JOHANNESBURG, Jul 14, 2009 / FW/ — Following the success of the recently concluded Arise Africa Fashion Week held in June, African Fashion International (AFI) has secured a five-year partnership for Cape Town Fashion Week with ARISE Magazine and thus giving birth to ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week.

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Slated on August 20 to 22, 2009, ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Nduka Obaigbena, group chairman and editor-in-chief of ARISE, said “ARISE and AFI recently successfully presented the ARISE Africa Fashion Week in June 2009. The partnership with African Fashion International (AFI) is a continued celebration of African achievement and an extension of our commitment to recognize and showcase the very best of African creative talent.”

Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, chairperson of African Fashion International, says, “As one of the world’s leading commentators on African culture and style internationally, ARISE is a natural partner for us and we’re excited by the business opportunities our new and extended partnership presents.”

The thirteen collections will showcase emerging designers along with industry heavyweights. The first day of ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week, presented in association with the Cape Town Fashion Council, focuses on young designers. Established mens’ and womens’ designers take the stage on the second day while the third day brings the weekend to a climax with elegant daywear and dazzling evening wear.

Adds Dr Motsepe, “This partnership not only brings a strong sense of stability but enables us to plan fairly far into the future and will assist us in growing the fashion industry into sustainable businesses.”

The designers showing at ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week will be announced in the middle of July. Tickets will be available to the general public through Computicket.