Five emerging designers recognised as the iconic French fashion house joins forces with SAFW to spotlight South African creativity, innovation and the future of fashion.
Johannesburg, 22 October 2026 - South African Fashion Week (SAFW) has marked another milestone in its commitment to developing the country's next generation of fashion designers, hosting the inaugural South African edition of the prestigious Pierre Cardin Young Designers Award in Johannesburg.
Presented in collaboration with Maison Pierre Cardin, the three-day programme, held from 19 to 21 October 2026, brought together emerging design talent from 24 colleges one of the world's most recognised fashion houses, creating a platform for creative exchange, international exposure and the development of future fashion leaders.
The initiative culminated in a celebration of fashion and emerging talent on Wednesday, 21 October, at The Forum, Hyde Park, where the Pierre Cardin Fashion Show presented an exclusive selection of the French fashion house's latest creations.
At the heart of the inaugural South African edition were five young designers whose achievements reflect the creative potential emerging from the country's fashion education institutions.
Bulumko Madaza, from STADIO School of Fashion, Art & Design, was awarded First Prize, taking the top honour in the inaugural competition. Madaza receives a three-month internship at the Pierre Cardin design studio in Paris, offering an opportunity to gain first-hand experience within an internationally recognised fashion house.
Lungelo Thusi, representing Durban University of Technology, received Second Prize, while Bofelo Senonohi, from Tshwane University of Technology, was awarded Third Prize.
Two additional awards recognised distinct qualities in emerging design talent. Nawaal Joosub, also from STADIO School of Fashion, Art & Design, received the Best Creativity Award, while Sadiya Malik, from Villioti, was recognised with the High Potential Award.
Together, the five students represent fashion education institutions across South Africa, highlighting the important role these institutions play in developing technical skills, nurturing creative identities and preparing students for careers in the fashion industry.
“South Africa has extraordinary young creative talent, but talent alone is not enough to build a successful fashion industry. Young designers need access to opportunities, mentorship, industry experience and platforms that allow their work to be seen beyond the classroom,” says Lucilla Booyzen, Founder of South African Fashion Week.
Established in 2022, the Pierre Cardin Young Designers Award is an international initiative dedicated to identifying and supporting emerging fashion talent through innovation, creativity and sustainable design.
The introduction of the competition to South Africa represents an opportunity to connect local emerging designers with an established international fashion network, encouraging creative exchange and broadening their understanding of the global fashion industry.
ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN FASHION WEEK
Founded in Johannesburg in 1997, South African Fashion Week is a designer-led industry platform connecting fashion education, emerging talent and established designers with mentorship, manufacturing, media, retail and market opportunities.
Where Design Becomes Industry.
Media enquiries: Nicola Keogh
nicola@safashionweek.co.za
