As the fashion world turns its gaze on Paris, reflections on Milan Fashion Week highlight a momentous achievement for African fashion and entrepreneurship.
African Bank’s partnership with South African fashion house Khosi Nkosi culminated in a triumphant showcase of the Legacy Collection, making an audacious statement on the global stage. The journey now continues to Paris, where the highly anticipated Frontline Collection will debut, further cementing African Bank’s commitment to fostering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and empowering African talent.
Africa to the World
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Villa Erba at Lake Como, Milan Fashion Week, held from February 25 to March 3, 2025, offered an auxiliary platform to the main schedule, allowing emerging and independent brands to shine. Among them was Khosi Nkosi, founded by Thabo and Khosi Mukwevho, who took centre stage with their Legacy Collection – a powerful homage to African heritage and contemporary elegance.
The show’s grand finale was led by actress, humanitarian and African Bank’s brand ambassador Nomzamo Mbatha, who graced the runway in a breathtaking piece from the collection. Her presence underscored the cultural significance of the collection, blending fashion with empowerment.
“I’ve travelled Italy so much, but I’ve never made it to Lake Como,” Mbatha shared. “To experience something so incredible, wonderful, and inspiring is a moment I’ll treasure forever. I’m so grateful to African Bank and proud of Khosi Nkosi and in deep admiration of their journey. Witnessing their first international show is something I will remember for a very long time.”
The Legacy Collection featured striking Ankara prints in shades of blue and green, along with West African-inspired knitwear, all designed to reflect the resilience and dignity of African Bank’s origins in the 1960s.
“This range is more than just clothing; it is a symbol of dignity, resilience and bold self-expression, reclaiming history in an audaciously fashionable way,” said Mbatha.
African Bank’s Group Chief Marketing Officer, Sbusiso Kumalo, echoed this sentiment:
“What we wear ultimately affects our confidence, our stance and how we’re perceived. Our shift to African prints and designs is a powerful statement of self-celebration and pride.”
Paris Awaits: The Frontline Collection
Building on the success in Milan, African Bank and Khosi Nkosi now prepare to debut the Frontline Collection at Paris Fashion Week on March 9. Set against the opulent backdrop of the Shangri-La Hotel, this collection redefines corporate fashion, proving that workplace attire can be both stylish and meaningful.
The Frontline Collection integrates Ankara prints, West African-inspired knitwear and adaptive designs, offering pieces that embody professionalism while celebrating African identity.
“To see our uniform collection embraced at Paris Fashion Week is extraordinary,” said Edna Sathekga-Montse, African Bank’s Group Chief Transformation & Sustainability Officer.
“It speaks volumes about the audacity of African Bank as a brand that dares to redefine the norms. This is a moment of pride, not just for us, but for every African who dares to dream.”
Empowering African Creativity and SMME Growth
Beyond the runway, this initiative reflects African Bank’s continued support for small businesses. Just two years ago, Khosi Nkosi was a growing local brand participating in African Bank’s enterprise development programme. Today, it is making an indelible mark on international fashion, growing from a team of four to forty employees.
“This journey has been nothing short of transformative,” said Nkosi. “This is what is possible when businesses invest in local talent. The world is witnessing the richness of African creativity and craftsmanship.”
By taking African fashion to the global stage, African Bank reaffirms its role as a champion of economic transformation: “African Bank’s purpose has always been clear: we back people. Whether in business, finance or creativity, we exist to uplift and empower. By taking this collection to the global stage, we are demonstrating that African talent stands tall alongside the world’s best,” Montse added.
As the anticipation builds for Paris Fashion Week, African Bank invites fashion enthusiasts and supporters to stream the upcoming showcase on Instagram @AfricanBank this Sunday.
The world is watching as African creativity takes its rightful place in the global fashion arena.
About African Bank
African Bank Limited is a Personal and Business & Commercial bank offering a range of financial products and services, serving both private and business customers. The bank has a countrywide branch distribution network and a full digital channel offering, as well as sales, collections, and customer service contact centres. African Bank is a scalable, diversified, and sustainable business focused on its heritage journey of being a bank for the people, by the people, serving the people – with a clear vision and strategy, strong leadership, and an audacious drive to deliver on the promise of its founders.
Visit African Bank on www.africanbank.co.za
