THE PAUSE OF FASHION - A Legacy of Leadership in Fashion

Lucilla Booyzen, founder of SA Fashion week ( Image source @lucilla.booyzen IG

Since 1997, South African Fashion Week (SAFW) has been more than just a showcase, it has been a cornerstone of the local and global fashion industry. Founded by Lucilla Booyzen, often hailed as the Mother of Fashion Mentorship, SAFW has nurtured designers, empowered models, and shaped conversations that placed South African fashion firmly on the international stage.

As a platform, SAFW has always been synonymous with growth, confidence, and creativity. For many, it is not simply an event—it is a way of life.

The Strategic Pause

In September 2025, SAFW announced a strategic pause to reflect and recalibrate its role in the ever-evolving world of fashion. According to SAFW’s official statement, this pause is not a retreat but a reset, designed to ensure that the platform remains relevant, inclusive, and future-forward.

This decision reflects broader cultural demands: diversity, inclusivity, and the representation of multiple body types are no longer optional—they are fundamental. This recalibration promises fresh perspectives that will empower not only designers and models but also stylists, expressionists, and fashion storytellers.

Knowing the Designer

Lucilla Booyzen’s philosophy, shared on Creative Conversations curated by Massimo Casagrande, resonates deeply:

“The customer must know the designer.”

This statement underscores the heart of South African fashion. It is not just about the garment but about the narrative behind it. A designer’s identity should be woven into every fabric, every stitch, and every silhouette. The pause, then, could be seen as an invitation for designers to strengthen their connection to their craft and for consumers to deepen their appreciation of authentic design.

Ngano Design - Winner of SAFW Talent search 2025

Fashion Beyond Acceptance

Fashion has always existed at the crossroads of subjectivity and storytelling. Yet in today’s climate, one may ask: has fashion become more about what is socially acceptable rather than what is meant to inspire and evoke emotion?

South African fashion has historically offered answers to this question. It has spoken through bold textures, layered fabrics, and innovation that refuses to conform. It has embodied confidence, originality, and timeless expression—values that transcend trends and seasons.

Recalibrating for the Future

The pause is a powerful reminder that even a fashion powerhouse must stop, reflect, and evolve. SAFW remains rooted in growth, mentorship, localism, and individuality. By recalibrating, it ensures that its next chapter will align with the needs of a new era of designers and consumers.

For Trendsetters Only, this moment of curiosity raises a pivotal question:Why pause and recalibrate?

The answer may lie in the bold vision of SAFW itself—that true innovation is born not in constant motion, but in the courage to stop, reflect, and reimagine the future.