WHAT DOES FASHION MEAN TO US AT SAFW

1. Empowering Designers & Creating Opportunities

We are passionate about nurturing South African designers and providing them with a platform to showcase their talent, grow their businesses, and reach global markets. Through SAFW, we have over the past 27 years championed over 500 local designers, ensuring they receive recognition and commercial success.

2. Sustainability & Ethical Fashion

We advocate sustainable fashion. We believe in responsible design, ethical sourcing, and reducing fashion's environmental impact.  We have integrated sustainability into the SAFW core, influencing designers to adopt eco-conscious practices. All our competitions are based on responsible fashion.

3. Fashion as an Expression of Identity & Culture

Fashion reflects identity, heritage, and storytelling. We have been promoting South African design as a unique expression of the country's diverse cultures, traditions, and modern influences.

4. Bridging Creativity & Commerce

We see fashion as both an art and a business. Our mission is to ensure designers don't just create desirable garments but also build sustainable businesses. SAFW has become a space where fashion meets commerce, enabling designers to connect with buyers, retailers, and consumers.

5. A Global Vision for African Fashion

We believe in putting South African fashion on the world stage ensuring that local designers are recognized internationally, emphasizing the importance of African creativity in the global fashion industry.

SAFW has been a vehicle for transformation, empowerment, and innovation. We have pushed the boundaries, shaped the industry, and created lasting opportunities for designers across South Africa.