Sanlan S.A. Fashion Week Celebrates Its First Fall / Winter Collections
By: Veronica Viljoen
Photos by: Ivan Naude/SSAFW & Johnny Sims/FashionEdge

JOHANNESBURG, Mar 25, 2007 / FW/ --- In keeping with the accepted international trend of hosting two seasonal Fashion Weeks each year, South Africa’s premier fashion platform Sanlam SA Fashion Week (SSAFW) hosted their first ever Fall/Winter Collections from March 23 – 24, 2007 at Museum Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Known as The Market Theatre during the apartheid times, it has been renamed Museum Africa. Today, it houses a variety of exhibits, most of which pertains to the rich history of Africa. And for two days, it was the home of SSAFW Fall 2007 season, celebrating its milestone event.

Explaining the concept behind this new addition on the calendar, SSAFW Director, Lucilla Booyzen “If you consider international fashion calendars and markets, there have always been two fashion weeks per annum – Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter. Having worked with SA’s top designers since the inception of South Africa Fashion Week 10 years ago and by fully exploring the idea of a Fall/Winter Collection, we believe that the next step in the progression of SSAFW is for our designers to add a Fall/Winter component to their annual showings.”

“By expanding SSAFW’s focus to now include Fall/Winter, we will be getting closer to realizing our ideal of sustaining and building local brands whilst at the same time equipping designers with the necessary skills, experience & knowledge to compete in international markets,” Booyzen added.

Also adding to the unique nature of the SSAFW Fall/Winter Collections was the Fashion Exhibition that consisted of pieces from Museum Africa’s collection of historical dress and costume.

From buttons, handkerchiefs, vintage designer garments from designers such as Yves Saint Laurent to petticoats and swimwear in which the collection spans the period from the late 18th century to the current day.

The exhibition was open to the public for the duration of the SSAFW Fall/Winter Collections. The key sponsors of the Sanlam SA Fashion Week Fall/Winter Collections are Sanlam, Department of Arts and Culture, Five Roses, Firstcomm Technologies, SABC 3, 5FM, Motorola, Peroni and MAC.

For more information about Sanlam SA Fashion Week, please log on: www.safashionweek.co.za

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