Preview: see african fashion

"Absolutely fabulous," enthused South Africa's Cosmopolitan magazine of haute-couture designers Buckton Du Toit. Featuring simple yet sensuous designs , exquisitely finished with pearls, silks and lace, their collections are fast gaining fans outside their native South Africa. Judge for yourself at Whiteleys tonight, when their creations - along with those of other leading African designers - will be paraded by some of fashion's hottest properties, including Pumla (right), and Yves Saint Laurent's favourite model, Waris Darie. The fashion show, part of the "Africa at Whiteleys" festival, will be in aid of the UN's campaign against female circumcision, a cause for which the Somalian Darie is an ardent ambassador. And, while feasting your eyes on the finest haute-couture Africa has to offer, you can ease your conscience with the knowledge that you're raising the profile of the unkindest cut of all.

Whiteleys Shopping Centre, W2 (0171-229 8844) tonight, 7pm, free

Vivienne Heller