South African Designers Make Waves at SHFW: A Cultural Fashion Fusion

Shanghai Fashion Week (SHFW) just got a vibrant infusion of African creativity! A group of South African designers, hosted by international consultancy Development Reimagined, turned heads with collections blending tradition, storytelling, and a dash of Chinese hanfu flair.

'For me, it’s about designing the print, attaching it to culture, and telling the story,' said designer Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint ZA, whose bold patterns celebrate South African heritage. Meanwhile, Jessica Jane Molebatsi of Molebatsi revealed her collections drew inspiration from Chinese hanfu silhouettes. 'It’s about bringing cultures together,' she shared, calling fashion a 'universal language.'

The runway became a bridge between continents, with designers emphasizing cross-cultural dialogue. Think: earthy African prints meeting flowing hanfu sleeves—a *cultural mash-up* Gen Z would stan!

SHFW’s global stage highlights how fashion isn’t just clothing—it’s diplomacy, history, and a shared creative pulse.

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South African designer says SHFW is 'the fashion capital of the world'

cgtn.com