​Hyde Park Corner rooftop at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg.

FROM figure-hugging, elegant, hand-embellished dresses to brightly coloured ensembles, high-waisted pants, lingerie, and even Italian inspired detailed suits, the latest autumn/winter trends dazzled on stage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg.

Designs by young Joburger Thula Sindi closes the showDesigns by Thula Sindi close the showThe fashion extravaganza, which ended on Saturday, 10 March on Hyde Park Corner’s rooftop, showed local designers’ newest ranges. The annual event is driven by African Fashion International.

It began with Fastrack, in which young up-and-coming designers showed their collections on 7 March. Other designers who participated were already well-known among the fashion set.

Gavin Rajah’s show had the audience watching with bated breath; some were even standing in awe. He brought to the ramp a collection like no other. His eastern-influenced and western inspired collection, entitled Anatome d’une Rose, featured interesting pattern-making techniques and hand-beaded garments.

According to press release for Rajah’s collection, it was “an exploration of botanical drawings of roses”. The designer said: “The new sense of restrained luxury for me is unequivocally shown in this collection. The focus is on fine fabrics and meticulous craftsmanship.”

Other designers that turned heads included Kluk CGDT’s Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit, whose show was more like an onstage production rather than models taking to the ramp. Even an unfortunate break caused by a power cut could not spoil their display.

Grapevine, Loincloth and Ashes, Abigail Keats, Leigh Schubert, Wild Fig, Avant and others also showed their collections. Young Joburg designer Thula Sindi closed the show, taking the much-coveted final slot.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Joburg was held at Hyde Park Corner’s rooftop from 7 to 10 March.

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