Walk in Elegance x HBL: A Global Stage for Africa’s Rising Designers

In a groundbreaking fusion of African creativity and European luxury, Walk In Elegance steps boldly onto the world stage through an exclusive partnership with HBL, Spain’s distinguished luxury powerhouse. Each year, five exceptional African designers are selected and spotlighted on HBL’s global networking platform an elite gateway into the worlds of haute couture, luxury arts, and international design innovation.

This initiative extends far beyond exposure; it is a transformational moment for African creatives, placing them before global tastemakers, investors, and industry leaders who define the future of luxury.

THE POWERHOUSE PARTNERSHIP

HBL’s influence spans private jets, superyachts, high-end automobiles, contemporary art, and luxury residences representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship and prestige. Through their refined eye for excellence, HBL champions designers who embody originality, sophistication, and visionary artistry.

Together, Walk In Elegance and HBL open a world-class pathway for African designers to elevate their brands, expand their global reach, and claim their place within the luxury design ecosystem.

Cordi: The Visionary Behind Walk In Elegance

Founder of the Cordi Foundation, Designs and CEO of Walk In Elegance, Cordi is redefining the fashion landscape one runway at a time.

“Fashion direction came naturally to me.”A model and designer by background, Cordi explains, “My aim is to help South Africa reach global fashion standards. Cape Town attracts creatives from all over the world, so elevating our fashion scene feels both natural and necessary.”

Runway debuts can be intimidating. That’s why Walk In Elegance invests in nurturing new designers.

“We help them build confidence and present their creativity with pride. Exposure and brand awareness are key, and we ensure they receive both.”

A Global Mission

Sustainability. Inclusivity. Authentic elegance.

“We’ve stayed loyal to our vision taking South Africa closer to first-world standards while representing elegance internationally. We’re now collaborating with Europe, Dubai, and the UK as part of that mission.”

Advice to Aspiring Designers

“South Africa has what it takes to compete on the world stage. Tap into your creativity. Invest in it. You’ll be surprised by the magic you can create.”

BEAUTY SPOTLIGHT

AFRIGLAM: Where Makeup Meets Heritage

A Conversation With Connie, Founder & Creative Director

Based in Cape Town’s vibrant Waterkant district, AFRIGLAM stands as a sanctuary of African beauty, identity, and storytelling.

Artistry Beyond the Face

“Beauty is a cultural story,” Connie says. “Makeup enhances features, and textiles celebrate heritage. I design with the intention that color, texture, and tones speak to each other.” Her vision?

For every client to feel like a walking canvas of African elegance, where the textile tells one chapter and the glam completes the narrative.

THE HEAD WRAP COLLECTION: A Love Letter to Africa

Surrounded by women who wore fabric like crowns, Connie grew up immersed in the aesthetic language of African textiles.“Head wraps have always been empowering. Launching my line was about honoring heritage creating pieces that are wearable, versatile, and deeply rooted in identity.”

Cape Town is a melting pot of cultures and creative expression.

“The beauty scene here is bold, editorial, and culturally conscious. Artists blend tradition with modernity, and authenticity always shines through,” she shares.This unique blend makes Cape Town one of South Africa’s most influential creative hubs.

What Does Being a Trendsetter Mean Today? Connie defines it with effortless clarity: “Being a Trendsetter isn’t about following what’s popular it is about defining your own lane and inspiring others to do the same.”

With AFRIGLAM, she champions a vision of African beauty that is pure, unapologetic, and luxurious.“It’s the courage to honor where you come from while evolving into where you’re going.”

The evening proved to be a convergence of Pan-African visionaries creatives, business luminaries, and entrepreneurs united in a celebration where African elegance seamlessly intersected with excellence. Through their strategic partnership, the Cordi Foundation and Walking in Elegance are fostering a transformative ecosystem that nurtures and elevates emerging designers and models through meaningful exposure and mentorship. This is more than a showcase; it is a movement one that champions innovation while placing inclusivity at the very heart of African fashion's future.