By Fred Felton | Sep. 12, 2026
The Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) opened its
doors 15 years ago, creating a platform for emerging designers, offering a
platform for mentorship and exposure, now some of its earliest success stories
will return to the runway when the Durban Exhibition Centre hosts three nights
of fashion, creativity and enterprise from 16 to 18 September under the theme
‘’Where Legacy Lives’’, to mark the DFF15 milestone.
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| DFF15 will reflect the passing of the creative baton from one generation to the next. | Photo: Supplied. |
This showcase will bring together
established designers, emerging talent and the DFF Mentee Class of 2026. The
participation of former mentees, demonstrates DFF’s impact in nurturing talent,
creating business opportunities, expanding market access and building industry
recognition.
One of them is Kwenzi Nkomo of Indoni
Fashion House, who made her DFF debut in 2014. She has gone on to showcase
internationally, including at Ethiopia Fashion Week and Pure London, supplies
boutiques and major retailers in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, and won
DFF Designer of the Year in 2022. She recently showcased at Uganda
International Fashion Week.
‘’The theme fits perfectly to our journey.
We will be celebrating the impact we leave behind through our work. It is about
preserving our culture, inspiring the next generation of creatives, and
building a brand that will continue to empower people long into the future.
Legacy is created through consistency, excellence, and the lives we touch along
the way,’’ said Nkomo.
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| Show schedule for the 15 years of Durban Fashion Fair taking place at Durban Exhibition Centre, from 16 to 18 September under the theme: 'Where Legacy Lives'. | Photo: Supplied. |
Approximately 84 designers will feature
across the three nights, with shows at 18h00, 19h00, 20h00 and 21h00. Tickets
are R120 per show, R250 for a day pass and R500 for a three-day pass.
The showcase ends with the Durban Fashion
Fair Recognition Awards on 19 September, where the best designers will receive
cheques towards business development equipment to assist productivity.
The eThekwini Municipality Economic
Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said
the Municipality remains committed to growing the sector through skills
development, market access, financial support, equipment and mentoring,
supporting self-employment and job creation.
DFF showcase tickets are available through
Webtickets, Pick ‘n Pay and Boxer.
