Africa's got nothing to wear
The fashion week was planned for November 4 to 7.
AFI marketing and communications officer Marica Quarsingh's notification to the designers read:
"Dear Designers,
I apologise for the delay in communication; it has been with sincere consideration that AFI has come to this final decision with the way forward for 2015.
Should you have queries or concerns please feel free to contact me to discuss further."
Designers, who asked not to be named, told The Times that they had pulled out of the event after being told that they would have to cover their travel expenses to Namibia, which was to host the event.
In previous years Africa Fashion International had been staged in South Africa.
Founded by Precious Moloi Motsepe, AFI owns and operates Africa's top fashion weeks: Cape Town Fashion Week and Joburg Fashion Week. Described as "the best fashion week in Africa" by designers and bloggers, the event attracts some of South Africa's most high-profile socialites.
Front row A-listers include the likes of Bonang Matheba, Somizi Mhlongo, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane and international model Alek Wek.
The fashion week is big on showcasing the continent's leading fashion designers, such as David Tlale, Mozambique's Taibo Bacar, London's Sindiso Khumalo and Marianne Fassler.
AFI has also established itself as a launch pad for young designers, enabling them to showcase their work to the world.
Source: The Times