SA designers head to Trade Show at Milan Fashion Week

SOUTH African fashion designers are on their way to the top, and we love it.

Local fashion designer Wanda Lephoto is one of the designers selected by The Fashion Firm SA to be part of the Trade Show in Milan during Milan Fashion Week.

Lephoto will be showcasing his Spring Summer '24 Collection “PEOPLE”, which features stylish “Me Fie” looks, at The White Show.

Shelley Mokoena of Connade, Mapitso Thaisi of Shweshwekini and Shamyra Moodley of Laaniraani will also be participating.

Mokoena described Connade as a brand that catered for sophisticated women.

“Connade is a womenswear fashion brand with a sophisticated approach to understated detailing that captures the aura of the women adorned, through classic, statement and staple moments – complemented with organic forms to principle silhouettes and the weaving of structural design.”

Shweshwekini is an active brand inspired by the Basotho shweshwe prints named after the Sotho King, Moshoeshoe.

“The brand is about embracing the rich cultural essence of the Basotho people with men and women everywhere. I use activewear as a medium to tell my cultural story through the eclectic styles and bright colours of the shweshwe prints. In doing so, I am targeting an area of apparel usually neglected by most black designers swimwear,” Thaisi said.

Laaniraani is a Cape Town-based brand focusing on conscious material and considered design.

“We pay homage to classical craftsmanship by working with a small, highly skilled team of artisans to create one-of-a-kind sustainable pieces. Collaborations with local artists and artisans are at the heart of Laaniraani.”

Milan Fashion Week runs from September 19 - 25.