Palesa Mokubung takes centre stage at South African Fashion Week
It may be summer in South Africa, but for fashion designers the focus is already on winter. Emerging and established designers will unveil their Autumn/Winter 2025 collections at the South African Fashion Week being held from 26 to 28 September at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg.
In its 27th year, Fashion Week has solidified its position as a critical platform for creative expression, offering designers the opportunity to show their work to an ever-growing audience of fashion enthusiasts, buyers and media.
Fashion Week will host 13 shows with 40 collections over three days. Some of the designers are Erre, House of Olé, Naked Ape, Thabo Makhetha, Ephymol and The Bam Collective.
This year Palesa Mokubung, the founder and creative director of the Mantsho label will take centre stage, celebrating 20 years of innovation and excellence in the industry.
As she prepares for Fashion Week Mokubung promises a show filled with “heart and soul”.
Known for her bold prints, vibrant colours and sophisticated designs, Mokubung’s work has become synonymous with African luxury and pride.
“There’s a little bit of everything for all the different Mantsho girls,” Mokubung says, with her collection offering everything from high fashion to ready-to-wear pieces.
This ability to balance a diverse range of styles while maintaining her distinctive style is one of the many reasons Mokubung has remained relevant and influential over the years.
Celebrating 20 years in the fashion industry is no small feat and, for Mokubung, this milestone offers a moment to reflect on the journey that has brought her here. “I’m in shock to tell you the truth,” she says. “It’s only now that I can see that longevity is possible.”
The endurance of the Mantsho brand is testament of the sacrifices, hard work and dedication that she has invested in her craft.
A key moment in her career was when Mantsho became the first South African fashion brand to collaborate with global fashion giant H&M. This partnership not only elevated her profile but also signalled a shift in how African fashion was perceived on the global stage.
Looking back on her journey, Mokubung takes pride in what she has achieved in her career. “I’ve given South African fashion a voice, an identity,” she reflects.
A critical aspect of Mokubung’s evolution has been her shift towards sustainability. She now focuses on creating her own textiles and using 100% cotton and other sustainable materials, a move that reflects her awareness of the effect fashion has on the environment.
“I’ve become a better designer. I understand my market better,” she says, about her commitment to both craftsmanship and sustainability.
For Mokubung, marking milestones like this 20th anniversary validates the hard work and care she’s poured into her work. “It’s proof that I am valuable in the industry and that I’ve handled life and career with care.”
As Mantsho steps into its next chapter, Mokubung’s vision remains as unwavering as ever. She continues to be a trailblazer, not only in the African fashion scene but on the global stage.