Jazz meets runway: the CTIJF fashion and music takeover at Youngblood Africa Gallery

A fashion show tied to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) took over Youngblood Africa Gallery in the Mother City on Thursday night, and for a moment, it felt like I had stepped into a New York Fashion Week after-party - just with better music and a Cape Town edge.

Walking in, there was that brief pause. The kind where you wonder if you’ve missed a memo somewhere.

The crowd looked effortlessly put together, like they woke up knowing exactly what the assignment was.

Meanwhile, I was quietly double-checking myself, replaying my outfit decisions in my head. But after a quick scan and a deep breath, it settled; the dress code panic was unnecessary. I was exactly where I needed to be.

The space itself had that cool, unbothered energy. People stood around with drinks in hand, looking very “artsy” - and let’s be honest, no one ever explains what that means, but somehow everyone commits. 

Poses were giving intention, conversations looked serious, and I just decided to go with it and act like I, too, knew exactly what was going on.

The music carried the whole thing. Deep house. No confusion, no random genre switch-ups. Just smooth, steady beats setting the tone. Personally, I didn’t need to hear anything else - that was the assignment, and it delivered.

And then there was the hair. Natural hair everywhere, curls, coils, afros, all showing up and showing off. As a natural girly, it was impossible not to notice. There’s something about seeing that kind of texture take centre stage that adds an extra layer of confidence to a room.

What I also loved was how real it felt. Not everyone came dressed like they had hours to prepare. Some people clearly rushed from work, made it just in time, and still looked good.

It wasn’t forced perfection, just people pulling through and making it fashion anyway. 

The fashion, which was the main event of the evening, did not play it safe. It showed up in full colour, full personality, and a strong sense of identity.   

This wasn’t your typical runway where looks march in a straight line and everyone claps politely at the end. 

Designers were given full creative freedom, each outfit felt like its own statement, turning the showcase into more of a living fashion installation than a traditional catwalk.

There was movement, texture, and personality in every piece, and it was impossible not to get swept up in the energy of it all.

Standing beside the portrait of jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, Rayhaan Survé, the chairman of the CTIJF, said: “What Abdullah represents is legacy. It's also paving the way forward for the next generation, which is the central theme of what tonight is all about.” 

And that message was clear in every garment on display. The evening wasn’t just about showing off clothes; it was a reminder of how South African talent can come together and produce true masterpieces.

The all-black collection was pure mood. Lace that teased just enough skin, oversized blazers and shirts adding drama, and models strutting like they owned every corner of the gallery. Confidence in black, baby! A sexy black number never fails, it’s timeless, and it instantly commands attention.

Every piece had that perfect mix of edgy and elegant, like “yes, I’m here, yes, I know I look good, and yes, you’re going to notice.”

The models didn’t just walk, they commanded the space, and I low-key found myself straightening my posture just to catch a bit of that energy. Black magic, seriously. It’s that feeling when you see something simple but powerful, and you think, “I want that energy in my life.” 

And in fashion, black will always win - it’s sexy, it’s confident, and it’s just… effortless.  

The prints and colours were everything. Stripes, sequins, and those 3D-looking textures that seemed to pop off the fabric brought serious energy to the floor. These pieces had personality; they moved, caught the light, and made the room feel alive. 

Oversized jackets, flowing skirts, and dresses with unexpected shapes added a playful, confident vibe that made you want to stop and really look.

Some looks mixed patterns and textures in ways you didn’t think could work, but somehow they did, and it felt effortless. The colours clashed in the best way, and the sequins glimmered without being over the top. 

This is the type of fashion that makes you notice how much personality can come through in fabric. Designers are leaning into experimentation, showing that you can have fun, show off creativity, and still keep it fashionable. 

And in case you’ve been living under a fashionable rock, dopamine dressing is the trend right now, and this collection totally leaned into it - and yes, I am totes here for it.  

Tickets for the 2026 CTIJF are available through Ticketmaster, with Buy Now Pay Later options on Loot. Festival organisers encourage early ticket purchase due to high demand.

For updates, follow @capetowninternationaljazzfest on social media and visit the festival website.