Fashion lovers and buyers alike descended upon the Diamond Walk in Sandton, Johannesburg to partake in the 2nd day of AFI Fashion Week Joburg 2022.
Everyone was spoilt for choice. Fashion lovers were literally in paradise. There was something for everyone at AFI Fashion Week Joburg, with designers presenting men’s and women’s wear. The collections varied, with some designers opting for a more traditional African look, while others went for a more modern approach.
However, one collection literally stole the show… Seditsi Collection! Seditsi Collection dominated the AFI Fashion Week with a ‘Relatability Collection’ inspired by Ubungoma, a spiritual journey that Lesedi Baakwalanya – Founder and chairperson of Seditsi Collection holds dear to his heart.
The Collection was made of solid white, which symbolises purity, and print, which embraces diversity. The Collection was presented with renowned SAMA Nominee musician Lady X serenading the models including Musician Gigi La Mayne as they walked the runaway.
Seditsi Collections’ “Relatability Collection” initially was about appreciation of local fabric and fabric manufacturers for ensuring the sustainability of local fashion industry.
As a Designer and a traditional healer, Lesedi Baakwalanya draws inspiration from his spiritual journey as Ubungoma inspires some of the looks.
Seditsi Collection went all out, as they partnered with Rock x Co Shoes. Rock n Co recently collaborated with Gigi La Mayne on shoes collection that Seditsi saw fit for the looks that they created for AFI Fashion Week Joburg. Also bringing to the stage Lady X to sing Live as the models walk the runaway was an added showstopper as they were presenting a ready to wear collection.
Lesedi Baakwalanya has the following to say when asked about the inspiration behind the incredible, showstopper of a collection… “A lot of us have used aprons of different designs, and very simple plitted ones that are just wrap around the waist. In an effort to translate aprons into ubungoma, after initiation when you are about to journey home from intwaso we have those dresses which inspired our designs to convey what we’ve always been preaching as African Luxury.”
“The choice of Print has core elements of traditional value to Seditsi Collection as A Fashion Brand. Most of the time the prints you find on Seditsi Collections are on pure cotton. This time Lesedi said he wants to create from brocade. “Even though brocade is expensive, I want you to feel it, experience the luxury and be fulfilled in your spiritual life”, Lesedi added.
Speaking about Spirituality Lesedi said – Normally we would say we are translating spirituality through fabrics. Don’t think of spirituality in terms of religion or ubungoma. Look at it as you “a human being” going through a journey as you go through Life. That is your spiritual journey and that is why we pride ourselves in saying we are not targeting a certain market. “If you can relate to it then it is for you. Relatability!
AFI Fashion Week Joburg was not only about the clothes on show, but also about the experience. Overall, it was an incredible display of Pan-African fashion talent. “As a designer, I wanted to bring something unique to the table, and the overall result was a truly stylish extravaganza”, Lesedi Baakwalanya concluded.
For all Fashion lovers and buyers alike who would like to be adorned in Seditsi Collection designs, Follow @Seditsi_Collection on socials.
By Sinenzolo Mondi – Nduku
