#MBFWJ16: Raising the bar at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg SS 2016

The temperature in Johannesburg is already on the rise as the city prepares itself for the hottest event on the African fashion calendar: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg 2016 (MBFWJ16). Hosted by African Fashion International (AFI), this dazzling event is taking over Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City, from the 10^th-13^th August 2016. 

“With such an iconic backdrop for the show, we knew we had to fill the runway with equally impressive designers,” says Jan Malan, production director of MBFWJ16. “Day three promises to take our fashion showcase to a whole new level, with the very latest trends for the Spring/Summer season. We hope you’ve booked your spot – it’s going to be a show to remember.”

Kicking off the evening is the emerging talent of Orapeleng Modutle Style Avenue, with fashion for both men and women. Having never before shown a collection at MBFWJ16, this exciting opening act will set the tone for a dramatic and glamorous night.

Abundantly talented and a Joburg local, Sello Medupe will bring his wearable, signature futuristic style to the runway through his label Scalo. He’s a success story in the making and he continues to impress since making a grand entrance at the AFI Fastrack in 2011.

Ruff Tung and Leigh Schubert are blazing a trail for fabulous online fashion. Ruff Tung is a name that’s been around since the 90s, and it continues to go from strength to strength under the hugely talented Bridget Pickering and Ludwig Bausch. Hailing from Durban but recognised around the world is Leigh Schubert, who will undoubtedly bring another award-winning collection to Nelson Mandela Square.

One of the most exciting names at this year’s MBFWJ16 is Laduma, with his hugely successful MaXhosa label. Laduma is doing South Africa proud by winning accolades across the globe, most recently being the 2015 Vogue Italia Scouting for Africa Award. The Joburg crowd is sure to be captivated by this hugely inspiring designer during his much-anticipated homecoming event.

After showcasing his up-and-coming designers in The Intern, day three is the turn of South African fashion royalty David Tlale. Once again he’ll be taking his audience to a secret venue, which promises to be as dramatic and impressive as his Spring/Summer designs.

“AFI is committed to showcasing the best talent from the continent and they’ll be achieving this through both the emerging stars and the established household names. All the designers are working incredibly hard to bring glitz, glamour and fabulous trends to this highly anticipated fashion event,” says Malan.