Ramping it up in Shanghai

Local designers' collection blends African influences with a French print, creating a fusion of heritage and modern fashion

- Lesego Chepape

Fashion weeks are exciting times for the global couture community.

It's where designers unveil their upcoming collections, setting the stage for the trends and styles that will define the season.

From New York to Paris, Milan to Tokyo, these events serve as a stage where the world's most innovative and influential designers showcase their visions.

Yet, in recent years, one of the most refreshing developments has been the growing visibility of South African designers who are proudly showing the world what the country has to offer.

One such designer, Jessica Jane Molebatsi, is showcasing her collection at the Shanghai Fashion Week in China from 25 to 31 March.

Molebatsi's collection, titled Toiles du Sud, meaning Canvas of the South, is not only a beautiful fusion of cultural narratives but also highlights the unique approach South African designers have taken in making their mark on the global fashion stage.

Molebatsi, co-founder of the brand Molebatsi, alongside her husband and business partner Wandile Molebatsi, is no stranger to breaking boundaries. This year, she will unveil the third instalment in her African Toiles de Jouy series, following on the success of previous collections like Noluthando and Rakgadi.

Toiles du Sud is inspired by the iconic French Toiles de Jouy print - a fabric design that originated in the small town of Jouy-en-Josas.

But while the print has French heritage, Molebatsi's collection is a living embodiment of her South African roots, woven with the diverse cultural legacies of her family.

As she explains: "The print itself, being a Toiles de Jouy is French in origin, and this is the third instalment of Toiles de Jouy I have done.