Fashion Designers Apply For 15th Durban Fashion Fair Showcase

 

By Fred Felton | July 30, 2026

The Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) has spent 15 years transforming emerging local designers into successful fashion entrepreneurs.

The programme celebrates its landmark 15^th edition under the theme ‘’Where Legacy Lives’’, and eThekwini Municipality is inviting fashion designers to be part of this milestone showcase.

Applications close on 31 July 2026.

Designers interested in showcasing their collections can apply by completing the online application form at https://forms.gle/9yHiqibirFNaxtLq9

The 15th DFF takes place from 16 to 18 September at the Durban Exhibition Centre ending with the Recognition Awards on 19 September.

Expect to see designers who joined the programme 14 years ago and have since built successful fashion businesses and created employment and showcased globally. It will also include the next generation of fashion household names currently participating in the intensive 10-month DFF Mentorship Programme which highlights the City’s continued investment in developing creative talent and growing the local fashion economy.

‘’For the past 15 years, the DFF has demonstrated that fashion is a powerful driver of economic development,’’ said the City’s Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli.

Through initiatives like the DFF Emporium at uMlazi Mega City and seasonal pop-up shops, the programme continues to empower micro, small and medium enterprises while positioning Durban as one of Africa’s leading fashion destinations.

For more information, contact nondumiso.mthembu@durban.gov.za

Opportunity For Fashion Designers

CALL FOR FASHION DESIGNERS TO PARTICIPATE IN CITY FASHION MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

To further grow the fashion sector in the City, eThekwini Municipality will be hosting a fashion mentorship programme to capacitate fashion designers with skills in order for them to remain competitive in the industry.

The Municipality initiated the programme to equip and expose fashion designers to various fashion skills which will enable them to be innovative and enhance their businesses. The programme will also help facilitate market and networking opportunities leading to growth and sustainability of the emerging fashion designers businesses.

The Municipality invites fashion designers and fashion houses within eThekwini to be part of the Fashion Mentorship Programme.

The programme will focus on four pillars namely business development, participation in the Durban Fashion Fair, participation in the Fashion Pavilion during the Durban Business Fair and access to a wider market which will see designers have contact with international markets.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Zandile Gumede said the fashion sector continues to be a key driver of rapid economic growth linked to job creation.

“Due to technological advancement, the fashion sector has also undergone significant changes and has become a fast growing sector internationally,” she said.

Gumede added that the mentorship programme will provide opportunities for designers to learn more about the latest fashion trends which will open further market opportunities for them.

To apply for the programme, the following information is required:

•Company Profile

•Individual Profile/CV. Attach copies of Matric Certificate / Diploma / Degree and certificate/s

•Certified copy of ID

•Letter of Motivation detailing why you should be selected for this program as well as your future fashion business prospects

•Professional Portfolios – showing clothing ranges you are currently working on or have worked on in the past 12 months

•Proof of residence

The above documents must be delivered by no later than Thursday, 15 December 2016 between 08h00 – 16h00 to the Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit, 11th Floor, 75 Dr Langalibalele Dube Street, Durban.

Interested fashion designers and fashion houses are requested to indicate if their businesses are registered. If not, the Municipality will assist the designers with the process of registration through the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).

For more info and enquiries regarding the Fashion Mentorship Programme contact

Nondumiso Mhlongo on 031 311 4578 or email: Nondumiso.Mhlongo@durban.gov.za.