Latest news with #SowetoTheatre
SowetanLIVE
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- SowetanLIVE
Monkey Shoulder kicks off career-making contest for fashion rebels
This May, Monkey Shoulder swapped barrels for boldness as the official pouring partner for Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) Autumn/Winter 2025 — and true to form, the premium whisky brand didn't just pour; it performed. Think cocktails with character, streetwear with swagger, and a stylish new showdown that turned heads and timelines. Hosted over four days at the iconic Soweto Theatre, SFW showcased the sartorial skills of 35 emerging and established local designers as they presented their latest collections. In the Monkey Shoulder VIP lounge, whisky wasn't the only thing served. The space came alive with a bold mural by 2024 Brushstroke Battle winner George Mars, curated to reflect the SFW theme, 'Uncharted Creativity', with a riot of colour and cultural influences. It quickly became the go-to content spot for stylists, influencers and industry insiders.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Soweto Fashion Week 2025: A showcase of uncharted creativity and resilience
The 14th edition of Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) concluded its highly anticipated Autumn/Winter 2025 showcase, reaffirming its status as a beacon of South African creativity, resilience, and innovation. Hosted at the iconic Soweto Theatre from May 7 to May 10, the event brought together over 30 designers-both emerging and established, who captivated audiences with collections that seamlessly blended contemporary trends with rich traditional influences. This season's theme, 'Uncharted Creativity,' invited designers to push boundaries and share heartfelt stories through fashion. SFW continues to serve as a vital platform for nurturing local talent and fostering the growth of the South African fashion industry. 'Each season, Soweto Fashion Week strives to provide a vital platform for local designers to showcase their talent and connect with a broader audience. We are committed to fostering growth within the South African fashion industry. Every year, we look forward to presenting collections that are both inspiring and forward-thinking,' said Stephen Manzini, Founder of Soweto Fashion Week. Designer Ayanda Nhlapo made her debut at SA Fashion Week this year under her label, House of Ayanda. Reflecting on the milestone, Nhlapo said the experience marked a powerful new chapter in her journey — one she plans to take global as she sets her sights on expanding her international footprint. 'House of Ayanda is focused on expanding its international presence through cultural collaborations, capsule collections, and digital showcases that highlight African heritage with a modern perspective. Ayanda's style is minimalist with bold Afro-modern touches, while the brand itself embraces expressive, maximalist storytelling through luxurious textures and layered cultural references. 'Future aspirations include establishing House of Ayanda as a heritage brand that reinvents African luxury, opening an atelier and creative residency for emerging designers, and contributing to fashion education.' She said. Renowned designer Sun Goddess described Soweto Fashion Week as more than just a runway event. 'Soweto Fashion Week is more than a showcase- it's a movement and a statement. This event reminds us that South African fashion is not only vibrant but also deeply rooted in our collective spirit. As a brand that hit its 24-year mark this year, I am proud to share pearls of wisdom I've learnt over the years through fashion at the SFW, inspiring the next generation as our way of giving back. I am deeply inspired by the resilience and ingenuity of local talent." The week-long event featured dynamic runway shows, networking opportunities, and creative collaborations, including partnerships with local brands that highlighted the intersection of fashion, culture, and identity. With over 80 models gracing the runway, SFW once again demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and development, having supported more than 120 designers and 1,000 models since its inception in 2011. 'To support and improve South Africa's fashion industry, there is a need for greater investment in infrastructure, mentorship, and market access, along with stronger connections between fashion, education, and the economy, and a renewed emphasis on preserving and modernising indigenous design knowledge,' Manzini concluded As SFW continues to champion local craftsmanship and design excellence, the Autumn/Winter 2025 showcase stands as a testament to the enduring creativity and resilience of South Africa's fashion community. The Star
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Soweto Fashion Week showcases vivid creativity and heartfelt stories on the runway
Soweto Fashion Week Winter/Autumn 2025 has transformed Soweto Theatre into a vibrant collective of creativity and expression, illuminating the runway from May 7 to 10. This year, the event has not only presented an impressive array of seasoned and emerging designers but also acted as a mirror reflecting contemporary South African culture. This year's Soweto Fashion Week Winter/Autumn 2025 has been a visual feast, bringing together seasoned and emerging designers to illuminate the runway with their innovative collections, each showcasing bold colours, creative silhouettes, and daring styles. This annual affair, running from May 7 to 10 at Soweto Theatre, touted as a reflection of contemporary South African culture, not only celebrated fashion but also solidified its reputation as a platform that allows young designers to redefine fashion through personal narratives interwoven with cutting-edge artistry. While the first day offered a mere preview of what was to come, the second day showcased an impressive array of talent from designers, including Emerging Designers Bloc, G Staat, Sew Africa, Oak Field, the University of Johannesburg, George Tebor, and Tshwane University of Technology. It also continues to stand as a reminder that in an industry often dominated by trends, true artistry emerges from personal stories and shared experiences, with some of the designers detailing their heartfelt journeys with Saturday Star. Sphokuhle Mzinya, a talented young designer, recounted her inspiration, attributing her creative spark to her mother. 'Being at Soweto Fashion Week as the youth of South Africa is a huge opportunity that we need to be grateful for. We are still students; to showcase our work means a lot and indicates that we are going far,' she said. Sphokuhle Mzinya, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase at Soweto Fashion Week. The young designer credits her mother for fostering her creativity, which has manifested in unique crafted bags and other artistic works Dumisani Ntombela, the founder of Art Illusion Wear from South West Gauteng College, embraced his chance to exhibit his work on the runway, rallying behind his slogan, 'Till death we do art.' Ntombela presented sophisticated winter garments, reflecting a balance of simplicity and elegance. Dumisani Ntombela, founder of Art Illusion Wear and a student from South West Gauteng College, embraced the runway with a collection focused on sophisticated winter garments. His tagline, 'Til death we do art', reflects his deep passion for design. 'The plan with this season was to go simple but with an expensive taste. And the turnout was impressive. I have always aspired to be a designer. Also, you can not run away from the calling of being a designer. I have always wanted to be a designer but could not ask my parents because they could not allow me at first. But I did it anyway,' Ntombela expressed. Equally poignant was Mvuyisi Tshabalala's story. Having lost his parents at a young age, he shares that he found solace in fashion and design. Tshabalala's creations aim to tell a deeper story, demonstrating that each garment carries with it a significant narrative. The emotional resonance of Soweto Fashion Week was further amplified by Mvuyisi Tshabalala, who found refuge in art at a young age. 'I have been through a lot as a young man; I lost my mother when I was two years old. My father was never in my life. He came back for only a year, and then he passed away. So I was all alone, so it was a survival for me. So when I say fashion is my freedom, I found shelter in fashion.' Speaking about support Tshabalala says he gets support from most of his peers, his mentor, and his school, George Tebor. 'They are the ones who showed me that if you believe in yourself, you can do it. When I started this, I told my family that I wanted to be a fashion designer. They said there is no money in designing,' he said. Sindisiwe Masemola, a 21-year-old designer from Zondi, aspires to expand her brand and showcase on prestigious platforms such as SA Fashion Week and even Paris and Milan. Emerging designer Sindisiwe Masemola from Zondi, Soweto, expressed her ambitions for the future, mentioning a desire to participate in prestigious competitions like SA Fashion Week and abroad in Milan and Paris. 'My plans are to grow my brand, expose it to more people, and also have a signature style that people will identify me with,' she stated, hinting at the international aspirations shared amongst many young creators. Stephen Manzini, the founder of Soweto Fashion Week, voiced the importance of this event for the fashion community, highlighting its role in fostering growth and creating opportunities for emerging designers. 'Growth and a different setup and new sponsors. It is very important to have a fashion week for the community of fashion. It builds, it grows and encourages people. Because from here, more opportunities come. It is about the fashion industry helping designers build a market and build a local industry. The more consistent we are with this, the more people we are able to help,' said Manzini, emphasising the collective potential of local talent. Soweto Fashion Week 2025 not only showcases stunning collections but also amplifies the voices of young designers who are shaped by their experiences.
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Soweto Fashion Week cultivates next wave of trailblazers with autumn/winter 2025 showcase
SFW founder Steph Manzini said their focus on building the local fashion industry differentiates it from other fashion weeks in the country. The Soweto Fashion Week autumn/winter showcase is expected to showcase 30-35 designers and with 80 models anticipated to walk the runway. Picture: Supplied The importance of grassroots and development is often mentioned in sport. Yet development is vital in most, if not all, industries. In fashion, for someone to reach the level of gracing platforms such as the Met Gala or the Paris Fashion Week, one has to start somewhere. Now in its 14th edition, the Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) is one of the vital platforms for the development of the fashion industry, particularly because it's hosted in a township, making it accessible. SFW founder Steph Manzini said their focus on building the local fashion industry differentiates it from other fashion weeks in the country. 'Building the local fashion industry, working with higher institutions at the grassroots level. It's important to keep our local brands relevant in the market,' Manzini told The Citizen. The SFW's autumn/winter 2025 showcase starts at the Soweto Theatre on Wednesday, 7 May, and will run until Saturday, 10 May. ALSO READ: 'We haven't even scratched the surface' – Soweto Fashion Week founder on 13 years of consistency [VIDEO] Autumn/winter showcase Established in 2011, the SFW has assisted more than 120 designers and 1000 runway models on the African continent, catapulting their businesses and support for 13 years. For this autumn/winter showcase, Manzini said they are scheduled to showcase 30-35 designers, and 80 models are anticipated to walk the runway. 'Each season, Soweto Fashion Week strives to provide a vital platform for local designers to showcase their talent and connect with a broader audience. We are committed to fostering growth within the South African fashion industry. Every year, we look forward to presenting collections that are both inspiring and forward-thinking,' Manzini said. The autumn/winter 2025 collections are expected to blend contemporary styles with traditional influences, highlighting the unique spirit and creativity synonymous with Soweto. ALSO READ: WATCH: Russian designers captivate audience at the Soweto Fashion Week 'The show goes on' Speaking to The Citizen just hours before day one of the SFW, Manzini said the preparations were stressful yet fun. This year's edition sees new sponsors partner with the SFW, which was previously known as the 'Sta-Sof-Fro SFW'—this was as recently as November last year, when the SFW hosted the Spring/Summer showcase. 'Different setup and new sponsors. The conversations are different, hence stress levels go a bit higher but it's fun and worth it,' shared Manzini. New partners of the SFW are haircare brand Creme of Nature and whisky brand Monkey Shoulder. 'We've had a change of sponsors. At times, sponsorships have a short span, a collaboration that was fitting at the time; however, the show goes on,' Manzini said. NOW READ: South Africans make their presence felt at the Met Gala in New York
News24
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘His humour never left him' – Don Mlangeni honoured for fighting through his illness at memorial
Naughty, disciplined and truly loving. This is how actors from all walks of life described the legendary Don Mlangeni-Nawa. Whether they had worked with him in his earlier productions like Sgudi' Snaysi and Hlala kwabafileyo or his later productions such as Isidingo, Uzalo, The River, The Estate, Savage Baeauty and many others, there was one consensus of the remarkable person he was, on and off set. As an actor, he measured his success by how many people he brought up with him as he rose and how many young actors he groomed. He was also celebrated for extending himself as a father to some of his colleagues as well. It was clear that the loss was unbearable for not only his family but also the arts fraternity. Having been one of the notable products of Gibson Kente, it was only fitting to bid farewell to him and celebrate his life at the Gibson Kente Theatre at the Soweto Theatre. Read more | Veteran Isidingo actor, Don Mlangeni dies at 65 'It's a full circle moment for him to be honoured on stage, where he dedicated most of his life,' said award-winning director, Krijay Govender who first met him on the set of Isidingo back in 1998. She also confidently asserted that Don would have given Denzel Washington a run for his money, had he been born and established in Hollywood, because of the quality of his work. Taking to the stage with a smile, Clementine Mosimane who played his wife on the Estate stressed how much Don poured into his craft even in his sick state. 'He had integrity, he embraced his talent with so much discipline and honour. I want to talk about when I started seeing Abuti Don not being well. We were on the set of The Estate back in 2021/22. I saw him losing weight, being sick but believe me, he kept the discipline of being a thespian. Every morning, he'd be the first, if not the second on set, on location.' Clementine adds that after he opened up about his illness to her, she started sending him motivational message every morning and would pray with him on the phone. Still commending his strength, she says Don never asked to go home even in his state but would rather soldier on and ask to nap to regain his strength in between takes on set. Read more | 'There was no sign of sickness' – Chicco Twala speaks at Winnie Khumalo's memorial 'He was a fighter, and the humour never left him. That's the Don I know. On The Estate, you look at him and you could never tell that he was sick but the minute they say 'cut!' he'd ask to go take a breather.' To continue his legacy of mentoring young actors, the Gauteng MEC of sports, arts, culture and education, Matome Chiloane delivered a eulogy and made an announcement that got everyone applauding. 'We are committing to establish a Don Mlangeni Mentorship Programme. This programme will identify and support emerging artistry in Gauteng and continue his remarkable, significant work.' On 16 April, Don took his last breath after battling with an undisclosed illness for years. By the time of his passing at the age of 65, he had already bagged two lifetime achievement awards. He leaves behind five children and his wife Reginah, who was thanked by every speaker at the memorial service for allowing him to pour into their cups and lending him to the world. The funeral service will be held on 26 April, at the Germiston Civic Centre. today for your VIP pass to South Africa's entertainment world.
