It’s that time again when the eThekwini Municipality, together with Durban Business Fair, hosts Durban Fashion Fair (DFF).
The three-day fashion extravaganza, which is one of Africa’s most influential fashion events, gives young designers and models a chance to show off their skills and learn about the fashion world.
This year, there is extra buzz as South African multi-media personality Somizi Mhlongo prepares to make his debut as a designer.
The 14th edition of DFF kicks off on Wednesday, September 17, at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Mhlongo will showcase his “Sompire Femme” collection on Friday, September 19, during the event’s grand finale.
Over 60 talented designers from all over Africa will be featured at this year’s fair, including mentees who were part of the DFF mentorship programme.
Mhlongo shared: “My umbilical cord is in this province. My father’s family is based in KwaMashu. It is home. Therefore, being part of DFF is an honour and it is time.”
He explained how studying fashion formally changed everything for him, saying, “I told myself, if I were to showcase anywhere for the first time, it had to be at DFF. One, it’s home. Two, I have history with the brand. And three, DFF has positively impacted so many local designers.”
Although he launched Sompire Kids in 2023, Somizi has always dreamed of designing for women. According to Mhlongo, the new collection celebrates women who embody power, elegance and unapologetic self-expression.
“It’s a blend of ready-to-wear and couture, inspired by the 2025 DFF theme, ‘The Awakening’. The collection features original prints. I dedicate this line to ‘Amandlozi akithi – my ancestors,” he added.
Meanwhile, the former “Idols SA” judge and cookbook author recently graduated from the Villioti Fashion Institute, a move towards formally training and gaining expertise in the fashion design field, not just as a brand owner, but as a qualified designer.
Looking ahead, he hopes to expand the Sompire brand to include adult and men’s wear, further embracing his journey as a designer.
