South Africa has made a resounding statement on the global fashion stage, with its leading designers delivering a showstopping presence at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. Represented through the acclaimed Africa Reimagined Showroom, the South African cohort captivated international audiences with bold storytelling, innovative craftsmanship, and a distinctly unapologetic African identity.

While Shanghai Fashion Week officially ends tomorrow (01 April), the main showcases wrapped up last week — and the impact of South Africa’s presence has been undeniable. Curated by Development Reimagined, in collaboration with Brand South Africa and the South African Consulate in Shanghai, the Africa Reimagined showroom featured the largest-ever contingent of South African designers to grace this global fashion platform.

Designers on show included Rich Mnisi, David Tlale, Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint ZA, Palesa Mokubung of Mantsho, and the creative duo Jessica Jane and Wandile Molebatsi of Molebatsi.

Adding to the pride and energy of the moment was Laduma Ngxokolo, Founder and Designer of MaXhosa, who was spotted in the crowd, cheering on his fellow South African creatives — a symbolic show of unity and support, even though he was not showcasing his own brand this season.

A Dream Platform for Designers

Asia is the largest fashion market in the world — a dynamic and trend-setting region that shapes global taste and retail power. For any designer, being recognised on a platform like Shanghai Fashion Week is a dream opportunity. With organisations like Development Reimagined and Brand South Africa actively opening doors, creatives are not only gaining access to new markets but also finding partners who understand the cultural and commercial value of African fashion.

As the fashion event draws to a close, the Africa Reimagined Showroom continues to buzz with activity, with designers meeting international buyers, sealing deals, and exploring strategic partnerships across the Asian market.

The South African delegation is expected to return home this week, bringing with them not just global exposure, but tangible opportunities for growth.

Defining Moments from the Showcase

David Tlale brought signature drama and spectacle, commanding the runway with opulent textures, regal silhouettes, and masterful tailoring that spoke volumes without words.

Palesa Mokubung’s Mantsho collection was a poetic ode to African womanhood, combining structural elegance with movement and print in a way that was both powerful and tender.

Rich Mnisi stunned audiences with a collection that fearlessly merged high fashion with cultural storytelling, reaffirming his place as one of the continent’s most boundary-pushing creatives.

Molebatsi, led by Jessica Jane and Wandile Molebatsi, debuted Toiles du Sud — a soulful and cinematic fusion of South African storytelling and European heritage, earning attention for its meticulous detail and cross-lcultural commentary.

Imprint ZA’s Mzukisi Mbane lit up the showroom with an electrifying presentation rooted in Afrofuturism — a visual manifesto on legacy, pride, and the beauty of being seen.

A Cultural Assertion on a Global Stage

Tshepiso Malele, Country Head for China at Brand South Africa, reflects on the impact: “What we are witnessing in Shanghai is not just fashion — it is a cultural assertion. These designers aren’t just representing a country; they are embodying a creative revolution that is being led by the Global South. They are owning the moment.”

The Africa Reimagined platform is more than a showcase — it is a strategic leap forward for South Africa’s fashion diplomacy, connecting homegrown creatives to influential buyers, press, and partners across Asia. Designers are already reporting significant traction from the Chinese market, with multiple leads for retail collaborations and cross-border distribution now in motion.

The global reception signals a clear shift: African fashion is not a novelty — it is both culturally essential and commercially viable. The showcased collections resonated not just for their visual impact, but for the deeply personal stories woven into every garment.

From high-impact runway reveals to intimate trade engagements, the South African presence underscores one resounding truth: South African fashion is not emerging — it has arrived.

As Brand South Africa continues to position the creative industries as key pillars of the Nation Brand, Shanghai Fashion Week 2025 stands as a defining milestone — one that cements South Africa’s reputation as a cultural force and global style leader.