Celebrating sustainable fashion: highlights from 2024's most memorable fashion shows
This year was a successful one in terms of fashion shows. We saw many designers pull all the stops not only in creative designs but also in advocating for sustainability.
As we bid farewell to 2024, here are some of the most memorable fashion shows that stood out.
South African Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024 collections
In April, SA Fashion Week hosted its SS24 collections, and what stole the show were the emerging designers from the Mr Price New Talent Search.
Jessica-Ann Shepherd of Oddity won the competition, impressing the judges with her knitted designs.
“The name of my collection is Oddity, I based it on my brand’s aesthetic as well as trend. I played around with the knitwear because that’s how we do it at the moment – just play and have some fun.
“Quirky prints and silhouettes, everything is just a fun range,” Shepherd said at the time.
The other finalists were just as impressive because we saw a lot of natural dyes from Mother of Gao, vibrant hand-drawn prints by Reina Majoko and captivating designs from the likes of Belhauzen and Ngingu.
Moscow Fashion Week
Moscow may be cold but when it comes to fashion, it is hot. Always up to date with innovative trends and sustainable fashion, this year’s fashion show in October saw designers from across the world impress with their extraordinary collections.
According to Natalya Sergunina, Deputy Moscow Mayor, about 200 designers from 41 cities across Russia, alongside brands from seven other countries including China, the United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica, and India showcased their collections.
Almost every designer who showcased focused on sustainability by using environmentally friendly materials. South Africa’s Tshegofatso By Design made his international debut and showcased his All Seasons collection.
As BRICS expands, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit also made big strides by announcing the formation of the BRICS International Fashion Federation.
The new federation seeks to establish new centres of influence, strengthen international connections, boost industry sustainability and provide NewGen of fashion talents with growth opportunities.
Notably, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit was attended by representatives from over 100 countries, solidifying its standing as the largest fashion event for both emerging and established markets.
Lagos Fashion Week
One of the biggest fashion shows in the world, Lagos Fashion Week presented the best of the best.
African designers slayed, showing the rest of the world why many Western designers get their inspiration from Africa.
From the bold accessories to bright colours and flamboyant designs, African designers truly impressed.
One of our favourite designers was Emmy Kasbit, who showcased sustainable formal wear using Akwete fabric — a traditional Igbo textile known for its intricate patterns and eco-friendly production.
“This collection celebrates Emmy Kasbit’s decade-long commitment to Nigerian fashion excellence while highlighting strategic partnerships with: Niam 311 – a clothing brand known for fusing heart and fashion with specialty textiles in batik and tye-dye.
“Shekudo - Women’s footwear brand known for comfort and style and Kiing Daviid - Men’s footwear brand, renowned for sleek, trendy designs will undoubtedly yield breathtaking, cohesive ensembles,” read a statement from the brand.
Gert-Johan Coetzee x Steve Madden
The celebrity designer pulled all the stops at his Steve Madden show when he was taking over as the creative director for the brand’s spring/summer 24 collection.
The New York City fashion show was attended by South Africa’s A-listers, including Bonang Matheba, Nadia Nakai, Lasizwe Dambuza and many others.
"The range is iconic and street cool, we aimed to cover looks for almost every occasion. Ensuing every little detail to have a touch of my signature - from the colourways to the patterns,” said the designer.
The Stadio Fashion Show
This fashion show is one of the best in the country. Taking place once a year, this show introduces us to up-and-coming designers who are still studying fashion.
This year, they collaborated with Levi’s to create innovative designs using recycled denim.
There was also by higher certificate fashion design student Kay-Cee Schoeman, who stole the show with her unique crocheted whimsical mouse bag.
