“It’s a new era in fashion, there are no rules.” – Alexander Mcqueen
Fashion has always been the pinnacle in defining liberation, and it will always be a medium for it. In the era of Instagram domination, there is a concrete chance that you have seen unconventional outfits doing wonders in public places, which traditionally were merely constrained to the runway. Viral internet sensation and self-proclaimed “professional bragger”, Elsa Majimbo recently hopped on the unconventional fashion wave.
From Pearl Thusi’s otherworldly look at the Durban July extravaganza to Tyla’s nod to the past, these were the celebrity fashion highlights of the year in Africa.
It is indisputable that 2023 was a great year for celebrity fashion. We saw perhaps the most committed press tour wardrobe of all time; there was more glamour than ever at the big film festivals; we were treated to plenty of striking haute couture moments; and the daring dresses continued to cascade the red carpet.
This year, fashion trends took a turn for utilitarian with cargo pants, redefined denim, and wearable silhouettes all endorsed by the 2023 shows. That’s not to say that this year is boring style-wise. Dramatic hem lengths and silver metallics were still part of the sartorial picture, albeit in more practical iterations than ever before.
November was a jam-packed fashion odyssey with auspicious events such as Joburg Fashion Week hosted by the prestigious Africa Fashion International (AFI), a glamorous launch from H&M and Paco Rabanne’s collection, a modish ready-to-wear collection from renowned fashion designer Orapeleng Modutle and Superbalist, as well as the South African Music Awards (SAMAs) red carpet which showcased extravagant vogue.
African luxury fashion brand, MAXHOSA AFRICA does not need an introduction. Boasting luxe woven geometric patterns in vivid hues such as red, blue, yellow, and orange, the brand has carved a distinctive signature that easily stands out. Founded by award-winning fashion designer, entrepreneur, and creative artist Laduma Ngxokolo in 2010, MAXHOSA AFRICA has established itself as a thought leader in the African luxury landscape. The globally renowned brand has showcased luxe, African-inspired apparel on big stages such as New York Fashion Week. Moreover, the brand’s knitwear has been spotted on international celebrities such as Beyoncé, veteran Black Panther star, John Kani, and most recently – Michelle Obama during her Cape Town trip.
From dazzling photographers in voguish gowns on the red carpet to setting street style trends, beauty entrepreneur and socialite Lori Harvey is the epitome of a fashion icon. The style connoisseur became one of fashion’s most talked about influencers thanks to her remarkable high-end wardrobe, which comprises pieces from Michael Kors (who she has collaborated with before), Dior, Bottega Veneta, and Burberry, among others.
Unlike every other year, 2023 has been the year of popular fashion trends with the who’s who of vogue being on the same page about what’s hot and what’s not across the globe. Moreover, we have seen similarities in trends during each month of the year such as denim on denim in June, as well as the metallic trend between July and September – largely thanks to Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour. For the most part, the months have knitted themselves up into cohesive themes based on fashion trends. However, October was not one of those months. Going against the grain, the month saw various hues, patterns, and textures from many entertainment industry tastemakers from all around the world.
SA Fashion Week’s Autumn/ Winter ‘24 runways saw various ensembles from some of South African fashion’s shapeshifters. One such brand is MUNKUS by fashion entrepreneur and designer, Thando Ntuli. Titled, “Ndawo Yami”, the evocative collection was crafted to reframe and reimagine the history of our legislature through the feminine lens.
Well, it’s official: The spring 2023 fashion trends we saw on the runways earlier this year are (finally) upon us. Elevated everyday dressing, high-octane sequins, sheer everything, and anything in between – the collections from fashion’s heavy hitters and emerging stars run the full gamut. One such tenacious brand is plus-size fashion retailer, LEEBEX Boutique.
Metallic renaissance and a nod to noir, nostalgic 90s minimalism, and reinvented timeless staples – the Spring/ Summer 2024 fashion extravaganza showcased the ultimate trend guide for your sun-season wardrobe.