Cape Town Fashion Week: Designer Craig Jacobs returns

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Creative influencer and fashion designer Craig Jacobs – whose label Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs proudly celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year, is returning to Cape Town Fashion Week (CTFW) on Saturday, after a 14 year hiatus.

CRAIG JACOBS RETURNS TO CAPE TOWN FASHION WEEK

Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit Spring Summer 24 takes place this weekend at the Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse from Friday 29 November. Creative influencer and fashion designer Craig Jacobs is making his return this season after a 14 year hiatus.

“For my return to CTFW, this collection is about simplicity, intention and meaning. It’s a reductive exploration of identity – who we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re headed. There’s strength in quiet, thoughtful storytelling, and I hope this collection captures that spirit,” said Jacobs.

Jacob’s label, Fundudzi began as a couture label. Later, the label expanded into independent boutiques, partnered with one of South Africa’s biggest retailers, and transitioned from primarily womenswear to menswear.

“Today, in retail we offer menswear (designed to be worn to anyone who appreciates our thoughtful design, no matter their gender) and a bespoke couture service for occasion wear and formal attire, including tailored suits and evening gowns. However, we do not take on many new clients – I prefer to collaborate with those who align with my vision and ethos rather than operate as a designer on demand service,” he said.

Jacobs’ creations will be shown at Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit Spring Summer 24: South African Designer Show II on Saturday at 17h00 along with Gavin Rajah and Craig Port.

JOURNALIST TO FASHION DESIGNER

Jacobz revealed that he attended many fashion shows as a journalist and realised he could do it too.

“It happened purely by chance. I often joke that I’d attended far too many fashion shows as a journalist and naively thought, ‘I could do this’. What truly transformed that idea into reality was meeting an incredible designer, Pumla Ngxekana. We shared a mutual passion for creating a label that reflected a modern African sensibility. Together we launched Fundudzi in November 2004. While Pumla eventually pursued other interests, including her own label Soul Spice, I chose to carry on the journey with Fundudzi,” he said.

“With my background in media and sociology, I was driven from the start to tell African stories through fabric, while fostering a deeper awareness of what we wear. This ethos is embodied in the name Fundudzi, which refers to a sacred lake of the vhaVenda people. According to legend, one can hear their ancestors drumming beneath its waters at night. Fundudzi serves as a vessel to share these stories, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the African continent,” he continued.

CRAIG JACOBS ON 2025 FASHION TRENDS

“A question which, as a journo I always ask, but as a designer is a pet hate. Ha! The main thing to be aware of is that fashion is a barometer and reactor to what is going on in the world – the tectonic plates are shifting and hopefully we will be moving away from fashion designed for memes to something quieter and more thoughtful,” he said.

Take a look at our thoughts on SA Fashion Week AW25.