At this year's Shanghai Fashion Week, a remarkable group of South African fashion designers turned heads by proclaiming the event as the global fashion capital. Hosted by Development Reimagined, the showcase featured a vibrant blend of art and culture, with designers using print, fabric, and innovative techniques to tell compelling South African and African stories.
Designer Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint ZA emphasized the importance of infusing cultural narrative into every creation, stating, "design the print, attach it to culture and tell the story." His remark encapsulated the spirit behind the collections presented at the event.
Meanwhile, designer Jessica Jane Molebatsi of Molebatsi shared her unique inspiration drawn from Chinese traditional hanfu elements. Her work aims to highlight cultural cohesiveness and to bridge creative expressions between China and Africa, reinforcing the power of fashion as a tool for global connection.
By merging traditional African narratives with subtle Chinese influences, these designers not only celebrated the artistic landscape of Shanghai Fashion Week, but also demonstrated how innovative design can spark international dialogue and foster a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.
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South African designer says SHFW is 'the fashion capital of the world'
cgtn.com