Durban Fashion Fair 2026: 84 designers and 25 new faces on the runway

Starting Wednesday, September 16, Durban will host 84 designers at the Durban Exhibition Centre to celebrate the 15th anniversary of its Fashion Fair. Over three evenings, this South African event will showcase established houses, emerging labels, and the 2026 cohort of its mentorship program, under the theme “Where Legacy Lives.”

The lineup extends beyond the borders of South Africa. The eThekwini municipality has announced designers from Zimbabwe, Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana, and Seychelles, alongside talents from Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. The opening night will feature Dineo Khumalo, Republic Menswear, Carita Adams, Black Faces Apparel, and ByArthur The Tailor, among others.

The new generation will have a prominent presence. Twenty designers from the DFF Class of 2026 will present their work after several months of mentorship. On the runway, 25 models selected during castings held in eThekwini will also make their debuts following training focused on walking, professional behavior, public speaking, and personal branding.

The anniversary theme is also reflected in the returns. Kwenzi Nkomo, founder of Indoni Fashion House, will return after her first appearance at the DFF in 2014 and several international presentations. House of Saint Luke and Zaviar Fashion are also among the former talents supported by the program who will return to the runway this year.

The fashion shows are scheduled from September 16 to 18, with performances between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Tickets are priced at 120 rand per show, 250 rand for a single day, and 500 rand for all three days, available through Webtickets as well as select Pick n Pay and Boxer outlets.

Following the three evenings of collections, the Durban Fashion Fair will hold its Recognition Awards ceremony on September 19 to honor the talents of this 15th edition.