South African fashion designers lit up the runways at this year’s Shanghai Fashion Week, bringing a vibrant fusion of African storytelling and Chinese cultural elements to the global stage.
Hosted by Development Reimagined, a group of renowned designers showcased collections that celebrated South African and African narratives through unique prints, fabrics, and designs.
Designer Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint ZA emphasized the importance of culture in his work. “It’s important for me to design the print, attach it to culture, and tell the story,” he shared in an interview.
The designers delved into their creative processes, revealing how they draw inspiration for their fashion week creations.
Jessica Jane Molebatsi of Molebatsi discussed incorporating “Chinese traditional hanfu elements” into her designs to highlight cultural cohesiveness. “I wanted to bring China and Africa together through my designs,” she said.
This artistic exchange underscores the growing connections between African and Chinese fashion industries, fostering mutual appreciation through the universal language of fashion.
