talent was crystal clear through its signature competitions.
The New Talent Search 2025 finalists — including Allegra Nassif (Estella James), Mfundo Hlongwana (Ecstatic), and James Presants (Juanie) — presented capsule collections rooted in sustainability and innovation. Ultimately, it was Tanaka Vengere’s NGANO that stole the show, taking home the coveted title. 
(Nganodesign winner of the 2026 New Talent Search)
Meanwhile, the Mr Price Scouting Menswear Competition celebrated a new wave of menswear visionaries, spotlighting emerging brands like Sinchui, Candid, and Waalid. The collections balanced bold prints with eco-friendly principles, marking a thrilling evolution for South African menswear.
OWN’S HIGHLIGHT OF THE FASHION WEEK
Gert-Johan Coetzee delivered one of the most talked-about shows at South African Fashion Week SS25, introducing a groundbreaking immersive experience. Guests were given headphones as they entered the venue, tuning into a curated soundscape that synced perfectly with the movement and mood of the runway. As his models floated down the catwalk in shimmering, cosmic-inspired designs, the audience was transported into a private world of sound and style. SIMPLY SONIC!
(OWN’S HIGHLIGHT) 
Celebrity Spotlight at SAFW SS25
South African Fashion Week SS25 wasn’t just about the designers — it was also a showcase of star power. Natasha Joubert, former Miss South Africa, brought effortless modern elegance to the front row, while Khosi Twala, entrepreneur and influencer, embraced the “Quiet Luxury” theme with sleek, minimalist chic. Actress and presenter Kayise Ngqula made a bold yet polished statement, and celebrated stylist Phupho Gumede turned heads with some of the most talked-about looks of the week. Together, they added an extra layer of glamour and influence to an already unforgettable season. 
Their presence reinforced SAFW’s growing role not just as a national event but as a continental beacon of style.
A New Chapter for African Fashion
South African Fashion Week SS25 wasn’t just about beautiful clothes. It was a vision of where fashion and culture is headed: a future rooted in authenticity, sustainability, and a deep reverence for craftsmanship.
It proved that the most powerful statements are often the quietest ones.
As the last model exited the runway and the final applause faded, one truth remained: African fashion isn’t just keeping pace with the world.
It’s leading it! In style, in spirit, and in soul.