Africa Fashion International in Cape Town

Spring is in the air at AFI Cape Town Fashion Week from 12 to 14 August 2010, when a heady mix of emerging and established designers will flaunt their collections for the new season. The theme is “Refresh, Revive,Renew”. AFI will showcase looks for summer.Audiences will be presented collections by some of the country’s best-known designers, including ready-to-wear heavyweights Klûk CGDT, Stefania Morland and Craig Port, who will be introducing his women’s wear range. Craig Native makes a much anticipated return to the runway after an absence of a few years and Durban based Ruff Tung make their Cape Town debut.Swimwear designer Dax Martin, who recently returned from Las Palmas in Spain, where he was one of only 11 international designers invited to show his most recent collection, will also be vamping up the ramp with his new beachwear creations.

But, according to the press release Cape Town Fashion Week "is not only about giving a platform to the big names – it’s committed to showcasing the country’s most innovative up-and-coming design talent as well". Catch emerging designers such as Good Clothing and Coppelia in their debut shows, as well as conceptual designers David West, known for his fun, quirky pieces, and Suzaan Heyns, who is making a name for herself with her avant-garde aesthetic.

Foschini and Woolworths have thrown their weight behind the brightest design students from fashion schools to present a graduate collection as well as a mixture of up and coming and familiar designers with emerging talent collections. Both retailers are partnering with the Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC) who has partnered and worked with African Fashion International (AFI) to manage production and marketing of these shows.

Foschini is also previewing the Stoned Cherrie Love Movement range at AFI Cape Town Fashion Week which, says the brand’s Nkhensani Nkosi, was inspired by global icons and peace lovers the world over.

AFI Cape Town Fashion Week runs at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 11 to 14 August 2010. For more information, go to the AFI site or for your front-row seat book your tickets at Computicket.