Designer Gert-Johan Coetzee closed SA Fashion Week (SAFW) in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, on Sunday, marking a triumphant return to the runway almost a year after he underwent a 12-hour brain surgery to remove a rare benign tumour.
“Returning to the public eye after my operation has been both emotional and incredibly humbling,” the 38-year-old fashion designer told Sowetan.
“When you go through something that changes you physically and emotionally, you inevitably begin to question how the world sees you, but perhaps more importantly, how you see yourself.
Showcasing ‘Reflections’ at SA Fashion Week was so
“Showcasing ‘Reflections’ at SA Fashion Week was so much more than presenting another collection. It was a deeply personal moment of returning to something I love, but as someone who is not the same person who left it.”
Guests were greeted with an introspective proverb in the show notes that read: “The mirror either reflects who you are or who you are becoming. Choose to see your destiny.”
Beloved for his fantastical bridal gowns, models strutted in bridal gowns that resembled dripping candles with a flame, 2-metre veils and ballerina skirts that swallowed the runway.
Models also sported creamy avocado-hued monogram suiting, jewelled-toned
Models also sported creamy avocado-hued monogram suiting, jewelled-toned gowns with plastic spheres adding volume and his signature monochrome black-and-white chequered patterning.
Now in its 28th edition, SAFW showcased a fresh style forecast for autumn/winter 2027, with homegrown craftsmanship, contemporary silhouettes and bold cultural expression taking centre stage.
A-listers Maglera Doe Boy, Maps Maponyane, Lalela Mswane, Azania Mosaka, Laduma Ngxokolo, Johanna Makgalemele, Jacques Bam, Mzukisi Mbane, Sean McCollet, Connie More, Iman Rappetti, Shaldon Kopman, Roberto Kyle, Yasmin Furmie and Linda Mntambo attended over the six days.
Designers showcasing included Jacques van der Watt (Black
Designers showcasing included Jacques van der Watt (Black Coffee), David Tlale, Thabo Makhetha, Helon Melon, Colleen Eitzen, Ephraim Molingoana (Ephymol), Ana Nunes (Anunes) and Craig Jacobs (Fundudzi)
Musician Selaelo Selota, under his label Thrrr… Phaaa, made their SAFW debut in skittles colours and vibrant hues of relaxed athleisure. Newcomer Dali Ngcebetsha’s emotive amakrwala-inspired collection, in collaboration with Navada Clothing, beautifully depicted the modern narrative of the rite of passage for young Xhosa men’s initiation journey. The designs featured red and white chequered suiting, pool boy hats, tartan winged blazers and wide-legged trousers.
Tlale opened SAFW on Tuesday, marking a return to the runway where his career launched in the early 2000s. To mark the occasion, and in true Tlale style, he showcased off-site at the historic Johannesburg City Library. The showcase featured cocktail gowns with colour-blocking styling, safari-inspired prints and colourways; sweeping pleated skirts, feminine suiting and classic trench coats that skimmed the floor.
Fundudzi’s sentimental Friday night presentation was an ode
Fundudzi’s sentimental Friday night presentation was an ode to nature, featuring his latest collection, The New Earth. The sustainable show invited guests to reimagine their preloved garments and give them new life. On the runway, models interchanged clothing pieces to build new garments, showcasing the practicality of being a conscious fashionista.
Black Coffee showcased his latest collection with ballerinas from the Joburg Ballet as his choice of models. Famed ballerina Kitty Phetla performed choreography in the garments, which featured airy and sculptural silhouettes that held their form.
