ISUZU’s Luxury Collection Struts the SAFW SS25 Runway
Tiger Blue, Rubicon and Thabo Makhetha were the stars of Isuzu’s Luxury Collection at South Africa Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025. The theme of Quiet Luxury was represented perfectly, with casual and formal garments reflecting style and sophistication whilst still remaining functional.
We asked ISUZU’s Marketing Executive, Ziphindiwe, about the synergy between fashion and motoring, and why it was important for them to be at South Africa Fashion Week. Her answer: “ISUZU is a brand that believes in showing up in an authentic manner. South African designers don’t just create garments; they also tell our stories. They are bringing our culture to life and taking it to the world. At ISUZU, we appreciate and respect the beauty of storytelling. This is just doing it in a different space. Whether it is creating a garment or creating a vehicle, we both share the same passion for craftsmanship. We both create with purpose.”
She continued: “On the runway, you saw a little bit of everything. You saw an item that you can wear to the office. You saw an item that you can where to a ladies night out or on a beach holiday. And then again, you saw elegance in it all. So, [ISUZU’s Luxury Collection] brings that adventure where you can literally pick any one of those items and wear them to go off-roading or urban sightseeing and be completely comfortable.”
Tiger Blue Delights with Men’s Denim
Known as South Africa’s premium denim craftsmanship brand, Tiger Blue was a sure choice for ISUZU to include in their Luxury Collection. Founder Etienne Joubert and Head of Design Wilrien Strydom worked together to curate a men’s collection that embodied casual luxury.
Tiger Blue, established in 2022, was born from Joubert’s passion for the heritage of workwear. Furthermore, origins of denim as a hard-wearing fabric for miners in the late 19th century was the inspiration for the brand. Therefore, he focuses on raw selvedge denim and makes it fashionable.
He says: “Tiger Blue Raw Selvedge is unique; it’s a mindset, a journey of discovery, and it’s about being real, authentic, and tough.” And, with a philosophy – born to roam, made to endure – those who wear Tiger Denim represent lifestyles full of adventure and courage.
The collection featured raw selvedge denim trousers, hard-wearing cotton tees, leather holsters, genuine leather belts, selvedge chore jackets and sneakers. Male models sauntered up and down the SAFW runway in their dark denim jeans, structured T-shirts and masculine accessories that certainly turned a lot of heads.
Thabo Makhetha Combines Quiet Luxury with Loud Heritage
Renowned fashion designer, Thabo Makhetha, was also welcomed as one of ISUZU’s featured designers. Her eponymous label was established in 2009 and is known for its signature use of Basotho blankets as capes and coats.
Makhetha’s collection this year “shows heritage in a new light.” In a seamless blend of sustainability, cultural storytelling and understated luxury, it wowed the crowd. Appearing in shades of cream, mint green and brown, her collection opened the ISUZU show in effortless casual luxury. In fact, she said: “ISUZU’s sponsorship is a celebration of craftsmanship and innovation – values that resonate deeply with my own design philosophy.”
The designer is a leading voice in luxury fashion, both locally and internationally. Her work has been featured in leading international publications and has garnered numerous accolades, including AWIEF’s Creative Industry Award. Additionally, the Government of Lesotho has also awarded her the Arts & Culture Appreciation Award in 2024.
Rubicon Closes The Show in Refined African Style
Hangwani Nengovhela is the founder of Rubicon, a brand known for blending African opulence with contemporary sophistication. Essentially, this brand embraces modern contemporary fashion while celebrating its roots in the Venda culture. The historical landscapes of Mapungubwe heavily influence the brand’s aesthetic, with its spiritual richness informing the textures, colours and movements in Rubicon’s designs.
Unique prints and intricate craftsmanship are present in every Rubicon collection, highlighting natural landscapes and traditional motifs. Sustainable yet high-quality fabrics are used in all garments whilst supporting local artisans.
Rubicon’s ISUZU Collection entered the runway with audible oohs and ahs from the audience. Blue is the colour of the season with silk blouses, trousers and dresses. In addition, a pop of colour came in the form of a yellow midi dress as well as a white gown with a tiered tulle skirt.
Nengovhela said: “I want Rubicon to be known as a brand that brings something new to the global conversation: A refined African aesthetic rooted in culture, elegance and innovation.”
Finally, after seeing what these three brands presented as their Spring/Summer collections for 2025, there is clearly ample to look forward to once the sun comes out to play.
