South Africa (SA) Fashion Week recently kicked off in style, and opening the curtains was the Cruz cocktail party, attended by celebrities from all sectors: designers, models, and former Big Brother stars. The fashion week, which started on the 24th, is currently underway and runs until the 26th of April.

Tadiwanashe Kaparipari, from the brand Ta Diwanashe, was born in Harare and moved to South Africa at the age of seven. Now based in Johannesburg, she is contesting in the Emerging Designers Talent Competition. On the first day, fashion designers including Oddity, Ngou Design Africa, and My Roots presented their work. The forum in Hyde Park transformed into a catwalk.

With both emerging and established designers celebrating style and creativity, the theme Quiet Luxury promised a sumptuous affair.

Director of SA Fashion Week, Lucilla Booyzen, informed media that the organisation was established to promote and support South Africa’s economy through fashion.

“SA Fashion Week is a business development platform. We unearth, we mentor, and support designers, as well as help them generate money so that they contribute to the GDP of the country. We grow South African fashion designers from the bottom up. We also champion storytelling, which is just so incredible,” she said.

Among the designers headlining the event is Nyambo Masa, a Rwandan-born creative raised in more than 10 countries. One could say he comes from mixed cultures. However, he is currently a resident of South Africa. Masa’s upcoming collection is expected to showcase a unique mixture of his signature line colours.

Social media followers believe Tadiwanashe Kaparipari is one of the frontrunners in the competition. Tadiwanashe shared that her brand’s collection is inspired by the biblical prophetess Deborah, who was a prophet, poet, and leader. She said her main mission is to highlight that women are capable of doing anything. Kaparipari holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Studio School of Fashion, where she graduated last year.

The 23-year-old emerging designer is contesting for R20,000 and previously won the prize at the Rocking the Daisies Festival Talent Search in Cape Town last year. Her collection features modern pieces inspired by African luxury themes, with subtle custom prints.