Afrofuturism In Motion: Fuata Moyo Redefines Upcycling in Cape Town

Trendsettersonly attended Afrofuturism In Motion by Fuata Moyo at Fuata Moyo Studios, Cape Town.

Design Week is an annual event showcasing local and international creative talent through exhibitions, workshops, talks, and installations. It unifies the creative community and highlights the impact of design across disciplines like architecture, fashion, and jewellery.

In South Africa, it runs 9–12 October in Johannesburg and 23–26 October in Cape Town.

This year, Afrofuturism In Motion, curated by Fuata Moyo as their tribute to Design Week explored past pain, growth, present liberation, and future visions. Jointly owned by siblings, Fuata Moyo blends art and fashion through upcycled garments that carry heritage and emotion.

After losing their father young, they channeled art and fashion to keep his story alive:

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” — GQ Interview

Co-owner Lucien Mbiola debuted a limited collection of 20 unisex pieces: upcycled garments transformed into wearable art using locally sourced, water-based paint. Fine art prints are fused directly onto repurposed fabrics, merging African motifs with futuristic narratives sustainable, gender-fluid, and deeply personal.

Earlier this year, we’ve seen a clear rise in upcycled fashion — from Nonpareil Style’s sustainable silk blends at Milan Fashion Week ([read here]) to Afro Jumbo’s bold heritage prints in Zimbabwe ([see coverage]. Fuata Moyo’s drop continues this momentum with purpose-driven design that honors legacy and reduces waste.

The showcase also featured Ashanti Kuna, Zizipho Poswa, and more across fashion, jewellery, and architecture. The exhibit is now open to the public, more creations incoming.

Design Week 2025: proof that talent, respect, and community drive real change.