Durban's creative economy takes centre stage as the Fashion Fair turns 15
By Durban Local History Museums
Durban's museums hold their own fashion heritage, like this vintage bridal gown in the Bergtheil Museum's costume collection
This September, Durban's fashion industry marks a significant milestone: the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) returns for its 15th edition, running from 16 to 18 September 2026 at the Durban Exhibition Centre. Under the theme "Where Legacy Lives," this year's showcase looks back on a decade and a half of nurturing local design talent, while showcasing where that legacy is headed next.
Since its founding, the Durban Fashion Fair has grown into one of the city's most important creative economy platforms, offering designers – from established names to newcomers – a stage to build their brands, connect with audiences and gain the kind of exposure that can be hard to come by in South Africa's fashion industry.
84 designers, three nights, one milestone
The 15th edition will feature 84 designers across three nights of runway shows, the largest line-up in the fair's history. A highlight of this year's programme is the DFF Class of 2026: a group of 20 emerging designers who have spent the year sharpening their skills and growing their brands through the Fair's mentorship programme.
The closing night will bring the three-day celebration to an end with a line-up that includes King A Apparel, Karen Monk, Martin Bespoke, Sibu Msimang, Indoni Fashion House, Zamaswazi and DUKE Clothe Your Soul, among others. The festivities culminate on 19 September with the Durban Fashion Fair's Recognition Awards, honouring designers and contributors who have helped shape the event over the years.
2026 Durban Fashion Fair at a glance
- Dates: 16–18 September 2026 (runway shows), with the Recognition Awards on 19 September
- Venue: Durban Exhibition Centre
- Designers: 84, including the 20-strong DFF Class of 2026
- Theme: "Where Legacy Lives"
Beyond the runway, the Durban Fashion Fair forms part of the eThekwini Municipality's broader efforts to grow the city's creative economy, particularly within the clothing and textile sector – an industry with deep roots in Durban's history as a manufacturing and trading hub.
For Durban's local history museums, events like this are a reminder that the city's heritage isn't only found behind glass cases – it is also being actively written today, through the creativity, craftsmanship and entrepreneurship of a new generation of Durban designers.
Source: adapted from reporting by IOL.