Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) has wrapped its Autumn/Winter 2026 season following a vibrant three-day showcase at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani, attracting a strong turnout across the three days.
The 26th season delivered on its promise of celebrating local creative talent while expanding its global footprint, with emerging designers, established labels, and international debuts all sharing the same runway.
“I am pleased to see that the Soweto Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2026 season delivered with such strength and creative excellence. The collections were a true reflection of the depth of talent within our industry. As we move forward, we will begin the process of launching the South African Fashion Association, an initiative shaped by the voices of designers and industry stakeholders to represent, unify, and advance the fashion sector nationally in an inclusive and impactful way,” said Stephen Manzini, Founder of Soweto Fashion Week.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEASON
Opening night cast a spotlight on the emerging designers bloc, introducing fresh talent to industry guests, media, and fashion enthusiasts. Among them, Finch by Kwanele Thusi made a bold statement with an all-male lineup dressed in striking pink velvet.
Among the standout moments was a collaborative presentation between textile designer Nobuzwe Mabona of Buzwe Bethu Textile Prints and young Eastern Cape designer Ayabulela ‘Aya’ Mzananda that celebrated the flexibility of BBTPRINTS as a design medium.
HOSS BY SASS by Sanele Thabethe delivered a collection that balanced red-carpet elegance with a more modern, wearable feel. Each look showcased attention to detail and a seamless fusion of luxury and versatility.
Soweto-born duo Muzikayise ‘Afrika’ Mabena and Loyiso Dyantji of Originally Kasified Clothing presented The Rebirth of Cool Phase Two. The 10-piece collection is a continuation of their signature aesthetic, paying homage to denim and township culture.
In a special institutional presentation, advanced diploma students from the Tshwane University of Technology’s Fashion Design and Technology faculty also made their mark. Bofelo Senonohi presented Botswana by Saint Heavens — a collection rooted in personal heritage featuring knit fabric, ostrich leather, and cowhide. Fellow student Alex Makgoka offered a refined take on tailoring, introducing peekaboo collars into peaked-collar suits alongside wide-legged trousers and wrap silhouettes in earthy tones.
The season’s most talked-about international moment came courtesy of Spanish designer Viktória Varga, who made her African debut at Soweto Fashion Week, presenting an eclectic selection of evening dresses, statement skirts, and hand-painted pieces with her signature pom-poms, ribbon details, and striking colour combinations.
“Presenting at Soweto Fashion Week was an incredibly powerful experience. There’s a raw energy and authenticity here. It felt like a true celebration of creativity, culture, and individuality,” said Viktória Varga.
“The Soweto audience was amazing. The audience was very expressive, engaged, and genuinely connected to the pieces. I felt a strong emotional response, which is always the most rewarding. I would absolutely love to collaborate with local artists and designers here — there’s such a unique creative language that really inspires me,” Varga added.
The event also reinforced Johannesburg’s growing profile as a fashion destination. Joburg Tourism leverages major events to position Johannesburg as a leading urban destination in Africa, with Soweto Fashion Week contributing significantly to SMME participation and global media visibility.
The platform will return later this year for its Spring/Summer 2026 season, with further details to be announced in due course.
Soweto Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2026 was brought to you by Creme of Nature, Joburg Tourism, Joburg City Theatres, Soweto TV, The Star, Saturday Star, and PMC Makeup Academy.
