Local designers showcased their work at House of NALA's pop shop and AFI Fashion Experience at Oceans Mall Umhlanga.
Image: Instagram
Durban’s fashion elite gathered in style as African luxury took centre stage at the House of NALA pop-up shop at Oceans Mall Umhlanga, just north of the city.
The event, hosted alongside a fashion experience by the Africa Fashion Institute (AFI) ahead of the Metro FM Music Awards, offered a curated glimpse into the latest continental trends.
Durban’s trendsetters filled the Platinum Walk, enjoying an evening of music, glamour and high fashion.
Media personality Zola Zee Lovin hosted the evening, turning heads in a classic black suit embellished with white beadwork.
Among the notable attendees were Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, founder of the Africa Fashion Institute, alongside Sorisha Naidoo, Vivian Reddy, Qhawekazi Mazaleni, Teko Modise and Carol Ofori.
Big Brother star Ashay Sewlall also made an appearance, walking the runway.
Guests were treated to a preview of the NALA Privé Autumn/Winter collection, alongside designs from local and pan-African labels available in-store.
Featured designers included Indoni Fashion House, Zavier Fashion House, Malondie, House of Alfalfa and Agape Designs, as well as brands such as NALA Privé , Sarayaa and Bathini Designs.
The Durban launch marks a strategic expansion aimed at strengthening access to African luxury brands.
Situated within the Oceans Mall luxury precinct, House of NALA is positioned alongside leading international retailers in a space defined by quality, visibility and strong retail performance.
“House of NALA brings together designers from across the continent. We are creating a space where their work can be seen, understood and purchased in a considered retail environment,” said the fashion house.
Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe added: “House of NALA was created to demonstrate that African fashion belongs confidently within the world’s most sophisticated retail environments.”
Echoing this sentiment, Sorisha Naidoo highlighted the economic impact of the initiative.
Speaking on the sidelines of the pop-up store and fashion show, she said: “I think it’s great for the economy, for Durban, for KZN. We need more of this, we need local designers. We need to see the talent that KZN and South Africa has.”
Featuring designers from KwaZulu-Natal alongside South African and broader pan-African brands, House of NALA presents a dynamic and evolving vision of African luxury.
From Abu Dhabi to Abidjan, Cape Town to Kasane and Mbombela, the Durban showcase represents the next step in expanding access to African fashion on a global scale.