EXPRESSION
2026
From Rhythm to Runway
Tonight's Programme
Flore Ardente
Burning Bloom
An ode to those who have burned, bloomed and risen beautifully.
Inspired by the South African protea, a flower that requires fire to bloom, Flore Ardente explores resilience as beauty. From pressure to poise, restraint to release, survival becomes form.
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- Protea-inspired structural forms
- Restraint and release in silhouette
- Resilience translated as high-fashion beauty
- Sculptural transformation and organic textures
Inspired by the South African protea, a flora whose life cycle is intrinsically linked to regenerative fires, Flore Ardente explores resilience as an aesthetic language. The garments mirror the transition from ash to rebirth—transforming rigid, protective exterior forms into delicate, sprawling blooms.
Metro Villa
Metro Villa is Cape Town's unapologetically loud, high-octane punk rock quartet known for turning every stage into a riot of raw energy and emotion.
Described as "the city's answer to The Hives," the band fuses frolicking riffs, seismic drum fills, and fiercely melodic vocals, delivering electrifying performances that balance wild rebellion with surprising emotional depth.
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Since their formation in 2021, Metro Villa has carved out a distinctive space in South Africa's rock scene. Despite their mosh-pit-ready image, their depth shines on their debut live album, Live at the Two Oceans Aquarium, revealing themes of heartbreak, loss, and young love. Winners of Texx and the City's Band Or Bust (2023), they have shared stages with rock heavyweights like Fokofpolisiekar and Springbok Nude Girls. Their single "Shallow Graves," directed by Adam Hansen, surpassed 20,000 views in its first week.
The Untouchables: The Artisan Collection
A study in radiant contrast, where gothic symbolism is reborn in light. This collection reimagines sacred iconography through ultra-modern silhouettes.
Ivory replaces darkness. Gold replaces shadow. Strength is expressed in softness. Power, in purity.
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- Sacred cross motif and angel wing appliques
- Intricate lace panelling combined with sharp tailoring
- Corsetry and high-collared silhouettes
- Pearl embellishments and feathered textures
The Untouchables juxtaposes traditional dark gothic motifs with luminous, light-filled craftsmanship. By reimagining sacred symbols using soft ivory hues and ornate metallic detailing, the collection constructs an armor of elegance and spiritual purity.
Ruben Gerritz
Ruben Gerritz is a Cape Town singer-songwriter whose music blends deep blues heritage with infectious indie pop and a funky African touch.
With three European tours completed, Ruben eliminates genre boundaries to strike an immediate, authentic chord with every audience.
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Actively performing across Cape Town and internationally over the past six years, Ruben Gerritz has crafted a unique sonic signature. Fusing smooth vocal lines, rhythmic acoustic style, and African rhythmic influences, his live interlude adds warmth and soul to tonight's runway flow.
Dutch Debut
Where Heritage Meets Hustle
Fusing the delicate artistry of Delft porcelain with the rugged resilience of denim workwear.
Blue-and-white patterns collide with modern tailoring, puffed sleeves with structured jeans, and gowns with grit. Rooted in the Dutch spirit of innovation and the designer's own family legacy, this collection honours the past while forging a bold new future—heritage redefined for a modern world.
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- Delft-inspired blue & white printed fabrics and linings
- High-contrast denim workwear with decorative stitching
- Exaggerated sleeve volumes and wide-leg trousers
- Ballet-inspired movement and structured corsetry
Talia Orton has performed with Cape Town City Ballet in productions of Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. She is extensively trained with Cape Junior Ballet, dancing on numerous productions including The Sleeping Princess. Among her career highlights, she is most proud to have been part of Dreaming Dance in District 6, a tribute to Johaar Mosaval.
Dutch Debut bridges centuries-old European craftsmanship with contemporary streetwear sensibilities. Drawing directly from Delft pottery and ancestral Dutch roots, the collection presents modern tailoring that honors historical craft through a tough, functional denim lens.
Vogue
The Divas + JP
In Jacques Le Grange Couture
Vogue is where performance meets couture.
The Divas and JP take the Expression stage in custom Jacques Le Grange creations—sculpted specifically for presence, dramatic movement, and raw stage impact.
The King of Couture
Known widely as South Africa's "King of Couture," Jacques Le Grange has dressed the nation's most prominent personalities. For Expression 2026, his couture becomes an active, moving author of the live performance itself.
Jacques Le Grange is synonymous with South African high fashion and red-carpet glamour. His designs prioritize drama, impeccable fit, and luxurious craftsmanship, bringing high couture directly onto the live stage.
Led by Monique Orange, The Divas are a dynamic female vocal trio bringing powerful vocals, commanding stage presence and sophisticated performance energy to the Expression stage. With a repertoire spanning bold contemporary covers and unforgettable live moments, The Divas combine musicality, individuality and visual impact to create performances that demand attention. For Expression: From Rhythm to Runway, they bring their signature blend of elegance, strength and performance power to a showcase where music and couture meet.
Iconoclast
Taking the Stage
This collection disrupts traditional fashion codes through bold, theatrical self-expression, drawing on legendary figures who themselves reshaped identity, gender expression, and performance aesthetics.
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- High-shine metallic leather and heavy studding
- Dramatic sequined, glittered, and fringed textures
- Rock-and-roll tailoring and glammed-up outerwear
- Gender-defying silhouettes made for the stage light
Iconoclast pays tribute to the trailblazers of stage and music history who turned costume into identity. Through dynamic textures, metallic fabrics, and dramatic lines, Keith McKenna builds a runway collection that acts as an arena for radical individuality and theatrical rebellion.
Finale Walk
All Collections & Performers — Music by DJ Luke
The complete cast of designers, models, and performers return to the runway for the Expression 2026 closing walk, driven by the live beats of DJ Luke.
↑ Back to running orderThe Collections
Swipe through each designer's world, then explore the full look.
The Performances
Swipe through the night's live acts, then explore the full set.
Show Credits & Acknowledgements
Thank you to the production team, hair & makeup stylists, sound and lighting technicians, venue team, and guests who made Expression 2026 possible.
Designers
Charlene Sauerman
Zoe Willems
Jacques Le Grange
Keith McKenna
Performers
Ruben Gerritz
The Divas + JP
DJ Luke's
Production
Charlene Sauerman and Michelle Queen
Photography:
Hein Hough and Zahnell De Abreu
Venue:
Kwena Music