South Africa’s leading fashion and textile trade event, allfashion sourcing, is here to shine a light on South Africa’s fashion and design industry. On the programme is a rundown on global fashion trends, sustainable design and materials, and out-of-this-world creativity. The event is a vital marketplace for designers, manufacturers, retailers, and innovators seeking to connect, collaborate and co-create the future of fashion in Africa. Here’s everything you need to know:
What is allfashion sourcing Cape Town?
This fashion and design event in Cape Town runs annually as a business-oriented marketplace where makers, designers and the fashion community can explore international sourcing options. The three-day showcase combines African creativity, design, and manufacturing for the textile and fashion industry. South Africa is not only Africa’s fashion and textile hub – and the SADC countries’ official trade and distribution centre – but also the textile manufacturing sector is its third largest employer.
This year’s edition is proudly supported by the City of Cape Town, with IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) as headline sponsor, and Nedbank as sponsor of the Celebration of Fashion.
Owned by the global leader in textile fairs, Messe Frankfurt, this German giant has operations in over 50 countries and is the third-largest fair-trade company in the world.
What’s on at allfashion sourcing Cape Town?
General visitors can look forward to cutting-edge fashion shows and trend-centric seminars that focus on industry insights, the latest advancements in sustainability and ethical fashion, and browse a diverse range of fashion and accessories.
There’s a curated look at the latest menswear, and womenswear, leather looks, denim, luggage and bags, footwear, textile wholesalers and much more.
With unmatched opportunities for networking, sourcing, business matchmaking, and creative inspiration, allfashion sourcing Cape Town 2025 is the essential meeting point for Africa’s fashion and textile community.
A Celebration of Fashion on the Runway
Sponsored by Nedbank, this signature event features a curated fashion showcase of established and emerging designers. A celebration of African creativity, this runway experience brings together bold silhouettes, innovative textiles and stories woven from across the continent.
Young Designer Competition 2025
A platform for emerging talent, the Young Designer Competition continues to be a highlight of the show. Open to students and recent graduates, this initiative empowers the next generation with visibility, prizes exceeding R270,000, and a legal and business support package sponsored by ENSafrica.
7 Talks, Panel Discussions and Showcases You Don’t Want to Miss
1. Panel Discussion: Local is Lekker? Navigating Localisation and Retail Realities
Hosted by Michael Lawrence, NCRF, this discussion explores the local fashion industry, the challenges and opportunities for South African retailers and manufacturers, amidst the current political and economic landscape, and reliance on imports.
2. Talk: Reimagining Textile Manufacturing: Local Innovation for Global Trade Resilience
Speaker Mark Goliath, IDC, shares his expertise on how South African textile manufacturers can adapt to global trade shifts. IDC explores strategies to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and advance sustainability, positioning South Africa as a competitive global player.
3. Panel Discussion: From Waste to Worth – Building a Circular Fashion Economy in South Africa and Beyond
This panel will unpack circular design, regenerative practices, and the role of indigenous materials. With insights from GreenCape’s proposed industry pact and international case studies from Ghana to France, it outlines a bold path forward for African fashion.
4. Talk: Unlocking Local Potential – Advancing SA Manufacturing for 65% Local Sourcing by 2030
Courtney Barnes from the Cape Clothing and Textile Cluster explores how South Africa can achieve the R-CTFL Masterplan’s goals through investment in agile, tech-forward, and sustainable production, supported by shared learning, solar energy, and smart partnerships.
5. Talk Trend Colour Forecast
As one of the country’s leading colour and trend specialists, Alette Winkler unpacks seasonal insights and global inspirations, offering a lens into what’s next for fashion and interiors across Africa.
6. Panel Discussion & Fashion Showcase: The AFS Range
A spotlight on the AFS Designer Range, featuring some of the continent’s most exciting fashion talent. This panel introduces the creative minds behind the collections and their commitment to heritage, innovation, and sustainability.
7. Talk: Fighting Fakes – Protecting Local Creativity and Industry Through Authentic South African Fashion
Eustace Mashimbye from Proudly South African speaks about counterfeit fashion costs the economy billions. This keynote unpacks the impact of fakes and how Buy Local campaigns and ethical procurement are critical to protecting South Africa’s creative and cultural assets.
How to get FREE tickets?
Entrance to the event is free once registration has been confirmed. Register here
When: Tuesday to Thursday, 8 to 10 July 2025 |
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town
Website: allfashionsourcing.za.messefrankfurt.com/capetown/en/
Facebook: @afsCapeTown
Instagram: @allfashionsourcing_cpt
