For decades, the global fashion narrative has been dictated by a select few Western capitals.
But as emerging markets build their own powerhouse networks, the centre of gravity is officially shifting.
This September, South African fashion leaders Stephen Manzini and Colleen Eitzen are heading to Moscow for the 2026 BRICS+ Fashion Summit, from September 28 - 30, taking their place at the forefront of a movement that is reshaping international trade, design, and cultural exchange.
More than just a showcase of local talent, this summit represents a crucial leap forward - unifying fashion week conveners across Africa and forging direct trade avenues across the Global South.
This year’s programme features participants from across the African fashion landscape, including representatives from South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia, Seychelles, South Sudan and more.
South Africa will be represented by Stephen Manzini, CEO of Soweto Fashion Week and the South African Fashion Association, alongside Colleen Eitzen, who is the co-founder of retailer The Space.
For Manzini, the opportunity to represent South Africa extends beyond personal recognition and sees his participation as a chance to highlight the creativity and potential within the country’s fashion industry, while also contributing to conversations about its future on the international stage.
“Representing South Africa at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit is both a personal honour and a responsibility to the industry I have dedicated years to building.
“I see it as an opportunity to represent not only myself, but the incredible talent, creativity and potential of South African fashion.
He adds that the opportunity also allows him to represent the wider South African fashion community and showcase the talent that exists within the country.
“For me, the Summit is about more than showcasing designers. It creates opportunities for international collaboration, market access, knowledge exchange and stronger connections between fashion industries.
“I am proud to carry the South African flag into these spaces and to help ensure that our fashion industry is not simply seen globally, but is part of the global conversation and economy,” Manzini says.
The three-day summit will provide African brands and manufacturers with an opportunity to engage with fashion businesses and industry representatives from across the continent, as well as other continents.
According to Kenya Fashion Council and Nairobi Fashion Week Director Brian James Kihindas explained that this was created to bring African fashion week organisers together and strengthen collaboration across the continent.
“In Moscow, inspired by the broader BRICS framework of multilateral cooperation, we made a collective decision: To build a unified umbrella body for African fashion week conveners.
"What started as a pivotal meeting in Moscow has evolved into an active, everyday network driven by our dedicated digital community hub: conveners regularly exchange insights on production standards, buyer acquisition, sponsor engagement, and event logistics suited for African markets,” Kihindas shared.
The BRICS+ Fashion Summit comes at a time when fashion industries across emerging markets are increasingly looking beyond traditional fashion capitals for opportunities to grow their businesses and reach new audiences.
Moscow Fashion Week expands the programme
The summit will run alongside the upcoming Moscow Fashion Week, taking place from September 26 to October 1.
The Moscow Fashion Week is set to add more than 70 runway shows that are expected to take place during the event.
Designers from more than 10 countries will present their collections, reflecting the increasingly international nature of the fashion week.
The participating designers will also represent a wide range of markets including Türkiye, Sri Lanka, Spain and China, alongside other international fashion destinations.
The combination of the BRICS+ Fashion Summit and Moscow Fashion Week will give visiting fashion professionals access to both industry-focused discussions and live runway presentations.
kamogelo.makhura@nationalmg.co.za