The Spring/Summer 2025 (SS25) Collections at South African Fashion Week (SAFW) delivered a dazzling showcase of artistry, innovation, and African identity. From bold futuristic visions to poetic tributes to heritage, the event proved once again why it remains the premier platform for celebrating the brilliance of South African fashion.
In its 28th edition, SAFW brought together 24 collections over three exhilarating days, featuring the country’s most celebrated designers and rising stars. Supported by Isuzu Motors, Cruz Vodka, and L’Oréal Paris, the event offered a stage where creativity met craftsmanship, and local narratives intertwined with global aesthetics.
Gert-Johan Coetzee: Ancestry Meets the Unknown
One of the most talked-about moments of the week was undoubtedly Gert-Johan Coetzee’s groundbreaking collection, The Arrival: Where Ancestry Meets the Unknown. Known for his daring approach and theatrical presentations, Coetzee transported his audience on a journey that spanned millennia.
The show began with a cinematic video sequence depicting a fictional exodus into space and the triumphant return to Earth—an allegory for reclaiming lost connections to one’s roots. As models walked the runway in futuristic designs steeped in ancestral motifs, the message was clear: no matter how far we venture, our origins remain within us.
“Even when we feel like we’ve drifted too far, our roots remain within us,” Coetzee shared, encapsulating the essence of the collection.
The garments themselves were a masterclass in contrast—sleek metallics met earthy textures, while structured silhouettes intertwined with flowing fabrics. The result was an evocative blend of technology and tradition, symbolizing balance between progress and heritage.
The show’s front row glittered with South African stars, including songstress Lira, rapper Nadia Nakai, media icon Lerato Kganyago, and celebrated designer David Tlale. Adding to the star power were news anchors Abigail Visagieand Puleng Molebatsi, former Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert, and beloved entertainer Somizi. It was a gathering that reflected the glamour and influence of South African fashion at its finest.
Rubicon: Timeless Elegance in Motion
Closing day two of SAFW, Rubicon unveiled their breathtaking collection, Ethereal Continuum, a poetic expression of lightness and transformation. Designed by the brand’s founder and creative director, Hangwani Nengovhela, the collection was inspired by celestial rhythms and ancestral wisdom, capturing the essence of transcendence.
With a palette of sun-washed neutrals, sky-kissed blues, radiant golds, and warm earth tones, the collection exuded a sense of serenity and power. Each piece was crafted to flow effortlessly, moving like whispers of wind against the skin—a tribute to the modern African woman, who embodies evolution and timeless grace.
“We wanted to create a collection this season that feels boundless yet deeply rooted, light yet powerful,” Nengovhela explained.
Rubicon’s designs struck a perfect balance between modernity and tradition, redefining African elegance with weightless fabrics that carried echoes of heritage into the future. Ethereal Continuum was more than just a collection; it was a statement about the resilience and adaptability of African identity.
Isuzu: Driving Innovation and Storytelling in Fashion
This year’s SAFW also marked the culmination of Isuzu Motors’ partnership with the event, a collaboration that brought fresh energy and a deeper purpose to the platform. Opening day two, the Isuzu Luxury Collections saw Thabo Makhetha debut her sophisticated designs, while Rubicon’s Ethereal Continuum provided a stunning finale.
For Isuzu, this wasn’t just about brand visibility—it was about creating space for South African talent to thrive.
“This partnership allowed us to shine a light on the strength, innovation, and identity of South African fashion,” said Ziphindiwe Ngcobo, Department Executive of Marketing at Isuzu.
Ngcobo emphasized how the collaboration enabled designers to explore new narratives, blending global trends with local storytelling. The partnership wasn’t limited to fashion—it was about connecting with communities where people live, express, and grow.
“We’ve learned the value of storytelling through unexpected platforms, and we’re committed to ensuring that the Isuzu story is one South Africans see themselves in,” Ngcobo added.
A Celebration of African Creativity
As SAFW continues to evolve, it remains a beacon for South African creativity, innovation, and cultural pride. This year’s collections reflected a dynamic interplay of the past, present, and future, with designers showcasing their ability to honor tradition while embracing modernity.
From Coetzee’s futuristic vision of ancestry rediscovered to Rubicon’s ethereal ode to transformation, the SS25 Collections left audiences inspired and eager for what’s next. With its unwavering commitment to fostering local talent and elevating African fashion on the global stage, South African Fashion Week proves once again that it is more than an event—it is a movement.