Durban Fashion Fair Opens With 84 Designers as African Fashion Takes Centre Stage

The Durban Fashion Fair begins today, September 16, bringing together established and emerging designers for three days of fashion and creativity.

The 15th edition of the event is taking place at the Durban Exhibition Centre from September 16 to 18.

This year’s edition carries the theme “Where Legacy Lives” and features 84 designers, including 20 emerging designers from the 2026 mentorship class.

The event is designed to give local designers a platform to showcase their work, develop their brands and connect with new audiences.

The fashion fair has become an important part of Durban’s creative economy, bringing together established brands, young designers and fashion enthusiasts.

For African fashion, events like the Durban Fashion Fair also provide a space where local identity, creativity and business meet.

Monafrika Watch:
African fashion is becoming an increasingly important part of the continent’s creative economy. The challenge is to turn creative talent into sustainable businesses that can compete both at home and internationally.