Hip-Hop meets haute couture: Braam Fashion Week celebrates the culture
Johannesburg’s Braamfontein district was buzzing with raw energy and fearless creativity as Braam Fashion Week brought together a vibrant blend of fashion designers, hip-hop artists, models, and cultural tastemakers under one electric roof.
Held at the iconic Play Ground venue on June 14, the event was more than just a fashion show but rather a celebration of self-expression, community, and artistry in its boldest form.
Soweto rapper, producer and songwriter Infamous Author, spotted at the event, shared that his artistic identity goes far beyond music. “I’m just a free-spirited artist who believes in free expression and adventuring into different mediums of art. Calling myself just a rapper boxes me in,” he said.
Reflecting on the impact of the event, he added, “It’s been amazing. I’ve absorbed so many lessons from like-minded creatives. There’s a powerful sense of community here. We’re growing from these shared experiences, and I feel humbled and privileged to be part of it.”
When asked about what fuels his creativity, he explained, “My inspiration comes from bringing people together. We’re all one, no need to isolate or differentiate. Through our work and how we live, we connect. That’s what I’m about, community building and growing beyond our potential.”
Fashion designer Mahlobisa Shiburi, founder of Carmen Parys, also brought her vision to the runway. “My inspiration came from a scroll I created as an arts and crafts personality,” she explained.
Her model, Dimpho, shared her excitement: “I honestly feel so great. I feel like a canvas, able to express myself. And I’m glad that I have such an amazing artist to create with.”
When asked what advice she would give to aspiring designers and models, Shiburi said, “Be yourself. Fashion design is an extension of who you are. When you come as you are, you create from the heart, and that’s always going to be different to everyone else’s.”
Dimpho added, “Never give up on your dreams. No one else can fulfil them but you. This was once a dream – now it’s a reality.”
One of the standout showcases was by designer Thato Maseko of AEC Wang, whose collection features intricate hand embroidery, wax prints and aprons inspired by life in Soweto.
“We’re from Naledi, Soweto, a place filled with struggle and resilience,” Maseko said. “Our designs are inspired by where we come from, how we mix our outfits, and the hand embroidery we taught ourselves. It’s our style and story.”
Adding that pop culture also plays a role in their creative process: “We grew up watching cartoons, especially Naruto. That’s what led us to experiment with kimonos and unique silhouettes. It’s about taking inspiration from different sources and remixing it with kasi creativity.”
At Braam Fashion Week, the lines between fashion and culture are beautifully blurred. Each designer, artist and model brings something authentic, raw, and personal. It’s not just about the garments or the beats – it’s about the culture, the community, and the dreamers behind it all.
