Seychelles Fashion Week 2025
PROFILE
“VOYAZ” showcases the Seychelles’ past up to the present; showing the way in our Seychelles’ culture, people used to braid and weave fabrics. “VOYAZ” is a representation of the traditional to the modern. Our collection is to promote the old ways in our modern society; a way to recognise the timeless wisdom of the elderly. It is a way to show our appreciation for the dedication of our elderly in passing on their knowledge, Demonstrating new perspective of weaving and skills to the youths.
Title: Freedom and Restriction
Theme: Forest
Concept This collection explores the powerful emotional contrast between freedom and restriction, using the themes of wild beauty, struggle, and the shaping power of memories. It draws inspiration from the raw, untamed essence of nature a place of wild beauty and boundless freedom. This is compared with the subtle, yet ever-present, concept of restriction, which can be both a physical barrier and an internal, psychological state. The struggle between these two forces is a central theme, highlighting the resilience found in overcoming challenges. The wild beauty of the natural world serves as a metaphor for an unfettered spirit, while elements of restriction could be subtly woven in through tangled forms, enclosed spaces, or a sense of stillness. The core message is a subtle call to action- a gentle reminder of the importance of environmental awareness and natural preservation. By appreciating the freedom and beauty of the natural world, we are encouraged to protect it from the human impact that can lead to its restriction and degradation. The collection is not meant to be a harsh or explicit environmental statement, but rather a quiet, reflective meditation on the delicate balance between human experience and the preservation of nature.
Title: Ocean Bride
Theme: Sea Born Dreams-Mermaid
Concept: This project is inspired by my “childhood memories”, where “storytelling” Project
I believe that fashion is not just about creating clothes; it's about creating something beautiful and meaningful that inspires others. With this piece, I hope to invite people to see the world through my eyes—a world where the stories of the past are woven into the beauty of the present.
Title: ocean bride
Theme: Sea Born Dreams-Mermaid
Concept: This project is inspired by my “childhood memories”, where “storytelling”
This project is inspired by my childhood memories, where storytelling, folklore, and imaginative play brought mermaids to life. The mystical world beneath the waves full of shimmering tails, ocean songs, and untold secrets has always captivated my imagination. These memories, rooted in island life and Creole culture, form the foundation of this garment design concept. Mermaids in my childhood stories were more than fantasy, they symbolized freedom, mystery, and a deep connection to the sea. This project seeks to reawaken those memories through fashion, transforming them into a wearable piece that blends Creole style with fantasy and marine-inspired colours and motifs. The garments will embody the elegance, rhythm, and spirit of Creole tradition, infused with a fantasy aesthetic that reflects the magical world of mermaids. The garments will also incorporate storytelling elements through Leathery embroidery, fabric painting, or beading that hint at mythical sea creatures, old tales whispered by grandmothers, and the cultural richness of island life.
INSPIRATION
My Range is inspired by my Culture as a Zulu,taken from a Regalia mostly worn by men in our Culture which is called Ibheshu.
Ibheshu is made from animal skin or hide,so from that I decided to design beautiful high fashion garments using exclusive material and beading on my outfits with head gears and neck pieces with bubble and drapped skirts to compliment the outfits.
Colours that match hide and animal are what is used for the oufit.
About the designer
Shikombiso Desiree Bila is a crochet designer
From Nghezimani in South Africa. She has
A diploma in Information Technology from Tshwane University
Of Technology.
She founded the brand Maxelostyle in 2017 and its been
Growing ever since.
This collection is to celebrate the heritage of Vatsonga as well as
The culture of South Africa as a whole.
Wang Xiaoran
Director of Operations, China Western Haute Couture Center
Project Leader & Executive Director of the Organizing Committee, China Western Haute Couture Week
Project Leader, “Rongbao Mascot Costume Transformation Series” for the 31st Summer World University Games
Project Leader for Licensed Cultural & Creative Product Development, 2023 Chengdu World Science Fiction Convention
Project Leader, Chinese Ethnic Cultural Fashion Competition
Vice President, Hehuachi High-Quality Development Promotion Association
Executive President, Cheongsam Committee of Sichuan Arts and Crafts Industry Association
Judge, First China Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Week – Seda, Ganzi Prefecture
Guest Speaker, 2025 “Meet in Paris” Chinese Traditional Culture Promotion Event
Since May 2020, she has been managing the operations of the China Western Haute Couture Center, overseeing project planning,招商 (brand and partner acquisition), and operations management. She has organized over 400 events with platform designers.
Major Work & Achievements:
· 2021–2022: Planned and executed the 2021 NEW UP Trend Creation Season “Chinese Ethnic Cultural Fashion” Competition, a centenary tribute event for the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, city flash-mob creative showcases, and coordinated designers' participation in Beijing Fashion Week.
· 2022–2024: Planned, coordinated, and executed the 1st and 2nd China Western Haute Couture Week major IP events.
· 2022–2023: Participated in the 31st Chengdu World University Games, serving as the overall coordinator for the “Rongbao Mascot Costume Transformation Series” project.
The project received extensive coverage from major authoritative media including People.cn, People’s Daily, CCTV News, Xinhua News Agency, CCTV International Channel, Sichuan Daily, Chengdu Release, and Sichuan Observer.
It was showcased in a CCTV News live broadcast, received a six-page feature in Sichuan Daily, and she was interviewed twice on CCTV Economic Half-Hour, as well as by Sichuan Daily and multiple other media outlets.
SISTAS FELAS TRADING AND PROJECTS is an established company which specializing in project management, fashion directing, retail strategy, fashion industry coaching and mentorship as a method to develop the youth, community, young, emerging and established designers. The company’s background entails travelling researching the fashion industry locally and internationally, managing fashion portfolios/departments, projects, teams, and processes to propel revenue, growth and market share while realizing enhanced fashion and industry success, and productivity. From establishing and implementing visionary business strategies to driving teams and designers to achieve peak performance levels, SISTAS FELAS TRADING AND PROJECTS excels at directing strategic enhancements to outperform fashion and industry objectives while communicating openly and productively
COMPANY OWNER
Sistas Felas Trading and Projects (Pty)ltd is managed by the company owner, Makhosazane (Makhosi) Ntshangase and it is 100% black female owned and holds a National Diploma in Clothing Design, National Diploma in Child and Youth Development. She also creates local market for the textile industry within the District Municipality and can serve as a mechanism to address the three (3) Governmental challenges which are Unemployment, Poverty and Inclusive Growth through the creation of jobs for youth and women. SISTAS FELAS 078 58 55 221 Our Mission is to build a business that will promote the textile industry, create job opportunities for our communities and promote the creative industry as a whole. Our Vision is to grow to a point where we have a 600 square meter factory, where we can mass produce in large quantities.
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Designer – Bi Jinpei
Founder of the BIJINPEI brand
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Recipient of the “Fashion Technology Award” from the China Fashion Designers Association
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Member of the China Fashion Designers Association
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Member of the Italian Tailors Association
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Technical Consultant for the China Department Store Business Association
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Vice President of the Chengdu Apparel (Clothing) Industry Association
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Judge for the Chengdu City Millions of Skilled Workers Professional Skills Competition
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Chengdu Home Economics Innovation Star
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Recognized as one of the “New Influential Figures” in the Chengdu Apparel Industry over the past three decades
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Senior Manager of Intelligent Manufacturing at Qipilang Garment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (under Shudu Bus Terminal Craftsmen Cluster)
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“Senior Lecturer” at Sichuan Advanced Garment Technology Institute
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Senior Technical Consultant for Hengyuanxiang Group
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Official Suit Provider for the International Olympic Committee
Nohlanga Silwana Motaung is a multifaceted South African entrepreneur, fashion designer behind the Elegant Dolls brand, and a corporate lawyer whose work seamlessly bridges the worlds of law, governance, fashion, and creative enterprise. She founded Elegant Dolls Style Studio (ED) in 2015 — an upscale one-stop women’s style studio that offered designer clothing (Elegant Dolls), designer shoes and bags, a hair and nail salon (“Saloon Elegance”) and women’s accessories.
Nohlanga continues to expand her influence in the creative and lifestyle industries, producing innovative fashion, arts, and events experiences that celebrate African elegance, craftsmanship, and empowerment. Her brand philosophy is rooted in sophistication, self-expression, and authenticity — qualities that have positioned her as one of the emerging voices in South Africa’s fashion and lifestyle scene.
The theme of the Elegant Dolls collection tonight is Raw to Refined
A visual journey from raw, utilitarian fabrics like denim and khaki to elegant, bold African luxury, to chic and sophisticated
JONJO Fashion Factory:
Designer Profile About the Brand
Jonjo Fashions is a celebrated Ugandan brand, led by Kiyimba Joshua Patrick. We are renowned for our creative custom-made garments, exceptional styling services, and significant contribution to the broader East African fashion scene.
Slogan : IF FASHION IS A CRIME, I PLEAD GUILTY.
Kiyimba Joshua Patrick:(The Visionary)
Kiyimba Joshua Patrick is a highly recognized East African designer and stylist from Uganda, and a multi-award winner across Africa.
* He has showcased his outfits on fashion runways in most African countries.
* He has worked with different celebrities around the world, bringing his unique flair to global style.
* instagram: jonjofashions.ug
* TikTok: jonjofashions.ug
PRECIOUS LULU COUTURE
Her unique design philosophy merges art, culture, and modern elegance through mix medium craft — a reflection of her belief that fashion is the most expressive form of art. An international fashion creative that has shown multiple time in Europe, the UAE and SADEC. She has been featured on international publications such as Vogue Italia and fab-UK. An all-round, fashion fundi, with experience ranging from fashion editorials, radio Presenting and fashion reality tv personality.
She currently runs a provincial mentorship program that trains and places aspiring designers on platforms such as the Seychelles fashion week. For the Seychelles fashion week Precious LULU has partnered with Bottega to create the fashion installation in the front of house, dressing the mannequin in
Gold.
Cam Arts
Cam Arts presents Art of the Isles — a celebration of Seychelles told through wearable art.
Founded on the legacy of renowned Seychellois artist Camille Mondon, Cam Arts transforms brushstrokes, island textures and cultural stories into modern fashion.
This collection honors the spirit of the islands: the strength of our fishermen, the beauty of our tropical landscapes, the vibrance of our wildlife, and the rhythm of Creole life. Each piece is crafted from original artworks, reimagined into tailored suits, tropical shirts, beachwear and resort couture — blending tradition with contemporary island elegance
Slu Designs
is a proudly South African woman owned Fashion Brand with its CEO Silungile Mokoena. We specialize in fashion that is exclusive yet flexible enough to give you that Edge of confidence to Step-In & Capture the Audience while you comfortably stride to the Podium. Comfortable Dignified Elegance.
Sluvin has empowered many designers with assistance to get funding to attend numerous international fashion events and mentoring them in-house in Durban.
Mervin Cedras | Cedarwear
Born and raised in Seychelles, 🇸🇨 Mervin Cedras is an environmental activist, entrepreneur, and designer whose work interlaces sustainability, heritage, and fashion as a medium for social dialogue. As the Managing Director of Tourbookers, he advocates for eco-conscious travel and community education principles that deeply influence his creative and professional vision.
Mervin’s journey in fashion began with his debut at Seychelles Fashion Week 2019, where his use of fabrics from Pakistan and India symbolized peace and cultural harmony. This moment marked the beginning of his artistic mission: to tell human stories through couture and use design as a bridge between people, nations, and ideologies.
In March 2025, he took part in the Fet Afrik Workshop, refining his narrative approach to design. This was followed by a striking presentation at C’est Chic Afrik in May a bold declaration of Africa as the cradle of civilization. Later that year, in August 2025, he represented Seychelles at the South Coast Annual Business Fair in South Africa, where his collection earned him the Best International Designer Award. He also contributed to nurturing local creativity as a judge for the Seychelles Sewing Bee competition, mentoring young and emerging designers.
On 18 October 2025, Mervin unveiled a new collection at Lafoli Lanmod, in celebration of 40 years of the Creole Festival, where his designs paid tribute to the enduring strength and beauty of Creole identity. His next international presentation under the Cedarwear label will take place at Africa Celebrates in Addis Ababa (4–9 November 2025), followed by his participation at the Global Creative Summit in South Africa.
Looking ahead to 2026, Mervin plans to establish the Seychelles Fashion Cooperative Platform—a national initiative to unite designers, artisans, and creative entrepreneurs under a shared vision of innovation and sustainability. On a personal level, he is preparing to release two deeply symbolic collections: “Ethics” and “Loyalty.” Each explores his life’s journey, reflecting resilience, faith, and integrity, while using fashion as a vehicle to educate and inspire youth on these vital themes.
Beyond fashion, Mervin is driven by a passion for constructive politics and peacebuilding, believing that creativity can serve as a tool for reconciliation and dialogue. Through his work, he continues to demonstrate how fashion can transcend aesthetics becoming a force for unity, healing, and the celebration of shared humanity.
My style is a celebration of versatility, culture, and artistry. Many of my designs can be worn in multiple ways, allowing each woman to express her unique personality and mood. Inspired by the heart of Seychelles, I incorporate exclusive clock tower prints and vibrant bougainvillea motifs—reflecting the iconic beauty and charm of Victoria. I also embrace natural textures by using jute materials in my bags and belts, bringing an earthy, island-inspired touch to the collection.
Adding a personal and meaningful layer, most of the jewellery featured in my looks is handmade by my daughter, making each piece not only stylish but filled with love and creative spirit.
