The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is set to return with a stunning fashion show, putting the spotlight on local talent and African creativity. The event, which takes place from 6pm to 11pm at the Youngblood-Africa Gallery, will feature a curated line-up of designers and brands, including Simply Mooi, Moira Hurungo, and Jacques LaGrange.
According to LaGrange, one of the headline designers, the show’s return is a significant moment for the industry. “There has been a show before, but there hasn’t been any in the last couple of years. When they approached me, I said, ‘Yes, of course I’m going to do it because I love promoting new designers, I love to show what this country has to offer,'” he said.
African Fashion on the Global Stage
LaGrange stressed the importance of synergy between creative industries, particularly fashion and music. He also reflected on the limited global exposure for South African designers, particularly when compared to international fashion houses. As noted on the Wikipedia page on South African fashion, the country has a rich history of textile production and fashion design.
For the showcase, LaGrange selected designers with established reputations and proven track records in the industry. Designers participating in the event will be given creative freedom, allowing the showcase to evolve beyond a traditional runway into a more immersive fashion installation.
Featured Designers
- Simply Mooi
- Moira Hurungo
- Jacques LaGrange
- Cathy
- Kluk/CGDT
- Helon Melon
Festival co-directors say the fashion showcase plays a key role in celebrating African creativity and collaboration across disciplines. The event is part of a broader, month-long programme celebrating jazz, culture, and art, and is supported by the City of Cape Town.
