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NAKITA DE SOUZA-PLAATJIES AND ELEANOR DOUGLAS-MEYERS

Eastern Cape Fashion Week (ECFW) 2024, held this past weekend at the Boardwalk Hotel ICC, delivered an unforgettable celebration of fashion, creativity, and culture.

Drawing fashion enthusiasts from Gqeberha and beyond, this year’s event, themed “Evolution of Fashion over the 30 Years of Democracy – Expressions of FREEDOM,” challenged local designers to push the boundaries of creativity and express freedom through their collections.

The evening’s highlights included the announcement of the Best Showstopper Garment and Best Collection winners. Cush Designs, led by Siyabulela Zondani, captivated the audience with a stunning black and white ballgown corset piece, earning the R7000 cash prize for Best Showstopper Garment. This masterpiece was a perfect blend of elegance and modern sophistication, embodying the essence of timeless fashion.

Martin Steenkamp of Martin John Bespoke took home the R15,000 prize for Best Collection. His collection, featuring bold, structured pieces in a futuristic palette of shimmer silvers and glittering lime greens, stood out for its meticulous attention to detail. From hand-dyed wigs to silver-painted shoes, Steenkamp’s collection showcased the evolution of fashion and set new standards for South African design.

Adding to the event’s grandeur, multi-platinum-selling artist Lira delivered a standout performance, filling the venue with her soulful melodies and further elevating the night’s atmosphere.

The evening also paid tribute to one of South Africa’s most iconic designers, Sonwabile Ndamase, the visionary behind Nelson Mandela’s famous shirts. Ndamase was honored with the Cape Aloe Legacy Award, recognizing his immense contribution to South African fashion and his lasting impact on the industry.

The 3rd annual ECFW was more than just a fashion show—it was a celebration of South African culture, heritage, and creativity. Attendees enjoyed a delicious South African buffet-style dinner, and toasts with JC le Roux added to the festive atmosphere. The audience, dressed in their finest, added an extra layer of glamour to the evening.

As the curtains closed on Eastern Cape Fashion Week 2024, the excitement for ECFW 2025 is already building. This year’s event solidified ECFW as a crucial platform for local designers to showcase their talent, push creative boundaries, and make their mark on the South African fashion scene.

Stay tuned for details on Eastern Cape Fashion Week 2025—it’s sure to be another year of breathtaking fashion, unforgettable performances, and tributes to the icons of South African design.