This September, FAME Week Africa transforms the V&A Waterfront Centre Court (opp H&M) into a fashion destination with a curated showroom spotlighting four trailblazing designers who are redefining African style. From 2–7 September 2025, discover the bold craftsmanship of FABRIK&MOI’s Carline Grunfelder, the quiet luxury of Kat van Duinen, the street-savvy heritage of MASA MARA’s Nyambo Masamara, and the nostalgic brilliance of MUNKUS by Thando Ntuli. From intricate embroidery to Afro-futurist streetwear and elegant, sustainable design, each brand tells a powerful story of African creativity, culture, and innovation. Don’t miss this celebration of fashion that’s proudly rooted—and globally resonant.
MEET THE DESIGNERS
THE 2025 DESIGNERS
THE 2025 DESIGNERS
CARLINE GRUNFELDER
CARLINE GRUNFELDER
Carline Grunfelder is the passionate designer behind FABRIK&MOI a fashion label rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and personal expression. She began sewing at the age of 12—her first creation, a dress, still vivid in her memory. Inspired by her mother and a lifelong love for the creative arts, Carline pursued management studies while secretly nurturing her fashion dreams. After moving to Réunion Island, she took a bold leap, launching her own business and expanding into embroidery. Today, she releases two collections a year, drawing inspiration from global fashion trends and runways—infused with her unique, heartfelt touch.
KAT VAN DUINEN
KAT VAN DUINEN
Kat van Duinen is the visionary founder and creative force behind her eponymous luxury fashion and leather house, established in Cape Town in 2010. With a deep appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship and African heritage, Kat has built a brand that celebrates the continent’s richness through exotic leathers, elegant tailoring, and timeless design. Her passion for quality, sustainability, and storytelling is evident in every piece—from couture gowns to handcrafted handbags. Kat’s commitment to ethical production have positioned her as a pioneer of true African luxury, creating fashion that is both enduring and meaningful, with a global appeal.
NYAMBO MASAMARA
NYAMBO MASAMARA
Nyambo Masamara, the visionary behind MASA MARA, is a Rwandan-born designer whose work bridges tradition and innovation. Driven by a deep connection to African heritage and personal storytelling, Nyambo blends tribal aesthetics with urban streetwear to create bold, wearable art. His designs reflect strength, resilience, and pride, offering a modern reinterpretation of cultural identity. Each piece is rich in symbolism, colour, and emotion—crafted to inspire confidence and connection. Nyambo’s work continues to resonate across the continent and beyond, positioning him as a powerful voice in Afrocentric fashion.
THANDO NTULI
THANDO NTULI
Thando Ntuli, founder and creative director of MUNKUS, is a bold new voice in South African fashion. Born in Soweto, Thando draws inspiration from the women in her life and the vibrant energy of the townships. Through MUNKUS, she tells deeply personal, intergenerational stories—blending 80s and 90s South African fashion with contemporary silhouettes. Her colourful, versatile pieces celebrate women as they are: loud, layered, and full of life. After winning the New Talent competition, this marks her debut show. For Thando, MUNKUS isn’t just a brand—it’s home, heritage, and a heartfelt tribute to the everyday South African woman.
THE 2024 DESIGNERS
THE 2024 DESIGNERS
From bold innovation to timeless elegance, these designers are redefining African fashion on their own terms. Alia Bare brings effortless sophistication with her celebration of womanhood and African luxury, while Amen by Brad&Abiah stuns with regal, unisex designs rooted in heritage and fearless expression. Zimbabwe’s Haus of Stone offers a poetic slow-fashion journey through handcrafted storytelling and sustainable design.
Imprint ZA commands global attention with Afro-Futuristic statements that honour ancestry and leave a mark, and MASA MARA fuses tribal tradition with street-smart silhouettes that embody the continent’s soulful rhythm. Pioneering a conscious future, Sari for Change transforms heritage saris into empowering fashion, intertwining cross-cultural elegance with purpose. And with over a decade of quiet luxury, Sober Design House refines modern femininity through exceptional craftsmanship and a deep-rooted sense of self.
Together, these brands are not only dressing the present—but designing Africa’s fashion legacy.
ALIA BARE
Founded in 2015, Nigerien designer Alia Bare’s eponymous label celebrates womanhood and the female form. Through her meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail, and use of high-quality materials, the Dakar, Senegal-based Bare has earned a reputation for producing garments that are as comfortable and accessible as they are the stylish epitome of African luxury.
AMEN
Amen by Brad&Abiah, founded in 2014 by Abiah Mahlase and Bradley Muttitt, is a Johannesburg-based unisex fashion brand known for bold, contemporary designs. Labeled "Material Masters" by Bona Magazine and "Fashion Royalty" by The Times, they specialize in bespoke statement pieces and limited-edition collections. Their design ethos merges traditional and new techniques, creating oversized garments with daring prints celebrating African heritage. Featured on CNN and awarded the PRIDE OF AFRICA's "Rising Stars," the duo has showcased at various African fashion weeks.
HAUS OF STONE
Haus of Stone, founded by Danayi Madondo in 2018, is a Zimbabwean slow-fashion brand inspired by the fantastical. It creates understated, experiential apparel for the conscious, aspirational global wanderer. The brand narrates contemporary Zimbabwean stories infused with heritage and cultural nuances. Its three pillars are sustainable design practices, visual storytelling, and experimentation through handcrafted skills. Community and collaboration are at the heart of Haus of Stone, welcoming all lost wanderers to its unique fashion journey.
IMPRINT
IMPRINT
Imprint is an Afro-Futuristic Pan-African fashion brand celebrating African ancestors' stories through iconic prints and fabrics. Its ethos: "Leave a mark." Mzukisi Mbane, a Creative Entrepreneur with a Bachelor of Accounting Science, founded and directs Imprint ZA. Born in Cape Town, Mzukisi has showcased his brand in New York, Milan, Morocco, Lagos, and Ghana. Imprint has been featured in major publications like Vogue Italia, Vogue Portugal, and Harper's Bazaar Vietnam. His brand has dressed major South African and international celebrities, including Billy Porter, marking one of his many achievements.
MASA MARA
MASA MARA
Nyambo Masamara's journey is inspired by his "personal legend." Although fashion wasn't his initial path, growing up around colorful fabrics and prints eventually led him to embrace it. For Nyambo, fashion is about storytelling, emotion, and passion. Each garment he designs reconnects him with his past, embodying strength, hope, and the beauty of Africa. MASA MARA, his brand, captures the harmony between past and present, blending traditional tribal wear with urban activewear. This approach honors cultural heritage while introducing traditional values to today's generation, celebrating their innovation and creativity.
SARI FOR CHANGE
SARI FOR CHANGE
Sari for Change is a conscious fashion brand that transforms traditional Indian saris and heritage textiles into unique garments, reducing landfill waste. Celebrating cultural diversity, they blend Kenyan, South African, Indian, Arab, and Malaysian traditions into their designs. Committed to women's empowerment, the Sari for Change Foundation provides education, skills training, and economic opportunities for women in townships. Recognised with the SABF Social Innovation Award, Sari for Change also collaborated with Pick 'n Pay Clothing for recent initiatives.
SOBER HOUSE DESIGN
Sober Design House, founded by Tshepo Mafokwane in 2006 after completing her B-tech in Fashion Design at TUT, embodies creative freedom. Tshepo established an in-house production plant with a skilled team to produce luxurious clothing for boutiques. Sober is a lifestyle accessories and travel brand that combines original craftsmanship with modern styling. The name "Sober" reflects Tshepo's desire to reclaim her true purpose as a designer, transitioning from corporate work to her own brand. Over 16 years, Sober has been retailed in over 16 South African boutiques and online, catering to the sophisticated, well-traveled woman.
SOBER HOUSE DESIGN
Sober Design House, founded by Tshepo Mafokwane in 2006 after completing her B-tech in Fashion Design at TUT, embodies creative freedom. Tshepo established an in-house production plant with a skilled team to produce luxurious clothing for boutiques. Sober is a lifestyle accessories and travel brand that combines original craftsmanship with modern styling. The name "Sober" reflects Tshepo's desire to reclaim her true purpose as a designer, transitioning from corporate work to her own brand. Over 16 years, Sober has been retailed in over 16 South African boutiques and online, catering to the sophisticated, well-traveled woman.