With Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (MBFW) set to hit the stage next week Thursday at the definitive shopping destination, Melrose Arch we highlight a few of the most coveted designers showcasing their new collections and remind you of a fantastic initiative launched by African Fashion International (AFI) earlier this year.

Remember a few months ago we chatted about the fashion design development programme called AFI Fastrack™presented by Mercedes-Benz, in association with Foschini which give young hopeful South African designers an opportunity to learn all there is to know about becoming a successful business designer in South Africa.  The programme has shown immense promise for the 3 designers who won the competition earlier this year and will see them showcasing their capsule collections they’ve been working on for the past 7 months at MBFW.  Capetonian Kim Gush, Wetive Lindokuhle Nkosi from Johannesburg and Kyra-Moon Halfpenny from Durban are still optimistic in their search for the coveted title of the “AFI Fastrack™ 2012 Designer of the Year” award.

This year sees MBFW crossing boarders, with over 20 shows over four days, designers from South Africa, Cote D’Ivoire, Morocco, Mozambique, Cameroon, Rwanda, Angola, DRC, Trinidad, New York, Nigeria and Ghana will be presenting their collections to the media, fashionistas, merchandisers and fellow designers alike.

So, much to see, much to anticipate and much to be learned from those in the know who set our trends for next season.  See you there, on the FROW.