28 Jul 2023 SAFW DESIGNERS AVAILABLE AT THE MERCHANTS ON LONG V&A STORE Merchants on Long further supports African fashion by providing a retail space for SA Fashion Week designers. For the month of July, Merchants on Long is carrying capsule collections from seven designers who show on the SAFW (SA Fashion Week) platform. The designers available at the Merchants on Long V&A boutique include Michael Ludgwig, Boyde, BAM Collective, Gugu by Gugu, Sipho Mbuto, Fuato Moyo and Belhauzen “Merchants on Long was founded on the principles of supporting African design talent,” says Jeanine Benjamin, Merchants on Long COO. “By partnering with SAFW on this initiative, we are able to provide the opportunity for these creatives to grow their reach and further connect with a Cape Town customer” “Merchants on Long has been at the forefront of championing African design for over a decade,” says Lucilla Booyzen, Director of SAFW. “For these designers to showcase on this prestigious platform is a real testament to the strength of their talent.” Garments on offer include genderless, earthy, knitwear from the Port Elizabeth based brand, Gugu by Gugu; a selection of which were most recently seen at the Merchants on Long Fashion Showcase that took place at the Karoo Winter Wool Festival. The BAM collective offers a collection of minimalist, modern menswear that is created with an ethical, environmental focus. This latest range includes structured denim jackets and trousers, colourful suit paints, and patterned button-up shirts. Michael Ludwig’s new collection, entitled Elysian, includes striking silhouettes and experimental details. Key pieces include beautiful pale blue dresses, structured coats, and geometric-patterned skirts and jackets. Johannesburg-based Boyde offers a collection of spirited approach to South African luxury. His latest menswear collection is a contemporary story with key silhouettes including safari jackets and button-down blazers. Fuata Moyo is a fashion label founded by siblings Kabambi, Martine, Lucien, and Tshimaro Mbiola who continue their father’s artistic legacy. Their collections are collaboratively designed in capsules alongside young local brands, designers, and their in-house team. Belhauzen’s structured and flowing trousers, blazers and shirts can be seen alongside Sipho Mbuto, the Durban-based designer known for his androgynous style that can be seen this season in a range of flowing linen, silk and cotton shapes. All the designers have been chosen to sit alongside the further pan-African offering that is available at Merchants on Long.
