Absa has announced a major creative addition to the 2025 Absa Champagne in Africa Festival, with globally acclaimed designer Rich Mnisi joining the event as a key cultural partner. The festival, taking place on 22 November 2025 at the Norval Arts Foundation in Cape Town, will introduce a dedicated fashion moment inspired by Mnisi’s contemporary African luxury aesthetic.
A Fusion of Fashion and French Heritage
Mnisi’s involvement marks a new direction for the festival as it integrates high fashion into its long-standing celebration of authentic French champagne. His showcase aims to merge identity, craftsmanship, and modern African design, bringing a fresh narrative to the festival’s cultural offering.
“Champagne is a language of celebration, and fashion is a language of identity,” says Rich Mnisi. “Bringing the two together is a way of honouring African excellence in a global conversation. I’m excited to create something that feels timeless, modern, and unapologetically ours.”
Elevating the Festival Experience
Curated alongside Shaun Anderson of L’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, the 2025 edition will feature more than 40 French champagne houses, complemented by Mnisi’s artistic interpretation of luxury culture. The partnership positions the festival as a space where taste, style, and storytelling meet.
“The Absa Champagne in Africa Festival is more than a luxury experience, it’s a platform that honours craft, culture, and the stories that shape who we are,” says Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa Group. “This year’s expansion reflects the demand for experiences that bring people together in ways that are meaningful, elegant and unforgettable.”
A Cultural Moment Rooted in Excellence
By collaborating with Mnisi, Absa reinforces its commitment to platforms that celebrate African creativity on a global stage. The fashion showcase is expected to be a standout element of the Cape Town experience, adding depth to a festival already known for its refined gastronomy, music, and premium hospitality.
Tickets are available at R2250 via Quicket, with Absa Rewards members earning up to 30% cash back on champagne purchases.
