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SFW founder Steph Manzini said their focus on building the local fashion industry differentiates it from other fashion weeks in the country.
The Soweto Fashion Week autumn/winter showcase is expected to showcase 30-35 designers and with 80 models anticipated to walk the runway. Picture: Supplied
The importance of grassroots and development is often mentioned in sport. Yet development is vital in most, if not all, industries.
In fashion, for someone to reach the level of gracing platforms such as the Met Gala or the Paris Fashion Week, one has to start somewhere.
Now in its 14th edition, the Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) is one of the vital platforms for the development of the fashion industry, particularly because it’s hosted in a township, making it accessible.
SFW founder Steph Manzini said their focus on building the local fashion industry differentiates it from other fashion weeks in the country.
“Building the local fashion industry, working with higher institutions at the grassroots level. It’s important to keep our local brands relevant in the market,” Manzini told The Citizen.
The SFW’s autumn/winter 2025 showcase starts at the Soweto Theatre on Wednesday, 7 May, and will run until Saturday, 10 May.
Established in 2011, the SFW has assisted more than 120 designers and 1000 runway models on the African continent, catapulting their businesses and support for 13 years.
For this autumn/winter showcase, Manzini said they are scheduled to showcase 30-35 designers, and 80 models are anticipated to walk the runway.
“Each season, Soweto Fashion Week strives to provide a vital platform for local designers to showcase their talent and connect with a broader audience.
We are committed to fostering growth within the South African fashion industry. Every year, we look forward to presenting collections that are both inspiring and forward-thinking,” Manzini said.
The autumn/winter 2025 collections are expected to blend contemporary styles with traditional influences, highlighting the unique spirit and creativity synonymous with Soweto.
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Speaking to The Citizen just hours before day one of the SFW, Manzini said the preparations were stressful yet fun.
This year’s edition sees new sponsors partner with the SFW, which was previously known as the ‘Sta-Sof-Fro SFW’—this was as recently as November last year, when the SFW hosted the Spring/Summer showcase.
“Different setup and new sponsors. The conversations are different, hence stress levels go a bit higher but it’s fun and worth it,” shared Manzini.
New partners of the SFW are haircare brand Creme of Nature and whisky brand Monkey Shoulder.
“We’ve had a change of sponsors. At times, sponsorships have a short span, a collaboration that was fitting at the time; however, the show goes on,” Manzini said.
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