On 30 October, Foschini marked its centenary with an event that not only celebrated 100 years of fashion but also made a bold cultural statement through its collaboration with esteemed designer Rich Mnisi. This event gathered around 150 guests at the stunning Zeitz MOCAA, creating an atmosphere that was both reflective and forward-looking.
The evening began with guests being ushered into an immersive gallery experience curated by Anelisa Mangcu. This exhibit chronicled Foschini’s archival campaigns and garments, beautifully mapping the evolution of the brand and its relationship with South African women’s fashion over the past century. It was a nostalgic yet inspiring journey that filled many attendees with a sense of pride and connectivity.
Chairperson Michael Lewis opened the proceedings, imbued with reverence for both the brand’s legacy and the celebration of womanhood through style. However, the night truly reached its peak with the much-anticipated fashion presentation. Anelisa Mangcu, serving as the Master of Ceremonies, introduced a film titled “Foschini100: Our Stories,” which set the tone for the evening’s highlight.
CEO Anthony Thunström, along with Managing Director Robyn Wenlock, and Head of Business Candice Fogarty, framed the collaboration with Rich Mnisi as “a meeting of minds and milestones.” This collaboration was not just a commercial venture; it was a celebration of heritage, creativity, and shared values, speaking volumes about how both entities wish to empower women through fashion.
Founded in 2015, the contemporary, multi-disciplinary brand RICH MNISI is deeply rooted in Mnisi’s Tsonga heritage. Through innovative designs, the brand conveys rich narratives that resonate with its audience, encapsulating a sense of identity and culture. The collaboration resulted in five summer pieces that will be available for retail and 14 couture-level items created specifically for auction.
The fashion presentation saw models parading the new collection to a live set by DJ Lamiez Holworthy, who debuted a track produced especially for the event. This fusion of fashion and music created an exuberant atmosphere, further emphasizing the night’s celebratory spirit.
“I’ve always designed for women – for their strength, their contradictions, their stories,” reflected Mnisi. “Collaborating with Foschini on both of our milestones felt like extending that story to every woman who’s ever found herself in front of one of their mirrors.” His words resonated with many attendees, encapsulating the essence of what the night was about—a tribute to women everywhere.
The auctioning of the 14 exclusive pieces, which featured geometric motifs reimagined through a century’s lens, was a highlight of the evening. Conducted by Strauss & Co, the auction generated spirited bidding and raised funds for Move Africa, a crucial initiative aimed at combatting period poverty in South Africa, ensuring girls receive access to menstrual care and dignity.
This partnership between Foschini and RICH MNISI represents a commitment to uplifting local talent while making high-quality design accessible to a broader audience. Both brands emphasize the importance of celebrating and empowering women, ensuring that the legacies they build today contribute positively to communities and futures.