Zenoyise Madikwa

Zenoyise Madikwa

The wait is finally over. This year's Audi Joburg Fashion Week will take place at Sandton Convention Centre over four days, starting today with New Gen, Lesego Peega, Chimera and Deola Segou. It promises to be a very competitive affair.

Last year, though some designers showed far less inspiring pieces, men ruled the ramp. The clear favourites were David Tlale and Thula Sindi. This year there will be a battle of egos between the two. Both of them usually attract a huge crowd.

Last year Sindi, who was fresh on the fashion week ramp, sent down a beautifully crafted collection of separates and dresses. He gave Tlale a run for his money. But Tlale drew applause with his usual dramatic designs and exquisite detailing.

Guests are usually tense as they fiercely jockey for the best possible seats. Some of their followers dress for the shows, wearing the designers' clothes.

On fashion weeks there is a hierachical sit-up according to which seats are allotted. Sometimes even journalists who get free clothes from the designers fight over other journalists' perception of their critics. There is a cat fight about everything, even the goody bags that are handed out by the designers.

Tickets to the show are available from Computicket.