Stylish SA Fashion Week 2005 line-up announced

SAFW 2005 sees the return of Cape Town designer Malcolm Kluk as well as Marion & Lindie from Jo'burg, after an absence from previous years' events. Stoned Cherrie has promised that their SAFW collection this year signals a return to brand purity - sidestepping the commercial aspect that has grown around them for the past few years and reaffirming creatively what they're all about. Last year Craig Native paid homage to SA's forgotten sports heroes - this year he simply asks everyone to "come and learn the language".

This year's SAFW line-up exhibits the fashion platform's focus to create a uniquely South African design identity. Acclaimed local designers such as Elle New Talent winners Frances Andrews (2004) and David Tlale (2003), LIFE (Andre Martin), Darkie (Themba Mngomezulu), Goddess Factor (Cindy West), Paul Munroe and Sun Goddess, amongst others, have also been confirmed as a part of the diverse cultural melting pot from the various design hubs around South Africa.

"SAFW 2005 is another step forward towards a much more indigenous South African fashion identity. We are exceptionally proud of this year's line-up. While local designers have already begun exploring different cultures, we're finally starting to see them shaping a distinctly South African identity, as opposed to just an African identity," says Dion Chang, SAFW's programme director.

Emerging designers introduced into the line-up include Stephen Quatember, Palesa Tshukudu, Blasoen, Ma Cherry, Rubicon, Ge-maine Christopher, Steph G, as well as collections developed via the LISOF Incubator, Menswear Group SA (student design competition) and the Mzanzi group of young designers. Most of the young designers, which include previous Elle New Talent finalists, represent names that SAFW consider to be fresh fashion talent for the future. Their collections will mostly feature womenswear, with Blasoen (funded and assisted by local cabaret artist Nataniel) doing menswear. Steph G has become known as a cutting-edge cap & fashion designer for stars such as Danny K and Zuraida Jardine.

SA's most stylist fashion event is now in its 9th year of success and merges together some of the country's most sought-after design talent with leading local textile manufacturers. There will be an introduction of interesting fusions between upcoming designer Palesa Mokubung (ex Stoned Cherrie), emerging designer Thula Sindi and celebrated designer Malcolm Kluk with flourishing local fabric company, Vlisco SA.

"I think Vlisco has been very brave to invest in South African design. I love the fact that they have chosen three designers with very different styles. I am exploring a more couture option to make ethnic into western chic. My inspiration is eighteenth century costume - Marie Antoinette meets Graca Machel!" says Malcolm Kluk.

The major four-day event and interactive expo presents over 100 exhibition stands along with showcases of unique fashion collections on the ramps, as well as the annual Arts and Culture Fashion Seminar (in its second year of success) that happens simultaneously within SAFW - in line with SAFW's 'Business of Fashion' focus. This year also sees the re-introduction of public runways with the Castrol Collection, Campus Times merchandise collection (representing various varsities across SA) as well as the Nike collection showcasing in the centre of the exhibition area (in between the 2 main ramps) - due to its popularity and the opportunity for general public to catch a glimpse of some fashion ramp glamour. Garments from selected designers will be on sale in the expo arena as well, along with a variety of other fashion- and lifestyle-related exhibitors.

The Department of Arts & Culture is the title sponsor for the SAFW Seminar and also supported workshops earlier this year to unearth new design talent from rural and smaller centers across SA. Selected designers are supported by the Department of Trade & Industry, in order to grow and sustain their business ideals.

SA Fashion Week 2005 takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre (Johannesburg) from 28-31 July 2005 and selected off-site venues (including the Old Synagogue in Jo'burg central). The event is supported by Johannesburg Tourism. InterContinental Sandton Sun & Towers is the event's accommodation partner. L'Oreal Paris is the official cosmetics partner. Metro FM, 5FM and SABC 2 are the official media partners.

Tickets for the event will again be available to the public to attend the event and view the fashion shows; tickets go on sale through Computicket from Monday, 5 July 2005. Prices: R50 to attend expo & public runway-shows only; R150 per fashion show.

For more information (including registration for the seminar), please go to www.safashionweek.co.za.