The Street Style Situation at AFI's Cape Town Fashion Week

Words: Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha | Photography: Half and Halve

How street stylistas repackage trends that often seem impractical, at first, is how fashion week street style inspiration trumps any editorial or runway presentation in terms of effectiveness. It is no wonder that the scene has become one of the avenues that designers and retailers alike use to engage their audience by allowing stylish personalities to source looks that will get photographed by reps from every style-inclined publication vying to get the best shot for their social and digital platforms. There are few other places where you’re likely to spot the type of trends that look too tricky to try when worn by couture models, but look that much more practical on a showgoer that’s had to consider fit and comfort. Giving you that extra nudge to push more boundaries with your style and even try out brands you hadn’t considered - when they get duly credited, of course.

AFI brought Cape Town Fashion Week back to Salt River Film Studios, this past weekend, without the sponsorship of Mercedes Benz, for the first time. One wonders if that has anything to do with the Camps Bay tent that couldn’t hold - because of the city’s strong winds. While there has been much question about the resonance of fashion weeks because of the many faux pas, this instalment was a better experience overall, after overcoming the marketing team’s initial sassiness surrounding media accreditation and had the ushers locate all of your tickets at the door. Without dwelling on the stumbling blocks too much, the street style never disappoints, and that’s why we’re here.

From motor sport inspired looks, to old classics with a new twist, the Cape Town fashion crowd came through in a major way…

Nabielah Kariem

Coming through with the double impact, Nabielah makes a solid case for the maximalists in power trousers and a statement knit.

Ashleigh Herman

Keeping it all the way simple and polished, Model and Blogger Ashleigh elevates a logo tee with leather accents. 

Amber-Rose Hennings

Taking it all the way back to basics, Fashion Designer Amber-Rose does the essentials with some panache and a lot of fashion.

Paige Martins

A print clash of note, Label owner and Fashion Designer Paige Martins matches checks with big logos.

Armand Dicker

Simple and straight to the point, Model and Fashion Designer Armand is a reductionist dream in mint.

Daniël Geldenhuys

Did we say you could try ALL the looks? LOL... Daniël is a living editorial, so try at your own risk.

Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha

I wouldn't be a millennial if aggressive self promotion wasn't my portion. Listen, I murked this Vero Moda suit pls.

Abongwe Qokela

Superbalist's resident peacock and rattler of wigs, Abongwe does tonal sports luxe (that trend that just won't go away).

Gemma Mary Sheperd

Cinched pinstripes, check! Side-button wide leg pants, check! Front zip block heel boots, PRESENT! Photographer Gemma takes the classics to another level.

Anesu Chogugudza

Model, Anesu is clean and dandy, but doesn't bore you instantly. Gents, take notes!

Nicola Kruger

It is ALL about that fur purse, babes!

Tash Toefy

The other half of photographer duo Half and Halve, Tash, shows that "suited up" isn't the only version of "dressed up". (Primary colours are a huge mood, right now btw.)

Amber Barker

Assistant Stylist at Superbalist hitting all her marks in a checkered print clash, red lips and beret.