Last night saw the official opening of one of the country’s most prestigious fashion gathering hosted by CRUZ Vintage Black Vodka, with all the who’s who of the South African fashion world in attendance. And what a night it was!
Kicking off SA Fashion Week celebrations, luxe vodka brand and official headline sponsor CRUZ Vodka together with over 180 fashion and entertainment industry players celebrated their long standing SA Fashion Week sponsorship with an invite-only, star-studded red carpet affair at Fergusons on 5th in IIlovo, Sandton.
As a prelude to the week of upcoming runway shows and fashion festivities, guests got to experience the brand that is strongly rooted in New York provenance and is associated with the high-end fashion you would expect to see in the Big Apple.
Esteemed guests adorned in sparkling fashion included media personalities Kim Jayde, Chris Jaftha, Ayanda MVP, Kamo Moth, Lesego ‘Coconut Kelz’ Tlhabi and Lerai. Reality TV stars included Annie Mthembu, Mpho Wa Badimo, Nicole Capper and Angel Pather dazzled in colourful local numbers. Current Mrs South Africa Jo Judnick-Wilson graced the red carpet alongside ex Miss SA, the ever stunning Tansey Coetzee. Model Ponahalo Mojapelo ‘killed’ it in shades of pink drip by designer Thebe Magugu while radio personality Teboho ‘Caddy’ Tsotetsi arrived in a one-of-a-kind Loxion Kulcha combo.
SAFW’23 showcasing fashion designers Ole Ledimo and Rubicon’s Hangwani Nengovhela ‘showed’ up as did other local favourites Paledi Segapo and Scalo. YouTube sensation, Birth of Stars trio Oratile ‘Coachella Randy’ Masedi, Kamohelo Pule and Kagiso Mogola stole the ‘show’ with their self-styled ensembles and crazy dance moves.
Also in attendance were sweethearts AKA and Nadia Nakai, artists Anele Zondo, Money Badoo and KLA. Other guests include House of Zwide cast members Nefisa Mkhabela and Khaya Dladla as well as LGBTI activists Thami Kotlolo and Yaya Mavundla.
Treated to an exclusive evening of glitz and glam, where many of the country’s favourite personalities came out in numbers to enjoy decadent Cruz cocktails and high fashion – all inspired by New York City and set against the backdrop of Sandton skyline. Super talented DJ Lerato Kganyago alongside DJ Enzo delivered the beats while Sun El and Nomfundo Moh performed their latest hits to an electrifying audience.
CRUZ the handcrafted New York Vodka served as the perfect complement to kick-start a week of what can only be described as a celebration of SA fashion second to none.
Runway shows will take place from this evening to Saturday 22nd October, with 3 days of incredible South African fashion being showcased to not only an eager SA audience but fashion enthusiasts from around the world. SA Fashion Week will conclude with trade shows, taking place from 23 – 24 October in the Mall of Africa, where store owners, buyers and stylists will be able to interact with the designers and attend educational seminars hosted by the experts of the fashion industry.
For more show info, follow the Cruz Vodka social media pages on both Twitter and Instagram. Alternatively follow the hashtag: #CruzSAFW
