South Africa and France embark on fashion learning journey

On 25 and 26 November 2024, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) hosted Fashion Forward: Industry Development Dialogues, a two-day event in Johannesburg aimed at strengthening South Africa’s fashion industry.

The dialogue series brought together local and French experts to address the challenges within the fashion value chain, including sustainability, market readiness, and the support needed for emerging businesses. The programme, which aligns with DSAC’s Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI) Master Plan, serves to create a platform for collaboration between the French and South African fashion sectors. Dr Cynthia Stella Khumalo, Acting Director-General at DSAC said:

Bringing stakeholders together in an intentional way will deepen understanding of the needs of the sector and begin to chart the way forward for South Africa’s fashion sector to work together to grow local businesses

The dialogues included a series of panel discussions featuring key experts. French participants, Frédérique Gérardin, Amedi Nacer, and Louis Orlianges, brought their expertise in innovation, craftsmanship, and market strategies, providing valuable insights to local stakeholders. The event was supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Arnaud Roux, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy said:

South Africa and France’s shared interest in the fashion sector is an opportunity to contribute to the former’s economic development through the promotion of emerging and small businesses. It is also an opportunity to shed light on the current South African fashion ecosystem, steered by a new generation of talented designers

In addition to the discussions, the programme included visits to prominent fashion hubs in Johannesburg, including Thebe Magugu House, Fabric Bank, Molebatsi, and the Fashion Accounts exhibition at Museum Africa. These visits showcased the rich creative potential of South Africa’s fashion sector and its ability to tell compelling cultural stories.

Download the press release here.