South African Fashion Week - The Business of Ethical Fashion

Celebrating Creativity. Shaping Sustainable Fashion.Founded in 1997, South African Fashion Week (SAFW) is one of Africa’s most influential fashion platforms and a powerful showcase for the creativity and craftsmanship of South African designers. Staged twice a year in Johannesburg, SAFW connects designers, media, buyers, and the wider fashion industry, turning collections into thriving businesses.More than a runway event, SAFW is a business accelerator for design talent. Signature initiatives such as the New Talent Search, Scouting Menswear, and the National Student Competition help emerging and established designers build sustainable enterprises.

The platform actively champions ethical, slow fashion, encouraging the use of natural fibres and responsible production methods.Deeply rooted in South Africa’s cultural heritage, SAFW celebrates design inspired by local traditions and artistry, while opening doors to the world through collaborations and partnerships across Africa and beyond. Over nearly three decades, SAFW has launched and supported many of the country’s most prominent designers, affirming its role as the heartbeat of the South African designer fashion industry.