Our City is steeped in creativity and culture, with a vibrant design community that is constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas.
From fashion designers to product designers, interior designers to writers, there is no shortage of talent in the city.
Here are a few of the top designers from Cape Town:
1. Laduma Ngxokolo
Laduma Ngxokolo is a highly acclaimed fashion designer best known for his knitwear designs, which incorporate traditional Xhosa beadwork and patterns into modern, contemporary pieces.
Laduma’s work has garnered international attention, and he has been featured in major publications such as Vogue, The New York Times, and Elle and he has showcased his work at huge fashion events, including New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.
As a child, he was fascinated by the intricate beadwork and patterns that adorned traditional Xhosa garments. This fascination inspired him to pursue a career in fashion design, with the goal of incorporating these traditional elements into modern, wearable designs.
Through his brand, MaXhosa, he has helped to preserve and promote traditional Xhosa textile traditions, while also creating contemporary designs that appeal to a global audience.
2. Heath Nash
Heath Nash is a product designer known for his sustainable approach to design. Nash creates lighting fixtures, home decor and other objects from recycled and found materials.
His designs are colourful, playful and environmentally conscious, and have gained recognition around the world. His work has been featured in exhibitions and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
In addition to his work as a designer, Nash is also committed to promoting sustainable design practices and supporting local artisans. He has worked with various organisations in South Africa to train young designers and entrepreneurs, and has helped to establish a network of artisans who create his designs using traditional craft techniques.
3. David Tlale
David Tlale is a fashion designer who has gained international recognition for his bold, innovative designs. His designs are known for their strong, architectural silhouettes and use of colour and pattern.
He has dressed a number of high-profile clients, including former South African First Lady Zanele Mbeki and American singer Keri Hilson. His work has been featured on runways around the world, including New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Africa.
Tlale has also been involved in a number of initiatives to mentor young designers and promote African fashion on the global stage. In 2018, he launched his own mentorship programme, the David Tlale Internship, which provides young designers with the opportunity to work with him and gain hands-on experience in the fashion industry.
Also read: First fashion masterclass for emerging designers in Cape Town
4. Lukhanyo Mdingi
Lukhanyo Mdingi is a fashion designer known for his minimalist and understated designs. After studying fashion design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Lukhanyo launched his eponymous label in 2015.
Mdingi’s designs are known for their clean lines, neutral colour palette and use of natural fabrics such as linen and cotton. He draws inspiration from traditional African textiles and techniques, and incorporates these elements into his contemporary designs.
Mdingi has shown his collections at a number of fashion events, including Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town and AFI Fashion Week Johannesburg.
He is also committed to promoting sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry. He has partnered with organisations such as the Ethical Fashion Initiative and Fashion Revolution South Africa to promote awareness around issues such as fair labour practices and responsible sourcing.
5. Rich Mnisi
Rich Mnisi is a fashion designer who founded his own brand in 2014. Mnisi’s designs are known for their unique mix of modern and traditional aesthetics, incorporating elements of African culture and heritage into contemporary fashion.
The designs often use luxurious materials such as silk, leather and faux fur. His designs have been featured in a number of prestigious fashion events, including Paris Fashion Week and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg.
In addition to his work as a fashion designer, Mnisi is also a creative director and photographer, and has worked with a number of high-profile clients in the fashion and entertainment industries.
He is also committed to promoting social change and activism through his work, and has used his platform to raise awareness around issues such as gender equality and LGBTQ rights.
Also read:
Fashion designer from Delft shortlisted for Africa Fashion Week in London
Picture: MaXhosa Africa