1. MAXHOSA
Designer: Laduma Ngoxolo.
Inspiration: The evolution of the brand over the past six years and its re-emergence as an innovative label with elements of futurism and 3-D.
The muse: "I am mostly inspired by objects and this time it was the Chand Baori stepwell in India."The music: Chimes of Freedom by Youssou N'Dour for the Atelier pieces and Phila by Indwe (Sol Phenduka Remix) for the ready-to-wear pieces.Key pieces: Lurex knitted coat and the black and white evening dress.
Fabrication: Lurex, ostrich feathers and chiffon.
Visit: maxhosa.co.za2. W35T
Designer: Nicola West.
Inspiration: Cleopatra time travels through the Wild West (W35T).
The muse: "I make clothes that I want to wear. So, me baby! It's all about me!"
The music: A mix especially made for the show by Michael Cooper and the finale was a remix of Gitty Up by Salt-n-Pepa (White Label Remix).
Key pieces: Mr T top, lazy ass pants, sexy ass pants, ghost top, Beatles jacket, happy jacket, slippery slip and wrap dress, all forming part of the essential travel pack.
Fabrication: Silks, cottons, viscose and recycled plastic.
Visit: w35t.com3. IMPRINT ZA
Designer: Mzukisi Mbane.
Inspiration: A homecoming celebration that speaks to the African men and women who inspire international runways.The muse: The first face of the collection, model Sethu Gwazube, set the tone - a message to the audience to "Remember and respect the queen - she made you".The music: Nizala Ngobani by Thandiswa Mazwai to start the show and Nomalanga by Caiphus Semenya, signifying the homecoming to end the show.
Key pieces: Multi-tone dress that opened the show, the unisex black and white ensemble and the multi-layered dress that closed the show.
Fabrication: Linen and scuba fabric coated with cotton.
Visit: imprintza.co.za4. NICOLAS COUTTS
Designer: Nicolas Coutts.
Inspiration: A celebration of the Coutts girl, hand-woven fabrics, adventurous hiking at Bainskloof and the flora of the Western Cape.
The muses: Models Anyon Marial and Patricia Laloyo
The music: Blind by Hercules and Love Affair and I Feel Love by Donna Summer.
Key pieces: "The materials - a tapestry motif, hand-woven and high-res scanned, then printed onto satin using 3-D printing."
Fabrication: Satin, tweed, vinyl, wool and lurex.
Visit: nicholascoutts.com5. MATTE NOLIM
Designer: Siyethemba Duma.
Inspiration: Sports influence x MNOLIM aesthetic.
The muse: "A Rihanna who has an office job."
The music: The story of O.J by Jay-Z.
Key pieces: Pink frill skirt and canary yellow jacket.
Fabrication: Stretch knit, vinyl and scuba fabric.
Visit: instagram.com/matte_nolim6. UNKNOWN UNION
Designer: Jason Storey.
Inspiration: "Everything starts with literature - different cultures and art forms are incorporated to build a story."
The muse: Four stories: the heritage of Lesotho, the Chokwe, the Maasai proverbs and the Rosetta Stone.
The music: We Are Because They Are by local poet Uno July, complemented by a live painting artwork by Robyn Pretorius.
Key pieces: Red Basotho trench coat, the urban contemporary all-black look, black shirts paired with the green and black trousers, and the full-body cream outfit.
Fabrication: Authentic Basotho blankets, Maasai blankets and Merino wool.
Visit: unknownunion.com..