The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has announced a three year partnership with African Fashion International (AFI) as the official accommodation partner for its national fashion weeks - Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town, Joburg and Africa.

“The Carlson-Rezidor and AFI partnership recognises two icons within their respective industries, both of whom are promoting Africa as a world class creative destination,” said Han Oldenburger, regional director Sub-Saharan Africa Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.

The synergy also reinforces AFI’s positioning of African fashion on a global scale as the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is not only an internationally prestigious brand but is currently expanding its African footprint with new openings set for Lusaka, Zambia and Tete and Maputo in Mozambique.

Presenting South Africa with a preview of prestigious Spring/Summer fashions, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from July 25th-28th with 26 designers presenting their collections on runway shows over the four days.

Amongst the world-renowned designers to be hosted by the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront and Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town, Foreshore, are SA fashion icons Thula Sindi, David Tlale and Spero Viliotti from Johannesburg and Durban designers Dax Martin and Leigh Schubert all of whom will mingle with VIP media guests residing at the hotels for the duration of this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town.

Having already established itself as one of the world’s largest and most dynamic hotel groups, the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is set to rapidly expand its African portfolio with seven new openings scheduled between 2012 and 2013.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa will take place In Johannesburg from October 20th-24th 2012.