IVORY PARK FASHION WEEK MAKES HISTORY AS LOCAL DESIGNERS TAKE CENTRE STAGE
Nine local brands, one runway and a vision born in Ivory Park: how two entrepreneurs turned a conversation into a new platform for township fashion.
Ivory Park has taken a significant step towards establishing itself on the local fashion map following the successful inaugural Ivory Park Fashion Week (IVPFW), held on Saturday, 07 November 2026, at Busy Corner Imbizo Shisanyama in Ebony Park.
What began as a simple conversation between Siyabonga Shabangu, founder of local fashion brand Emkonti Scandalous, and Douglas Mjekula, founder and Editor-in-Chief of KAE News, eventually developed into a fashion and lifestyle platform dedicated to showcasing talent from Ivory Park and surrounding communities.
On Saturday 07 November 2026 that vision became a reality.
Designers, models, creatives and community members gathered to celebrate local fashion, creativity and entrepreneurship as nine fashion brands presented their collections on the runway.
For a community frequently making headlines over crime, unemployment, water shortages and electricity disruptions, Ivory Park Fashion Week offered a different story.
A story of creativity, ambition, opportunity and local talent.
FROM A CONVERSATION TO THE RUNWAY
The idea behind Ivory Park Fashion Week emerged from conversations between Shabangu and Mjekula about the need to create more opportunities for fashion designers and other creatives operating within the community.
Shabangu, through his clothing brand Emkonti Scandalous, understands the challenges faced by independent fashion entrepreneurs trying to establish their brands.
Mjekula, through his work at KAE News, has spent years documenting the challenges, achievements and untold stories of communities across Greater Ivory Park.
Together, they saw an opportunity to create something that would celebrate the positive side of the township while providing a platform for local fashion entrepreneurs.
Rather than waiting for established fashion platforms to recognise talent from Ivory Park, they decided to create their own.
The result was Ivory Park Fashion Week.
The vision was simple: Put Ivory Park on the Fashion Map.
NINE LOCAL BRANDS MAKE THEIR RUNWAY DEBUT
The inaugural edition initially had 15 confirmed fashion brands, with nine ultimately taking part in the runway showcase.
The participating brands were:
1. APPAREL ZA – Founded by Itumeleng Lukhele from Kaalfontein.
2. ASAZI – Founded by Vusi Skiett from Ivory Park.
3. BLESS DESIGNS – Founded by Bless Khumalo from Ivory Park 2.
4. CEDRICK M – Founded by Cedrick Maoko from Ivory Park 2.
5. EMKONTI SCANDALOUS – Founded by Siyabonga Shabangu from Ivory Park 2.
6. I RUN JHB – Founded by Neo Selemela and Wandile King.
7. LANDROSE (SMELL YOUR ROSES) – Founded by Bongani Shiba from Kaalfontein.
8. SLEEZY VAN LEADER – Founded by Kgaogelo Makgaila from Ebony Park.
9. TITAN WEAR — A men’s underwear brand founded by Bongani Mashalane from Ebony Park.
The collections reflected the diversity of local fashion, from streetwear and contemporary clothing to men’s underwear and distinctive creative designs.
Beyond showcasing their collections, designers were encouraged to use the opportunity to introduce their businesses, connect with customers and sell their merchandise.
The event was also intended to encourage collaboration among designers and establish a community of fashion entrepreneurs who could continue supporting one another beyond the runway.
KASI JAM VISITS IVORY PARK AHEAD OF FASHION WEEK
In the build-up to the inaugural event, the IVPFW organisers also welcomed the KASI JAM crew from the Podcast & Chill Network to Ivory Park.
The visit brought Cara Cash, Don Dada and Shabba wama 2K to the community as part of efforts to showcase another side of Ivory Park.
By bringing KASI JAM to the township, the organisers wanted to highlight the people, businesses and creative talent contributing positively to the community.
The collaboration also helped build excitement ahead of the fashion show.
WATCH KASI JAM IN IVORY PARK — PART 1:
Professional visual coverage was provided by Black Studios, a production company associated with the Podcast & Chill network.
The footage and photographs will help participating brands reach audiences beyond those who attended the physical event.
The event also brought together different parts of the local creative economy, including fashion, modelling, music, photography, video production and hospitality.
THE FIRST EDITION IS COMPLETE, BUT THE JOURNEY CONTINUES
Following the successful inaugural event, the organisers have expressed their appreciation to the designers, models, creatives, partners, media teams and community members who supported the initiative.
Special appreciation also goes to Busy Corner Imbizo Shisanyama for hosting the event and everyone who contributed behind the scenes.
Although not every confirmed brand ultimately participated, the nine brands that took to the runway helped establish the foundation for what the organisers hope will become a lasting fashion and lifestyle platform.
The next priority is to build on that foundation, strengthen relationships with designers and continue creating opportunities for local creative talent.
For KAE News, the event also reinforces the importance of telling positive community stories alongside reporting on crime, infrastructure challenges and other pressing issues.
Follow Ivory Park Fashion Week on Facebook and @ivpfw on Instagram for the latest content.
IVORY PARK FASHION WEEK
Putting Ivory Park on the Fashion Map.
