Mercedes Benz Joburg Fashion Week opens March 7

JOBURG-FASHION-WEEK-2013

Johannesburg will be seeking to prove that it is indeed a fashion capital from March 7-9, when the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg (MBFWJ) opens, in partnership with African Fashion International (AFI).

The anticipated ‘world-class act’ will be hosted at the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown Cultural Precinct, with two other shows on off-site venues.

Organisers are hoping the event will serve to encourage the global market to make Johannesburg their gateway to the continent.

In a statement, AFI said it seeks to further echo fashion as big business with a host of potential in South Africa by attracting the city’s talented and successful designers.

Next month’s line-up of designers includes the larger-than-life David Tlale, flanked by Thula Sindi, Suzaan Heyns and Fabiani, among others.

“Partnering with AFI to host these leading fashion events puts Joburg on a global platform as a fashion industry leader, along with cities like Berlin, New York and London,” says Ruby Mathang, MMC for Economic Development at the City of Johannesburg.

“These showcases of excellence in fashion design provide unprecedented opportunities to communicate a strong message that Joburg is well and truly open for global fashion design businesses, providing a unique lifestyle destination for fashion tourists and buyers.”

AFI Executive Chairperson, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe says; “My heart-felt belief, underpinned by research and market understanding, is that Africa holds the promise of a positive future for the production and consumption of luxury goods and fashion.”

“Joburg,” he adds, “as more than Africa’s leading international business and networking hub, holds the key to this promise. The city is a world-class fashion and shopping destination and cultural centre and its designers are shining stars whose futures in the global market look increasingly bright.”

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