South Africa Joins BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow

By Stephen MANZINI

The South African team will stand as the nation’s representative at the forthcoming BRICS+ Fashion Summit, an influential global event driving the direction of the worldwide fashion sector.

The group consists of Stephen Manzini, founder and CEO of Soweto Fashion Week & SA Fashion Association; Vusi Ngobeni, head of design for the National Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture; and Tinyiko Baloyi, a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg.

Representatives from fashion organizations, fabric and production firms, professionals in the field, designers, and purchasers from over 60 nations will come together at the gathering scheduled to occur in Moscow between August 28 and 30.

In the last three years, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit has highlighted growing fashion industries from over 90 nations, alongside the swift growth of Moscow’s local fashion industry.

Starting from Brazil and Ecuador through the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, South Africa, India, and China, this dynamic network fosters substantial cooperation between designers and fashion organizations across different regions, unlocking fresh opportunities for development and enhancing international partnerships. Moscow’s position keeps changing, solidifying itself as a flourishing hub within the creative sector and an essential figure in the worldwide fashion scene.

The Summit’s Commercial Initiative will center around important strategic areas including eco-friendly manufacturing, originality and invention, vocational training, enhancement of cross-border commercial ties, along with the issues encountered by BRICS+ countries and the broader world.

Delegates will present important findings and contribute significant knowledge to the Summit. Their involvement underscores the event’s dedication to promoting sustained collaboration, cultural interaction, and supporting promising regional enterprises.

Collaboration within the fashion industry is essential for Africa and other developing economies. It enables us to exchange resources, access fresh markets, and highlight our cultural stories worldwide. Through joint efforts, we enhance our standing in the global supply network, decrease dependence on conventional fashion hubs, and encourage commerce among nations in the Southern Hemisphere.

Fashion transcends mere attire; it serves as a means of economic upliftment, cross-cultural interaction, and narrative expression. By utilizing forums such as the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, we have the opportunity to highlight the depth of African aesthetics while establishing collaborations that promote enduring development within our sectors,” says Stephen Manzini.

In addition to the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, attention will focus on Moscow Fashion Week, which takes place between August 28 and September 2. The gathering will showcase Russian designers along with labels from ten nations—such as Brazil, China, India, and Spain.

Furthermore, South African designer David Tlale will unveil his collection during Moscow Fashion Week. This varied selection highlights the emergence of an evolving multicultural fashion scene right in the center of Russia.