By Celani Sikhakhane
- Somizi’s new women’s line called Sompire Femme will close the 14th Durban Fashion Fair on 19 September.
- The TV personality says KwaZulu-Natal is home because his father’s family lives in KwaMashu near Durban.
TV star Somizi Mhlongo will show off his new women’s clothing line at this year’s Durban Fashion Fair.
His Sompire Femme collection will close the 14th Durban Fashion Fair on 19 September at the Durban Exhibition Centre.
This will be Somizi’s first time showing clothes he designed on a runway.
The City of eThekwini announced this to boost the fashion fair. The event helps the city’s money flow and brings visitors.
Somizi has loved fashion for a long time. He works in TV, acts and does choreography.
“My fashion journey started in high school. I would change uniforms and add details. I didn’t know that was part of being a designer,” he said.
He started Sompire Kids clothes in 2023. But he always wanted to design for women.
Now with Sompire Femme, he celebrates women who show power and confidence.
He is finishing his studies at Villioti Fashion Institute soon.
“Studying fashion properly changed everything. If I were to show anywhere for the first time, it had to be at the Durban Fashion Fair. It’s home. I have a history with the brand. And the fair has helped so many local designers,” Somizi said.
His family ties to KwaZulu-Natal run deep.
“My father’s family is based in KwaMashu. It is home. Being part of the fair is an honour,” he said.
Somizi calls his collection a mix of everyday clothes and fancy pieces. It follows this year’s theme “The Awakening.”
The clothes have original prints he made to honour his ancestors.
“I dedicate this line to my ancestors,” he said.
Somizi plans to grow the Sompire brand with adult clothes and maybe men’s wear too.
This year’s fair will have over 60 designers showing their work from 17 to 19 September. Shows run from 6pm to 9pm each day.
Pictured above: Somizi Mhlongo will show at Durban Fashion Fair for the first time to promote his brand
Image source: The City of eThekwini
