Local designers need a lot more credibility, especially in South Africa. They take on world stages, bring our cultures and heritage to their art and formulate fashioned expression through African and South African ideologies. Here are 5 South African designers and their brands, to know and love.
1.Loxion Kulca
‘Loxicon’ reflects the terms for townships, ghettos and underdeveloped areas that many call home. ‘Kulca’ talks about culture. Put the two in one titling and you get the streetwear brand that’s making big movements in the fashion world.
Starting out with just R17,50, the musings of LK have grown significantly, holding the African experience true to heart with flair. LK dominated virtual runways at this year’s SA fashion week– taking the streets to high fashion proudly. This is definitely a name that Mzanzi should know.
ERRE
ERRE understands the assignment when it comes to being bold. Minimalistically colourful and a kaledescope of sillouhettes are what you can expect from this local brand.
The creatives behind ERRE (Pronounced ‘Air’) are Carina Louw and Natasha Jaume from Pretoria. What started as an idea between the two fashion lecturers in 2013, would soon materialise into a fashion world force to be reckoned with.
The duo’s imaginings recently caught the eye of Share Africa, who selected them to exhibit at their prestigious inaugural Africa Fashion UP show in France– a prestigious invitation no less. The were also the only South African brand to be selected.
Thebe Magugu
Every one of Thebe Magugu’s collections tells a story. In fact, his latest spring collection which was rocked by Miley Cyrus, told a story of corruption in Africa and the whistleblowers who challenge it, embodying the works of political commentators like Zapiro. Magugu’s work has been worn by big names across the world, but is rooted in Africa, and more proudly, South Africa.
RICH MNISI
Founded by a local fashion genius of the same name, this brand is one for anyone who loves the dreamy intrigue of reality’s sublime. Mnisi understands the art of bringing culture and heritage into brilliant design work, and almost everything he creates looks like it comes straight out of a storybook.
Lukhanyo Mdingi
Mdingi is a young Cape Town-based designer who understands the art of intention and meticulous design. His burnt colour imaginings and design technique are integral products of his honest, steady and strong design work. Recently, Mdingi was crowned one of three winners of the LMVH Karl-Lagerfeld prize, representing the entire African continent beyond South Africa alone on an international virtual stage.
Picture: Instagram/ @@uglybruv
