The Free State Fashion Week (FSFW) has announced its return in partnership with the All Black Soiree for the 2022 edition.
After taking a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the fashion and lifestyle showcase will kick off what is said to be the most exciting return in the fashion calendar, with its fifth installment, taking place at the Naval Hill, Planetarium, in Bloemfontein from the 28th of September – 1 October 2022.
With this year’s theme ‘Be Human’ inspired by surviving a global pandemic and life after a global pandemic, designers are challenged to combine it with African culture and heritage as well as diversity.
‘As All Black Soiree we are elated and honoured that Candy Smith has offered us the opportunity to partner with a phenomenal brand such as FSFW, one that seeks to emancipate young people economically, creatively and socially, by breaking pre historic barriers to entry. We look forward to a long-standing partnership which will birth many opportunities,’ Rapelang Khati, COO, All Black Soiree said.
Two extraordinary designers who will be sharing their knowledge, showcasing and headlining the show are South African prolific designers Gert Johan – Coetzee and Palesa Mokubung. Free State Fashion Week Runway Shows is a showcase of a variety of student designers, emerging designers and well-known designers from around South Africa hosted over three days.
Gert is known for red carpet wear which could be seen at major events such as the SA Music Awards, SA Film and Television Awards, the J&B Met, You Spectacular, Huisgenoot Skouspel and Miss World to name a few. His creations have won best dressed at many of these events and he has dressed many of our country’s famous personalities.
Palesa also has many accolades behind her name. The empress of fashion and founder of Mantsho and the first African Designer to collaborate with international retailer H&M, which saw her collection available at H&M stores in South Africa, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico, Chile and Israel.
Also see: 5 black female designers you should know
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