Somizi Makes Fashion History at Durban Fashion Fair
South African entertainer Somizi recently celebrated a major milestone—his first-ever fashion show at the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF), unveiling his SOMPİRE FEMME AMANDAWU COLLECTION. Sharing his journey on Instagram, he wrote,
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“Where do I start. I present to u SOMPIRE FEMME AMANDAWU COLLECTION. 2 and a half years ago I enrolled @villiotifashion as fashion design student. It started as one course which ended with 4 courses. I had to attend all of them 4 times a week over and above my daily gigs. Mc, radio, sompire business, tv, travelling etc. but I made it till the end.”
Somizi explained that when it came to choosing the location for his debut show, it had to be close to home. He said,
“Then I was like if I had to have my first fashion show where wud I go. And it only made sense to start at home. KZN. I then approached @donfashion_fair and had to present my collection and the rest is history.”
He described the collection as “intentional” and a tribute to his parents. “This collection is intentional. A dedication to my parents. AMANDAWU.”
Acknowledging the people who helped him bring his vision to life, Somizi expressed gratitude on Instagram:
“It took a village to make this possible. I realised mid conceptualisation how costly this exercise is and what it takes to pull it together. I’d like to thank the following people. @amatholefunerals_sa Makwande thanks for the financial support. @moosas_fabrics Ihsaan bless your heart and yo business. U held my hand and gave me everything I needed without any limits coz u cud see how big my dreams and vision is. @zakhaaofficial @teboho_tt_twala my brother for life. Helped me when I was about to give up coz of the load I was carrying. @bmwumhlanga thank u so much for making sure that everyone was taken care off from arrival to the end. @radissonbludurban @sorishanaidoo thanks for jumping in at such a short notice to accommodate my models.”
He also thanked his sewing team, manager Mvelo, production teams, models, performers, friends, and family, ending with: “MY HEART IS FULL. THOKOZA.”
Somizi featured top models including Mihlali Ndamase, Sorisha Naidoo, Sithelo, and Bahumi. Speaking to IOL, he said,
“My umbilical cord is in this province. My father’s family is based in KwaMashu. It is home. Therefore, being part of DFF is an honour and it is time.”
He added that his fashion studies inspired his choice of venue: “I told myself, if I were to showcase anywhere for the first time, it had to be at DFF. One, it’s home. Two, I have history with the brand. And three, DFF has positively impacted so many local designers.”
While Somizi launched Sompire Kids in 2023, his heart has always been set on designing for women. Through Sompire Femme, he celebrates women who embody elegance, strength, and bold self-expression. “It’s a blend of ready-to-wear and couture, inspired by the 2025 DFF theme, ‘The Awakening’. The collection features original prints. I dedicate this line to Amandlozi akithi, my ancestors.”
