Fashioning Modern Africanism

Last night saw the House of Rubicon bring to life an authentic celebration of heritage with the showcasing of their latest collection at South Africa Fashion Week. Commemorating twenty-one years as a style and culture institution in South Africa's fashion landscape, Rubicon’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection marries the eastern and western influences with African elegance, while paying homage to the reimagined Myth of Origin story about the lost kingdom of Mapungubwe.     “With this endearing romantic collection, we designed each of the garments to make the wearer feel emboldened, chic, and in touch with the essence of who she truly is. This is a return to her femininity,” affirmed Hangwani Nengovhela. Hangwani Nengovhela Founder and Creative Director, Hangwani Nengovhela draws inspiration from the landscapes and artifacts recovered at the world heritage site. The kingdom’s origins, passed through oral history, tell a tale of three brothers journeying through the region. One brother w

       Thursday Evening saw the opening of South African Fashion Week with the House of Rubicon showcasing their latest collection entitled Mahovhohovho. As with the previous showcase in 2021, the AW’23 season collection is heavily inspired by the late Dickson Ralushai, father to founder and lead designer of Rubicon Hangwani Nengovhela. The collection pays homage to her father’s endless signature of strength and perseverance.   In addition this year’s theme is underlined by the flow of water. There is no denying there is something truly fascinating and powerful about the way water flows, without being compromised by rocks or any other obstacles that hinders its path. So too is the new collection entitled Mahovhohovho:- a flowing and serene yet powerful and enchanting waterfall.             ‘The past two and half years have been a true testament to our resilience and persistence in an almost non-operational industry. This year's AW’23 collection is inspired by the power and strength