South African actress-turned-entrepreneur, Nkhensani Nkosi, is taking her afro-urban clothing label, Stoned Cherrie, to New York Fashion Week as part of the 2009 African Fashion Collective, making her the first South African fashion designer ever to show her work in the fabled Bryant Park tents.

“I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity,” says Nkosi. “I’ve always dreamt about having this kind of platform for Stoned Cherrie, and it launches us directly onto a world stage.”

Nkosi will be showing alongside three other African designers: MOMO and Tiffany Amber from Nigeria, and Xuly Bet, the world-renowned Malian Paris-based designer. These four have been brought together by Nigerian publisher Nduka Obaigbena to form the This Day/Arise Magazine African Fashion Collective. The truly African nature of the event will be underscored by music from Mozambican Dino Moran and the international debut of Ghanian model Kate Menson.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the amazing things happening in South Africa,” says Nkosi. “People continue to have a stereotypical view of Africa as the ‘Dark Continent,’ and it will be great to challenge that.”

Fashion director of Marie Claire South Africa, Sadie Cragg, says that Stoned Cherrie is an intrinsically African brand which is relevant to the western world. “Much of the street-wear or couture designs can be worn regardless of race or age. Designs are flattering and feminine while remaining uniquely African.”

Stoned Cherrie draws inspiration from the elegant 1950s Sophiatown era in Johannesburg where, like Harlem in New York City, it was a focus of arts, politics, religion, and entertainment. The brand is also breathing new life into traditional techniques, such as beading, crocheting, and fabric printing.

“Stoned Cherrie is helping to transform and reinvent an African aesthetic whilst remaining true to an African heritage,” says Cragg.

The African Fashion Collective will be showing in New York on February 13th.