Soweto's Style Vanguard

Stephen Manzini has built Soweto Fashion Week into a cultural movement, connecting next-generation designers to the world and reshaping the future of African fashion

- Shannon Manuel

WHAT BEGAN AS an ambitious idea to give township designers a stage has evolved into one of South Africa's most significant fashion platforms — where identity, artistry, and industry intersect.

Held twice a year, Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) is deeply rooted in Soweto itself — a place that has long been a symbol of resilience, rebellion and reinvention.

Founded by Stephen, SFW has redefined how African creativity is seen and celebrated. And it is just one chapter in a much bigger story of a man who has dedicated his career to redefining how African creativity is seen, valued and sustained. Stephen is a driving force in shaping the business and cultural conversations around fashion. He's worked with global trade shows like MAGIC in Las Vegas, represented South Africa at the BRICS Fashion Summit in Moscow, and helped launch initiatives such as Global Entrepreneurship Week and Microsoft's Idea Space Fair — all with the aim of connecting local talent to international markets.

Stephen's influence extends into mentorship and education too, advocating for a more equitable fashion landscape and helping designers build viable businesses around their craft. At the core of his philosophy is the belief that fashion is more than aesthetics and a vehicle for storytelling, identity and economic growth. He sees creativity as a catalyst for social change, a way to rewrite narratives and reclaim ownership of how African design is presented to the world. His continuous vision is to build bridges between continents, dismantle outdated stereotypes and prove that world-class fashion can emerge from the heart of the township — and thrive on the global stage.

"I started out as a model, doing shoots to help cover my university expenses," says Stephen. "Attending castings introduced me to the world of fashion shows, and I quickly became fascinated," he says of his start in the industry.