Male Domination: South African Menswear Fashion Week AW 2015 #SAMW

The modern South African man is no longer directed by misguided past preconceptions towards fashion. A dominate and progressive breed of men have taken an introspective look at their personal sense of style and the development thereof. These gentleman (absent of the “Metrosexual” label) has began taking pleasure in their appearances as well as their self-grooming more so than ever. This, I feel, is steaming from the discharge of the stigma which was commonly attached to a well approached man of style.

A long overdue development, is that of the creation of Africa’s first menswear fashion week. On 5 February 2015, Cape Town played witness to the realization of a dream shared by a creative collective who have worked together through the birth and establishment of South African Menswear AW2015 #SAMF Fashion Week.

#SAMF will take place twice a year in Cape Town with a High Lights showcase taking place in Johannesburg in July of the week’s standout collection. I do however, question as to whether or not, it sensible to have both weeks in Cape Town, given the seasonal fluctuations. Perhaps a division of the two weeks between Cape Town and Johannesburg should be considered for further developments.

The organizers’ of #SAMF have further ensured that they have provided a world-class event, through which the designers and their collections have a regained sense of credibility within the global industry, this being true for both established and upcoming designers.

The event itself, resembled a number of highly regarded fashion weeks staged around the world. The weeks directors accomplished this by being able to keep the locations venue small and intimate, with fewer than 220 guests. At the same time, they ensured that quality the “Runway image” of the look was not lost.

Furthermore, the production was very clean and simple, allowing for the designers collections to be on showcase and not the greater production. I do however feel that a greater theatrical production would aid in the creation of the collections narrative, with the point of bring the collection and designers iration to life and thus captivating the audience. By doing so, the collection will be ensured the attention of guests through keeping them intrigued throughout the show.

This stand alone platform has been created and produced in line with the structures and model of the highly successful London Collections: Menswear fashion week. Whereby, menswear designers are given the foundation upon which they are able to promote and develop their brand and the brands identity on a reputable platform. The aim for #SAMF is to provide talented menswear designers’, in partnership with London fashion week, a platform from which designers may show case their collections to an international audience and prospective buyers at London Collections: Menswear fashion week.

Many have questioned why is there the need for yet another fashion week in light of the fact that there is already; Merc Fashion Weeks: Johannesburg #MBFWJ, Cape Town #MBFWCPT and Africa #MBFWA and South African Fashion Week #SAFW.

The answer is simple. The menswear market has grown to such an extent that there is no longer room for further development in the current fashion week programs. The menswear textile industry is on the increase and on average, the market for clothing, grooming and beauty products, in the menswear division is outgrowing that of the traditionally stronger women’s wear market.

The predicted outlooks show a sustainable growth forecast in the industry and through the continued support and development of the industry, South Africa could see this sector developing into a key factor in South Africa’s GDP growth and overall economic development.

Least,I not forget to mention, that the development of South African Men’s Fashion #SAMW would not have been possible with the support provided by The City of Cape Town, The Cape Town Fashion Council and The Group of Creative’s.Thank you for taking a leap onto the international runway in the most spectacular manor.

Image: Ramp.SDR