By Editorial Team | Fashion

Johannesburg, South Africa —March 30th, 2026

South African Fashion Week (SAFW) remains the only dedicated B2B marketing platform for fashion designers in South Africa.

During its strategic pause, SAFW delivered two targeted digital campaigns, including a key October rollout that extended designer collections through curated content and sustained engagement. The campaign achieved strong visibility, with an average AVE of approximately R1.27 million per designer.

The week opens beyond the runway at Cirk, on the 22nd of April,  Gert-Johan Coetzee presents Behind The Crimson Door – A dynamic, never-before-seen theatrical fusion of couture, aerial performance and storytelling.

A major first: media powerhouse Primedia partners with South African Fashion Week, bringing 947, 702, and Primedia+ into the fold.

“South African Fashion Week has long been the cornerstone of a designer-led local fashion industry. We’re excited to amplify the stories and work of the country’s style trailblazers and to play a meaningful role across our Primedia platforms in inspiring and supporting a new generation of creatives – designers who are shaping culture, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to South Africa’s GDP,” said Kelvin Storie, Chief Commercial Officer at Primedia

Our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors – Primedia’s 94.7 and 702, JC Le Roux, Magnum, Carlton Hair and NARS Cosmetics. Without their support, the Creative Fashion Design Industry would struggle to move forward.

Thank you for recognising the soft power of fashion and the importance of giving designers the visibility they need to grow SAFW unveils a spectacular new venue at the state-of-the-art VRTUOSUS film studio in Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

On 23 April, Helen Gibbs opens the day at VRTUOSUS with her distinctive Helon Melon collection – sustainable, fully traceable, and rooted in the ethos: “Follow the Journey, Know the Source.”

This is followed by a two-designer show – Jacques van der Watt’s, Black Coffee off-grid collection exploring the tension between order and imperfection. “Perfect order is impossible – beauty lies in the distortion.”

Concluding this exhilarating day, Shaldon Kopman of Naked Ape delivers a powerful message: “One day at a time – see it, feel it, delight in it, celebrate it, and share its warmth.”

Day two opens with a three-designer show, leading with Zamaswazi – a menswear collection whose journey with SAFW since 2016 has been one of quiet determination and evolution; a designer who has “stitched his own path, one thread at a time.”

Next is Irene Makhavhu Designs – a retail success story where “every piece is crafted with intent and worn to be unforgettable.”

To close the first Collections on the second day Ephymol delivers an unapologetic and fearless perspective on fashion – “fake clothes… fake you. Real fashion, real you.” 

A show is never complete without delightful bubbles. 
“J.C. Le Roux is proud to partner with South African Fashion Week – a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. As a brand rooted in elegance and celebration, we’re passionate about bringing people together to share memorable moments, much like fashion does. We are proud to support a platform that showcases the best of local design and inspires a new generation of creators.” J.C. Le Roux

Let the bubbles roll in.
THE COLLECTION BY J.C. LE ROUX brings the new, the sensuous and the directional together. Robyn Agulhas of sinCHUI represents the new – a SAFW Scouting Menswear winner shaping a confident and contemporary menswear voice.

This is followed by SMTNG GOOD bringing their Romaria knitting’s success story on the global stage.

This second day ends with Craig Jacobs’s Fundudzi label – a beautifully considered circular collection, “There is nothing new under the sun” – and indeed, nothing is new except the design itself.

The opening collection on the final day, brings The House that Olé built. “The art of dressing well originates in the mind, translates into your speech and is demonstrated in what you do” is the bold statement House of Olé brings this season. His Africa-inspired wearable art comes to life in a powerful presentation.

“Magnum is honoured to partner with South African Fashion Week – a bold stage where craftsmanship, creativity, and self-expression take center stage. As fashion inspires confidence through meticulously crafted design, Magnum celebrates the art of indulgence with signature chocolate, iconic textures, and moments made to be savoured. We believe in empowering to express individuality and embrace pleasure without apology.” – Magnum

At the close of the SS26 lineup, we celebrate the young talent so often underestimated.

The Scouting Menswear Competition finalists, alongside the 2024 winner, Undefined Outdoor Clothing, will be presented.

Anunes:               Contemporary tailoring with a sharp urban perspective.
Emelia D:             Modern menswear exploring texture, structure and identity. 
Victori:                 Clean silhouettes and contemporary masculinity.
On Duty Jeans:   Denim-driven design rooted in functionality and everyday wear. 

A Legacy of Creative Collaboration – Carlton Hair and South African Fashion Week celebrate over 20 years of partnership. From runway to salon, this collaboration turns inspiration into relevant, wearable style while supporting local creativity. – Carlton Hair 

Limited tickets for all collections are available on Quicket.com.

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