Young Designers Take Centre Stage as Registrations Open for Allfashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026

Young Designers Take Centre Stage as Registrations Open for Allfashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026. Entries have officially opened for the Young Designer Competition at Allfashion Sourcing Cape Town, set to return in July 2026 as one of the continent’s leading business focused platforms for the textile, fashion and apparel sector.

The event will take place from 14 to 16 July at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 in Cape Town, bringing together designers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and buyers for three days of exhibitions and industry engagement.

Organisers say the exhibition will span multiple segments of the value chain, including fabrics, fashion, accessories, sustainability, technology, leather and textile related services. The platform aims to connect African creativity with global sourcing opportunities while supporting collaboration and innovation across the industry.

Alongside the exhibition, the programme will feature fashion shows, panel discussions and curated showcases highlighting emerging trends, product developments and sector insights. The Celebration of Fashion initiative will also return, recognising creativity and impact within the industry.

A key highlight is the Young Designers Competition, sponsored by ENS, with registrations opening on 5 February 2026. The competition is designed to provide emerging designers with industry exposure and opportunities to present their work to buyers, media and sector leaders.

Carlyn Frittelli Davies said the partnership supports creative entrepreneurs while contributing to industry development. The competition also aligns with broader initiatives linked to the African Fashion Guild.

Designers can register and access full competition details here: https://allfashionsourcing.za.messefrankfurt.com/capetown/en/Young-Designers-Competition/2026-Young-Designers-Competition.html

The 2026 edition also marks a leadership transition, with Natasha Pearce assuming the role of show director, succeeding Melissa Lewis.

Pearce steps into the position with experience in the clothing and textile sector and a focus on sustainability and local manufacturing. Lewis, who previously led the event, reflected on building industry relationships and strengthening the platform’s collaborative foundations.

Organisers say the upcoming edition will continue expanding engagement between local designers, manufacturers and global partners, reinforcing the platform’s role as a marketplace for innovation, sourcing and industry growth. Preparations are underway as stakeholders anticipate another gathering focused on creative exchange and commercial opportunity.