fbpx

Friday 24th of March 2023

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: south Africa

Bonang Matheba And Steve Madden Announce A Summertime Collaboration.

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

South African powerhouse Bonang Matheba will launch the Steve Madden Bonang Matheba Holiday Select Collection, marking the brand’s first-ever African partnership.
This partnership demonstrates Steve Madden’s trend-setting edge yet again as part of the brand’s build-up in honor of its ten-year anniversary in Africa.

Six shoe types and two handbag designs make up Bonang Matheba’s holiday collection, which, in the view of the fashion star, best captures the joyous spirit of a South African summer.

She stated, “I was looking for styles that would be fantastic for holidays, celebrations, dancing the night away in, or perhaps be the perfect gift to spoil someone special throughout the holiday season. Looking at the collection, which is distinguished by its distinctive Bonang packaging, Bonang has done an excellent job.

 

The line will debut during the 7 November Steve Madden Spring/Summer collection unveiling and go on sale in stores and online on November 6, 2022.

The Steve Madden Spring/Summer collection’s official debut and fashion show were invite-only events that took place at the Zeitz Mocaa Museum in Cape Town on November 7.

Guests were treated to a sunset fashion presentation themed “Walk in Central Park” that featured Steve Madden’s just released SS22 Spring/Summer clothes collection as well as the footwear line for the next season.

The well-known American brand Steve Madden entered the South African retail industry in 2013 with the opening of its first African location in Fourways, Johannesburg. To date, the business has grown to 14 retail locations around the country. The local team members, however, are aiming for market share in Africa, and Steve Madden has expanded its reach to include Namibia in keeping with its growth strategy of exposure through strategic locations on the continent.

Country manager Michelle de Fonseca stated at the launch that the brand’s emphasis is on its online offering, which ships throughout Africa, as well as standalone storefronts in chosen locations throughout important African markets. 20 standalone locations are planned for the end of 2023 as part of the company’s “goal to continue our successful retail expansion,” the spokesperson added.

De Fonseca stated the following in regards to the season’s debut and fashion show: “Steve Madden is synonymous with must-have footwear, and we are the most admired and sought-after shoe brand in SA. We set trends in the market for footwear, bags, and accessories, therefore we are thrilled to be entering the men’s and women’s clothes space with the same edginess and Steve Madden trademark of our shoes.

 

 

The Steve Madden Bonang Matheba Holiday Select Collection, the result of this season’s collaboration with South African giant Bonang Matheba, was revealed and announced at the event’s fashion showcase of the newest footwear and clothing.

The marketing manager for Steve Madden SA, who came up with the idea for the partnership, Tumelo Mmusi, called it “history in the making.” For the first time, Steve Madden International has partnered with African talent, demonstrating the brand’s dedication to the South African and African markets.

A variety of go-to holiday looks were chosen by Bonang for the Steve Madden Bonang Matheba Holiday Select Collection. Everyone on the earth, according to Bonang, would choose Steve Madden if they were to collaborate with a business.

Speaking on the relationship between the USA and South Africa, Ian Funk, president of international sales for the company based in New York, who was present at the event in Cape Town, said, “Our staff is enthralled by South Africa and the potential that lay ahead. We are thrilled about the collaboration with Bonang and eager to grow and work our magic together.

Lift Airlines, Home Suite Hotels, House of BNG, SoHo, and Mac Cosmetics are just a few of the well-known companies that have teamed up with Steve Madden for the launch.

Content courtesy of Front Page, Zalebs & NFH

SAMA: South African Music Awards 2022 Full List Of Winners

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The South African Music Awards (SAMAs) 2022 full list of winners was revealed on August 28 at the Sun City Superbowl in Rustenburg.

On August 27, the same location hosted the announcement of the first round of winners. Stogie T, A Reece, and Tshego performed on the second day of the awards show, which was hosted by Nandi Madida, Lawrence Maleka, Mpho Popps, Robot Boii, and Alphi Sipho Mkhwanazi. There was also an emotional homage to the late Riky Rick. Makhadzi, Takie Ndou, Shekinah, Musa Keys, Konke, Da Capo, and Lloyiso are a few more performers.

Chymamusique won the top prizes, including Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year, in addition to Best Dance Album.

Zakes Bantwini, who just revealed he will be hanging up his microphone, won two prizes for his mega hit “Osama” in the categories of Best Collaboration and SAMRO Highest Radio Airplay Composer.

After winning the award for Best Classical/Instrumental Album, Khanyisile Mthetwa was named the White Star Newcomer of the Year. The Best Kwaito Album and Best Duo/Group awards have officially been given to Reece Madlisa and Zuma. With his album B4Now, Blxckie won Best Hip Hop Album.

When Haksul Muziq triumphed against stiff opposition to win the SAMPRA Artist of the Year award, fans were in awe. The TECNO Music Video of the Year award went to Makhadzi’s Ghanama featuring Prince Benza, and the TECNO Record of the Year award went to Musa Keys’ Vula Mlomo.

The first-ever TikTok Viral Song of the Year award went to “uMlando” by 9umba, Mdoovar, and Toss.

Jimmy Dludlu, Joe Nina, and McCoy Mrubata received the Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their outstanding bodies of work throughout their careers and services to the business. Black Coffee received the International Achiever Award for his accomplishments outside of South Africa.

According to RiSA CEO Nhlanhla Sibisi, “our 28th installment has unquestionably set the highest bar for live awards events.” “We appreciate the efforts of our hosts, Nandi Madida and Lawrence Maleka, as well as all the speakers and performers who made this a memorable evening.
We are pleased of each and every winner for 2022 because they upheld the standard that had been set. We enjoyed our time in Sun City much and hope to return there in 2023.

 

Below is the full list of day 1 and 2 SAMAs winners:

Album of the Year

  • Musique – Chymamusique
  • African Electronic Dance Music – Sun-El Musician
  • Ghetto King – Zakes Bantwini
  • It’s All You – Brian Temba
  • When House Was House – Mobi Dixon

Best Duo or Group of the Year

  • Ama Roto Vol.2 – Reece Madlisa and Zuma
  • Elephant In The Room – Watershed
  • Franco Prinsloo: Kruis Van Liefde – Franco Prinsloo and Vox Chamber Choir
  • Pangaea – Wouter Kellerman and David Arkenstone
  • Wangikhulisa uMama – Shwi Nomtekhala

Best Female Artist of the Year

  • ‘Platinumb Heart Open’ – Msaki
  • ‘African Bird’ – Khanyisile Mthetwa
  • ‘Nkulunkulu’ – Kamo Mphela
  • ‘Trailblazer’ – Reign Afrika
  • ‘Trouble In Paradise’ – Shekhinah

Best Male Artist of the Year

  • ‘Musique’ – Chymamusique
  • ‘African Electronic Dance Music’ – Sun-El Musician
  • ‘Ghetto King’ – Zakes Bantwini
  • ‘It’s All You’ – Brian Temba
  • ‘When House Was House’ – Mobi Dixon

White Star Newcomer of the Year

  • Khanyisile Mthetwa – ‘African Bird’
  • Thapelo Lekoane – ‘Tapestry’
  • 25K – ‘Pheli Makaveli
  • Ncebakazi Msomi – ‘The 34th Psalm’
  • Botanist Mr Lamington – ‘The Shift’

Best Hip Hop Album

  • B4NOW – Blxckie
  • Father Of Zen – Kid X
  • Pheli Makaveli – 25K
  • Today’s Tragedy, Tomorrow’s Memory: Mixtape – A-Reece
  • Logan – Emtee

Best Collaboration

  • ‘Osama’ – Zakes Bantwini and Kasango
  • ‘Imali’ – Karyendasoul and Zakes Bantwini ft. Nana Atta
  • ‘Wamuhle’ – Njelic and Boohle feat. De Mthuda, Da Muziqal Chef
  • ‘Zwivhuya’ – Makhadzi ft. Joe Delinger
  • ‘No Rainbow’ – Msaki feat. Da Capo

Best Amapiano Album

  • Notumato – Young Stunna
  • Nkulunkulu – Kamo Mphela
  • Auti eSharp – Mas Musiq
  • Kwa Kwa – Mellow and Sleazy
  • President Ya Strata – Focalistic

TECNO Record of the Year (ROTY)

  • Vula Mlomo – Musa Keys ft. Sir Trill and Nobantu Vilakazi
  • Abalele – Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku
  • Adiwele – Young Stunna ft. Kabza De Small
  • Asibe Happy – Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku
  • Banyana – DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU ft. Daliwonga, Sir Trill and Kabza De Small
  • Black And White – Nasty C and Ari Lennox
  • I’m With You – Matthew Mole
  • Osama – Zakes Bantwini and Kasango
  • Phakade Lami – Nomfundo ft. Sha Sha and Ami Faku
  • Umsebenzi Wethu – Busta 929 and Mpura ft. Zuma, Mr Jazziq, Lady Du and Reece Madlisa

TECNO Music Video of the Year (MVOTY)

  • Ghanama – Makhadzi ft. Prince Benza
  • Indlovu – DJ Zinhle ft. Loyiso
  • Izolo – DJ Maphorisa and Tyler ICU ft. Mpura, Daliwonga and Visca
  • Jola – De Mthuda ft. Sino Msolo and Da Muziqal Chef
  • LiYoshona (Main Mix) – Kwiish SA ft. Njelic, MalumNator and De Mthuda
  • Mmapula – Busta 929 ft. Mzu M
  • Nkulunkulu – Kamo Mphela
  • Phakade Lami – Nomfundo Moh ft. Sha Sha and Ami Faku
  • Summer Yo Muthi – Blaq Diamond
  • Yini Sdakwa – ThackzinDJ, Tee Jay and Sir Trill ft. Dlala Thukzin, Nkosazana Daughter, Rascoe Kaos, Moscow and Mpura

SAMPRA Artist of the Year (AOTY)

  • Haksul MUZIQ
  • AfroToniQ
  • A-Reece
  • Brandon Dhludhlu
  • Emtee
  • Jennifer Zamudio
  • Makhadzi
  • Millie Ngwalangwala
  • Musa Keys
  • Rodger KB

TikTok Most Viral Song of the Year are:

  • ‘uMlando’ – 9umba & TOSS & Mdoovar
  • ‘Trigger’ – DJ Karri
  • ‘Abo Mvelo’ – Daliwonga ft. Mellow & Sleazy & M.J.
  • ‘Sisonke’ – Thozi ft. Khanyisa, Sphokuhle & Pd Jokes
  • ‘Nkao Tempela’ – Ch’cco & Mellow & Sleazy
  • ‘Bakwa Lah’ – Major League DJz & Nvcho & Mathandos
  • ‘Phakade Lami’ – Nomfundo Moh
  • ‘Banyana’ – DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU
  • ‘Adiwele’ – Young Stunna ft. Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa
  • ‘Big Flexa’ – Costa Titch

Samro Highest Radio Airplay Composers Award

  • Osama – Zakes Bantwini

CAPASSO Most Streamed Song of the Year

  • ‘Abalele’ –  Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa ft. Ami Faku

International Achiever Award

  • Black Coffee

Lifetime Achiever Award

  • Joe Nina
  • Jimmy Dludlu
  • McCoy Mrubata

Best Adult Contemporary Album

  • Platinumb Heart Open – Msaki
  • Tapestry – Thapelo Lekoane
  • Where The Light Gets In – Pat McCay
  • Elephant In The Room – Watershed
  • Brother – Jacob Swann

Best Classical/Instrumental Album

  • African Bird – Khanyisile Mthetwa
  • Pangaea – Wouter Kellerman and David Arkenstone
  • It Takes Three – Charl Du Plessis Trio
  • Afrikaans – Scheppel
  • Franco Prinsloo: Kruis Van Liefde – Franco Prinsloo and Vox Chamber Choir

Best African Adult Contemporary Album

  • Cwaka – Mandisi Dyantyis
  • Thetha Mama – The One Who Sings
  • Camagu – Ntando
  • 2020 – Joe Nina
  • The Red Stoep – Nomfusi

Beste Kontemporêre Musiek Album

  • Volume – Die Heuwels Fantasties
  • Al Die Ysters – Jan Jan Jan
  • Sangoma Sandilands and Jou Pa Se Posse Maanskyn – Neil Sandilands
  • Twintigeenentwintig – Jennifer Zamudio
  • Woorde – Jodi Jantjies

Best Traditional Album

  • Tshihwilili Tshanga – Dr Mercy Masakona Madzivhandila
  • Dlozified – Mkhanyakude
  • Dziya Fhirtana – Vha Venda Cultural Group
  • Mathotse – Tau Sebata
  • Hantam Kerfees – Klipwerf

Best Reggae Album

  • Trailblazer – Reign Afrika
  • He Crowned I Emperor – Skeleton Blazer
  • Hard To Believe – Ras Canly
  • The Shift – Botanist Mr Lamington
  • Ngatanngwe – Red I Scorch

Best Jazz Album

  • History In A Frame – Jimmy Dludlu
  • At This Point In Time Voices in Volumes – Herbie Tsoaeli
  • Music From My People – Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane
  • Revision – Steve Dyer
  • Quiet Please – McCoy Mrubata

Best Contemporary Faith Music Album

  • Sacrificial Worship (Live) – Pulane Maphari
  • My Heart To Him – Thabelo
  • Denga – Kingdmusic
  • Find Me Singing – Lauren Cullen
  • The 34th Psalm – Ncebakazi Msomi

Best Traditional Faith Music Album

  • Vela Nkosi – Jumbo
  • In the Beginning – Paul K
  • Heaven’s Scroll – Puleng March
  • The Great Revival – Takie Ndou
  • Shrubs of Chronicle (Live) – Zaza

Best African Indigenous Faith Music Album

  • Similapha Nkosi – NUZ Voices Of Joy
  • Ba Bosiu – Isaac and The Mighty Messengers
  • Re Kopa Go Wena Ramasedi – JTG Gospel Choir
  • Ore Etele Mohloeki – The Harmony Singers Artist Development
  • Swi Lava Yeso – Zion Iskhalanga Academy

Best Maskandi Album

  • Idaymani – Thokozani Langa
  • Ziyashisa – Makhamnandi
  • Wangikhulisa uMama – Shwi Nomtekhala
  • Phakathi Komhlane nembeleko – Udumakahle
  • Ivila Laselawini – Mzukulu

Best Alternative Music Album

  • Glow – Alice Phoebe Lou
  • City Of God and The Jungle Below – Daniel Baron
  • Night Speak – Lo-Ghost
  • Romance Was Born – Anna Wolf
  • Child’s Play – Alice Phoebe Lou

Best Rock Album

  • Partypocalypse – Springbok Nude Girls
  • Headlights Dream – Steve Louw
  • Revolution – Tim Parr
  • Ennui – Deity’s Muse
  • Sacred Sound – Albert Frost

Best R&B/Soul Album

  • It’s All You – Brian Temba
  • Real Talk – P.Postman
  • The Arrival – Melleng
  • Sour Milk – Joda Kgosi
  • It Is What It is – Mikhale Jones

Best Pop Album

  • Trouble In Paradise – Shekhinah
  • Souvenirs – Jeremy Loops
  • Motion – Tresor
  • A Journal – Bonj
  • Don’t Let Go – Jacky Carpede

Beste Pop Album

  • Niks Vergelyk – Posduif
  • Hier Waar Ek Nou Is – Juan Boucher
  • Prisma – Janie Bay
  • Rugsak – Elandrê
  • Roekeloos – Rita Li

Best Afro Pop Album

  • Amagama – Nomfundo Moh
  • iStiff – Mnqobi Yazo
  • New Faces To Old Problems – Bonga Kwana
  • Sukulila – Cici
  • Amalobolo – Aubrey Qwana

Best Produced Music Video

  • ‘When House Was House’ by Mobi Dixon feat. Mariechan and JNR SA – Mabi Ntuli and Shona
  • ‘Inhlupheko’ by Big Zulu – Edward (Gobi Beast) and Ofentse Mwase
  • ‘Playback’ by K.O. – Ted Magerman
  • ‘Mamezala’’ by Mafikizolo ft. Simmy – Dale Fortune
  • ‘Finessin’ by AKA – Mninizo Sitho and Nhlanhla

Best Engineered Album of the Year

  • It Takes Three by Charl Du Plessis Trio – Peter Auret
  • Candid by Moonga K – Greg Abrahams, Mike Zietsman and Vicente Espi
  • Ghetto King by Zakes Bantwini – Zakes Bantwini
  • Pheli Makaveli by 25K – Sibabalwe Andile Fiphaza
  • City Of God and The Jungle Below by Daniel Baron – Daniel Baron and Darryn Muller

Rest of Africa Award

  • ‘If Orange Was A Place’ – Tems (Nigeria)
  • ‘Son of A Tribe’ – Edgar Muzah (Zimbabwe)
  • ‘Karabo’’ – Malome Vector (Lesotho)
  • Boyfriend’ – Ckay (Nigeria)
  • ‘Love & Isolation’ – Tay Iwar (Nigeria)

Remix of the Year

  • Sun-El Musician, Azana and Da Capo – Uhuru by Sun-El Musician and Azana
  • Manyelo Dafro, Bassekou Kouyate and Da Capo – Ladon by Manyelo Dafro ft Basekou Kouyate
  • Lira and DJ Maphorisa – Feel Good by Lira
  • Da Capo – Mama by Josiah De Disciple and Boohle
  • DJ Cleo – Gcina Impilo Yam by Bucy Radebe

Best Kwaito Album

  • Ama Roto Vol.2 – Reece Madlisa and Zuma
  • Don’t Lose Focus – Sukiri Papa
  • Let Dogs Lie Low – Simple Eugene
  • Kwaito Pallet – Shisaboy
  • Trip To Jozi – King Razo

Best Gqom Album

  • Umshunqo Reloaded – Dladla Mshunqisi
  • Khula – Bello No Gallo
  • Summer Banger – Dlala Thukzin
  • Best Of The Best – T-Man
  • The Journey – Slenda Da Dancing DJ

Best Dance Album

  • Musique – Chymamusique
  • Muzika – Miza
  • Ghetto King – Zakes Bantwini
  • When House Was House – Mobi Dixon
  • African Electronic Dance Music – Sun-El Musician

Chairman’s Award

  • Yvonne Chaka Chaka

Best Selling Artist

  • Notumato by Young Stunner

Content Courtesy of The SA Music Awards, Music In Africa & NFH

8 South African Tribes Are Honored In Thebe Magugu’s New Dresses.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Designer Thebe Magugu was exposed to a number of African tribes and traditions as a child growing up in the South African cities of Kimberley and Johannesburg. His design work has always been influenced by the unique beauty of his homeland. Magugu adds, “I’m always focusing on topics that are relatively specific but run the risk of being forgotten.”

Magugu sought to keep this attitude alive in his latest effort by designing a clothing for each of South Africa’s eight major tribes: Zulu, Tswana, Swati, Vhavenda, Pedi, Xhosa, Tsonga, and Sotho. “I wanted to commemorate the primary eight cultures that we have here in South Africa because I value my own so much,” says Magugu, a Tswana tribe member.

“While we’re recognized for our storytelling and handiwork, all of the other countries have their own customs and peculiarities that I wanted to capture in a dress.”

Each tribe was designed in collaboration with South African cartoonist Phathu Nembilwi. “I urged her to paint her own abstract depiction of the eight tribes,” Magugu recalls. The illustrations by Nembilwi were then printed on crepe fabric and sewn into “bohemian-style garments with exposed necklines,” according to Magugu. “It’s a proportion that flatters everyone.” I wanted everyone who saw the outfit to recognize themselves in it.”

Despite the fact that each outfit in the collection is graphic and summery, Magugu wanted each one to have its own distinct personality. For example, the Tswana-inspired outfit displays two individuals drumming on a drum that they made themselves, a tribute to the tribe’s beadwork and craftsmanship history.

Magugu incorporated the Soto tribe’s traditional attire into the outfit. “They wear a really particular triangular hat, and they’re often clad with these incredibly enormous wool blankets surrounding them,” Magugu explains.

Magugu was able to transmit the collection’s message clearly and with care with the support of South African photographer Aart Verrips, writer Vuyolwethu Reoagile, and stylist Chloe Andrea Welgemoed. The models, all of whom are Magugu’s friends and South African creatives, were photographed wearing the gowns and coupled with unique South African things.
The conch shells, baskets, and other items would be found in a normal South African home, according to Magugu.
Reoagile also penned tribe descriptions that will be posted on Magugu’s website.
“I truly wanted it to be some form of education,” Magugu adds. “Vuyolwethu offered a quick review of the cultures, including where they’re found in South Africa and what they’re most known for.”

Magugu learned a lot while putting together the compilation. “I knew a lot about South African culture from friends and family, but seeing each culture in detail gave me an even greater appreciation.”
That, according to the designer, is why he enjoys fashion: he wants to continue to share the beauty of his homeland with others.

That, according to the designer, is why he enjoys fashion: he wants to continue to share the beauty of his homeland with others. “I might want to look at another field if I was only doing clothes for the sake of doing clothes,” he says. “I’m not a particularly outspoken person, but I feel heard when I make garments and engage with fashion’s cerebral side.”

Content courtesy of Vogue Magazine, Thebe Magugu & NFH

The Collections For South African Fashion Week Begin in April.

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The 25th Spring/Summer collections of SA Fashion Week (SAFW) are set to debut this month.
Some of the collection’s dynamic developments include environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment, inter-brand collaboration, and proudly local production investment.

Ephraim Molingoana for Ephymol, Amanda Laird Cherry and Palesa Mokubung of Mantsho, and cult Kasi brand, Loxion Kulca, now designed by Olé Ledimo, will unveil their 2022 collections to the media, buyers, selected VIPs, and a limited edition of public tickets.

This is in addition to exciting new stars such as 2021 New Talent winner Artho Eksteen, Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu, and Sipho Mbuto, who both took part in the Fashion Bridges collaboration with Milan Fashion Week last year.

The 24th New Talent Search, hosted by Maps Maponyane, will once again kick off the event with a lineup of six of the most promising young designers to watch. The following are this year’s contenders:

  • Thando Ntuli – Munkus
  • Nichole Smith – Ipikoko
  • Mikhile du Plessis – MeKay Designs
  • Calvin Lunga Cebekhulu – Czene.24
  • Sanelisiwe Gcabashe – Gjenelo Couture
  • Mimangaliso Ndiko – Sixx6

What to anticipate

The Cruz Collective with Sokhulu and Mbuto, as well as another new generation notable, Michael Ludwig Studio, were also highlights of the first day.

Day two begins with The Oppo Collections, which brings together Artho Eksteen, Ezokhetho, the gender-neutral signature, The Bam Collective, and the much-loved Amanda Laird Cherry.

The high-profile trio of Cape Town-based Helon Melon, who wowed audiences in 2021 with her all-white, sustainable collection, fashion-forward Judith Atelier, an ardent supporter of South African mohair and perennial fashion week darling, Palesa Mokubung of Mantsho, follows.

BeachCult’s Joanna Hedley and Belhauzen, both Cape Town-based designer brands committed to clean fashion, will be in attendance.

Similarly, Pretoria-based Isabel de Villiers is a body-positive activist who will unveil her current, size-inclusive collection, while Johannesburg-based Kayla Stamboul of Kayla Stam proudly supports women empowerment with a 100% female-owned supply chain.

On Saturday 30 April, the SAFW Collections Men will shine a light on the excitement that is contemporary menswear design in South Africa, with a power trio consisting of Ntando Ngwenya, who merges conservative and postmodern techniques to create a distinctively new clothing presentation, Thato Mafubedu’s Afrikanswiss denimwear, and the much-loved Loxion Kulca brand currently under Olé Ledimo.

According to SAFW director Lucilla Booyzen, an exciting new collaboration between designers Fabrice Moyo of Franc Elis, menswear brands Floyd Avenue and Ephymol, and KwaZulu-Natal-based and proudly South African shoe manufacturers Eddels, Evox, and Hopewell Footwear marks an exciting grand finale for the Spring/Summer 22 Collection.

The significance of fashion
According to Nerisha Jairaj, executive director of the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (Saflec), the South African Footwear and Leather Export Council (Saflec) is proud to be making industry history with its inaugural association with SA Fashion Week this year.

“We are thrilled to be flying the ‘Made in South Africa’ banner with the debut of three of our most exciting footwear brands for men on this high profile & prestigious platform so that a wider audience can discover the remarkable capability of fashion South Africa.”

According to Maishe Mambolo, brand manager at Cruz Vodka, fashion reflects a country’s culture. “It’s more than just clothes.” Fashion becomes an expression of your attitude. Fashion professionals value art, design, and culture, as well as a sense of beauty.”

From the 28th to the 30th of April, the SAFW’22 Spring/Summer Collections will be on display at Mall of Africa’s Parkade G5, Entrance 24.

You Can Buy Tickets Here.
Each designer’s information, biographies, and contact information can be found here.

Content courtesy of Biz Community & NFH

What Went Down on Day 1 of SA Fashion Week SS21 Digital Collections

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Sustainable fashion. Self-expression. Graceful and edgy artistry. Classic and playful elegance. Personal stories. And going back to basics.

This was Day 1 of SA Fashion Week SS21 digital collections which included fresh talent and legendary designers. Words: Kgomotso Moncho-Maripane

The SA Fashion Week tagline, “The business of ethical fashion” encapsulates its ethos precisely. Running with this, sustainable fashion became the underlying theme with which designers in the New Talent Search were tasked to follow when designing. Upcycled and deconstructed fabrics were a running thread all around.

With a collection inspired by “De-gendered geometry”, Michael Ludwig Studio showed how the fluidity of structures, proportions, and colors shape evolving identities.

MC Alpine played with interesting shapes and details, while Sipho Mbuto took an avant-garde approach to deconstruct denim.

Stand-out looks from the competition include Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu’s soft and edgy collection boasting a red, white, and black color palette with images that boldly speak to the beginning and the resilience of life, relevant to what our world is going through.

Her collection was inspired by “how planet earth strives for an ecological balance within the forces of nature.”

The debut of Thulani Vuyo Mlambo’s Saint Vuyo shone with notable layering and tailoring. With a brand ethos taken from his lineage, the collection invoked the spirit of Africa’s women armies like the Dahomey Amazons – the all-female warriors of West Africa. Again, a testament to strength and survival.

However, it was Artho Eksteen’s winning combination of fine art and fashion design that saw him take the 2021 New Talent Search winner title.

His collection takes cues from the Surrealist method of Exquisite Corpse where a collection of images or words is collectively assembled to reveal a completed artwork.

Eksteen played with the juxtaposition of different fabrics and textures; different silhouettes and prints to bring together a body of work that is appealingly ugly-beautiful. The beauty is also in how functional the collection is even if it was to be deconstructed.

Read more on the New Talent Search Competition finalist designers here and watch out for our fashion shoot with New Talent Competition winner Artho Eksteen soon!

The Satiskin Rise & Shine Collections brimmed with playful and classic elegance showcasing designers who are retail ready. Romaria charmed with their signature monochromatic wool prints offering subtle pops of woven color. Even more charming were the wool accessories that ranged from bags to headbands.

The story behind the Ezokhetho collection is about the designer, Mpumelelo Dhlamini, having lost his dad. And so, the bold and joyful colors are in celebration of his father’s life. The designs are inspired by a character that the iconic Thembi Nyandeni played in the comedic drama series, Kwakhala Nyonini called uMfazi Wephepha.

The much-loved character was loud, opinionated, fashion-forward, and money-driven. Dhlamini interprets this with exaggerated shapes, playful proportions, and a sophisticated and desirable finish.

Previous New Talent Search winners, ERRE are consistent in the exquisite nuance they bring out in the fabrics they choose to work with. In the past, they have worked ingeniously with leather and moved past its limitations.

Here they highlight scuba fabric, velvet, and techno mesh with voluminous, dramatic, and powerful silhouettes.

Lara Klawikowski exuded elegant grace with her Inflorescence collection that boasts botanical hues and organic shapes resembling tarot tulips. Big on sustainability, her romantic looks were achieved from rewoven plastics and offcuts. See our recent story on Lara here.

Chiefs of Angels presented a rebellious edge with their punk rock-themed collection.

With Oscar Ncube’s fabric ripping and distressing, he showed a more punky expression than the technical design.

Jacques van der Watt closed off the night with a show that goes back to the very essence of what has made Black Coffee a formidable force in the design world.

The geometric prints and architectural structures were recognizable. It is the collection’s military and laid-back mood that brings it back to now as we fight for survival in this Covid19 pandemic. As poet Lebo Mashile says, “Style is in the survival of my people.”

Content courtesy of ASA Online Magazine & Nairobi fashion hub 

Every Look From Thebe Magugu Fall/winter 2021

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

The South African Designer Looks Towards The Fantastically-occult For His Latest Short Film And Collection

At the intersection of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, fashion has found a way to honor the strong, female ancestors that came before them.

For South African designer Thebe Magugu, it was an easy choice. At the core of his Fall/Winter 2021 collection, African spirituality and female divination are celebrated at full volume. The collection titled “Alchemy” explores the occult, cultural heritage of the South African upbringing, and the modern women changing the landscape.

“This season, I wanted to have a conversation with traditional healers, who have divinely been given powers to answer our most burning questions, and who act as a conduit between various realms, often by using objects of divination,” The LVMH prize-winning young designer writes. “It’s a very particular kind of strength, one that doesn’t show-off and relies heavily on the natural.”

In lieu of a traditional runway for Paris Fashion Week, like many other labels, Thebe Magugu’s instead greenlit a short film to showcase the Fall/Winter 2021 garments. The film, titled BANYOLOYI A BOSIGO (Ultimate Midnite Angels), tells a Romeo and Juliette-esque story of neighboring tribes in the desert. Shot and written by Kristin-Lee Moolman, the film expresses the intersectionality behind modern South African women and how they are not a monolith.

“I want female characters to have their own agency and can be heroes or anti-heroes without having to conform to the cinematic trope of women having to go experience major trauma to be allowed to be the same level of ‘badass’ as their male character counterparts,” Moolman writes.

Magugu’s collections often have a sociopolitical meaning. The South Africa-based designer’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection was an ode to the revolutionaries who fought to end apartheid while his Spring/Summer 2021 collection honed in on Johannesburg’s spies in the latter half of the 20th century.

The collection’s draping, colors, and textures all allude to the magical elements found in his homeland. Sharp tailoring, high hats, and fluttering capes add a mystical perspective to Magugu’s models. On a plain background standing at the center of a rug, the models highlighted in the campaign give the camera an icy stare, as if they are hexing you with their divine powers.

Dressed as warriors, feminine healers, and modern working-women, Magugu incorporates both the spiritual and fun. A hat made of light blue dyed feathers sits atop a model’s head while fringed detailing adds a playful, ’70s touch to the bottom of skirts and dresses. The look isn’t complete without a pillbox hat, a sign of American royalty and elegance in the days of Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis.

Every cut, print, and dye is integral to the label’s storytelling. The designer worked with Noentla Khumalo, a stylist, and healer who provided inspiration for Magugu’s occult-chic prints. Fabric makers Larisa Don, Adachi San, and BYBORRE used traditional materials and practices to inject spirituality into the DNA of Magugu’s work. The short garment list, clocking in at just under 20 looks, is another testament to Magugu’s continued efforts involving sustainability.

Check out the gallery above to see every look from Thebe Magugu’s Fall/Winter 2021 collection.

Content courtesy of  CR Fashion Book & Nairobi fashion hub 

Miss Universe South Africa 2020 Natasha Joubert Empowers Fashion Designers

Posted on by Fashion Police

Miss Universe South Africa 2020, Natasha Joubert, has launched #DestinyDesigned, a project to empower fashion designers through her passion for entrepreneurship and design.

Joubert is a fashion designer who owns a clothing company named Natalia Jefferys that she runs with her mother.

#DestinyDesigned is her Miss Universe social cause initiative, whereby South African designers are invited to submit more information on their design label and explain how their business has been affected by Covid-19.

Ten designers will be tasked to make two garments each and have them modeled by former Miss South Africa titleholders and finalists, as well as special guest models, in a virtual fundraiser fashion show that will take place on April 10.

Joubert’s brand will also be part of the show.

After the show, all the garments will be auctioned off online, and proceeds will be given to the designers.

Speaking about the project, Jourbet said: “I am passionate about entrepreneurship. I started my own company in 2016 as circumstances placed me in a position where I needed to become self-sufficient. I was also modeling, and I started making my garments as I couldn’t afford to buy an extensive wardrobe.”

She added: “Young girls started to admire my handmade garments and asked if I could start making outfits for them as well, and Natalia Jefferys was born! I now want to help other designers on their journey. #DestinyDesigned aims to empower fellow South African designers by showcasing their fashion in a virtual space while using the Miss Universe South Africa platform.”

Entries for #DestinyDesigned are now open and close on February 22. Send an email to natasha@misssa.co.za for more information

Miss Universe Sa Pays It, Forward

Joubert’s Miss Universe social cause initiative, #DestinyDesigned, aims to showcase these talented South African designers on a global platform and draw attention to South Africa’s talent in the fashion industry. It also aims to help designers that have been affected by the global pandemic.

How Does #destinydesigned Work?

  • The initiative invites South African designers to submit their design labels and explain how their business has been affected by COVID-19. The 10 selected entrants will then be asked to make two garments each.
  • The garments will then be modeled by former Miss South Africa titleholders and finalists, as well as special guest models, in a virtual fundraiser fashion show that is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 10.
  • The spectacular online runway show will also feature Natalia Jefferys‘ garments from Joubert’s couture store.

Global Audience

The online show will be available to audiences around the globe who will be able to tune into the show. Viewers will pay a minimal subscription fee on misssa.live to watch the show, with all funds and proceeds from the show going to the 10 designers featured.

The designers’ garments will be auctioned off online with the proceeds from each item sold going to the respective designers and viewers will have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition custom-designed T-shirt in aid of the project.

Miss Universe delegates from other countries will also be encouraged to participate.

Joubert told IOL that she is passionate about entrepreneurship and she started her own company in 2016 to become self-sufficient. She said she began making her own garments while she was modeling as she couldn’t afford to buy an extensive wardrobe.

 “Young girls started to admire my handmade garments and asked if I could start making outfits for them as well, and Natalia Jefferys was born!” she said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZDbJhHNCf/?utm_source=ig_embed

Virtual Fashion Space

Joubert now wants to help other designers on their journey by empowering fellow South African designers through showcasing their fashion in a virtual space while using the Miss Universe South Africa platform.

Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa Organisation, is delighted that the organisation can showcase South Africa’s rich design talent on a worldwide platform while also helping South African design talent on their own entrepreneurial journey.

“It is imperative now, more than ever, for us to support local fashion designers.”

Stephanie Weil, CEO of the Miss South Africa Organisation

The Miss Universe pageant is scheduled to take place in the second half of 2021, but no dates have been confirmed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Content courtesy of  The South African, IOL & Nairobi fashion hub

 

Three African Rising Fashion stars offer Standout Spring Looks

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

Personal heritage defines the collections of Thebe Magugu, Supriya Lele and Chopova Lowena. The two latter designers have just been nominated for the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund 2021

When it comes to articulating ideas of identity, the fashion world has traditionally drawn from external and historical sources to create evocative visions. As well as that may be, a new wave of young, emerging designers are instead looking inwards and expressing their sense of self in ways rarely seen before.

In Johannesburg, designer Thebe Magugu has used his collections to preserve and share South African culture. In London, British designer Supriya Lele mines her Indian heritage to create universally flattering silhouettes, while the rising label Chopova Lowena seeks out Bulgarian deadstock fabrics to create its signature folkloric skirts. Drawing on their individual heritage to champion diversity, these designers widen the fashion lens in ways worth applauding.

Supriya Lele

As distinct as traditional Indian dressing and 1990s minimalism may seem, these opposing forces come together memorably in the hands of the British designer Supriya Lele. Known for her layered silhouettes that flatter all female forms, Lele began exploring her Indian heritage while studying fashion at London’s Royal College of Art (she graduated with a master’s degree in 2016), where she also realised the importance of experimentation in her creative process.

She realised that ‘the only way I can work is in 3D, on the stand, by draping’, she says. The process ‘really set the tone for what I wanted to do going forward’.

Lele was selected to show her graduate collection with the pioneering design incubator Fashion East. Her debut at London Fashion Week in 2017 was staged at Tate Modern, and she continued to show under Fashion East’s stewardship for the next three seasons. In 2019, Lele was sponsored by the British Fashion Council through its NewGen initiative and in 2020, she took home part of the LVMH Prize Fund, which was split equally among eight finalists (also including label Chopova Lowena, see opposite) for the first time.

Industry success aside, Lele’s brand of female-centric inclusivity could not feel more sincere. Her S/S21 collection exuded a panache inspired by how her all-female team dressed immediately after the first round of lockdown restrictions had eased.

Despite the logistical challenges of its creation, the collection encapsulates a youthful sexiness. Minimalist silhouettes are amplified by vibrant shades of azure blue and fuchsia; lingerie-inspired details such as delicate ties gingerly hold up draped tops and dresses; and embellishments such as sequins and lace add finesse. Several bright, Madras-check pieces were cut from fabric sourced from Lele’s grandmother’s favorite sari shop in Jabalpur, in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

‘What the pandemic has done is bring people together,’ Lele reflects. ‘Everyone has gone through this together and there’s an openness to the fashion system changing; to people showing in their own way and different methods. I think we all really needed that break in the cycle and rhythm.’

Chopova Lowena

Emma Chopova and Laura Lowena transform overstock and deadstock Bulgarian fabrics into oversized Victorian-style blouses and accordion-pleated skirts festooned with carabineers and large buckles. Their work is a triumphant celebration of heritage, cleverly transposed into a contemporary context.

Chopova, who was born in Bulgaria but grew up in the United States, and Lowena, who hails from Somerset in the UK, share a passion for craft and sustainability. ‘I became very interested in Bulgarian dress when I started my BA at Central Saint Martins in London and met Laura,’ says Chopova. ‘I was collecting and wearing traditional dress, but it wasn’t until we did our MA together that we started using Bulgarian references in our work.’

With an archive that spans wall hangings, needlepoints and aprons, the duo’s approach is highly individualised. ‘For us, it’s about having the right product in mind and the right usage for it,’ says Chopova.

The pair dissociate the fabrics from their origins by juxtaposing them with utilitarian silhouettes and sporty embellishments. For S/S21, they invited artists and craftspeople to contribute, a collaboration that resulted in jeans printed with painterly designs and T-shirts featuring abstract imagery made from cut-up Bulgarian postcards.

Thebe Magugu

Originally from the South African mining town of Kimberley, Thebe Magugu moved to Johannesburg to study fashion at LISOF. The 2019 winner of the LVMH Prize, he continues to fly the flag for African culture and provenance, using his eponymous label to highlight social issues, local standards of production, and the potential for growth.

‘I think African stories have often been told by people who aren’t African, and thus distort accounts for their own agenda,’ says Magugu. ‘The collections are inspired by real people and their stories; stories that are often missed in the history books.’

These include the human rights activists of Black Sash, who inspired Magugu’s S/S19 collection, and spies who worked for and against the apartheid regime, whom he interviewed for his S/S21 offering. The resulting collection brims over with hidden details, including patterns developed from the fingerprints of a former spy, and a print featuring official confessions provided by the South African government.

‘Instead of working abroad, I want to create something for us, by us. I think this sentiment, now more than ever, is shared by many designers working on the continent,’ says Magugu, who launched his online store.

Content courtesy of Wallpaper & Nairobi fashion hub

 

South Africa fashion is going local, and it’s a good thing

Posted on by Fashion Police

Largely due to global supply chain disruptions brought about by Covid-19, more big South African fashion brands are committing to producing fashion at home. What are the implications?

Established local brands, like the iconic Madiba shirt producers Lontana Apparel, have long pioneered locally produced fashion. Dylan Rothschild, Managing Partner at Lontana, says, “We’ve always been a proudly South African manufacturer, and have committed ourselves to empowering our local community and providing much-needed jobs at home.

“During lockdown we shifted our focus to producing masks to meet Covid-19 needs, and worked with over 20 external CMT manufacturers, providing over 1,000 people with work.”

With large local brands now beginning to follow suit, here’s what South Africans can expect for the future of fashion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHsco8bL2kS/?utm_source=ig_embed

What can we expect?

For years, South African retailers have relied on fashion imports from Asia, particularly China. But large clothing brands, including Mr Price, The Foschini Group (TFG), Truworths, and Woolworths have recently announced their intentions to manufacture more of their items locally. As Covid-19 and the associated lockdowns have negatively affected the garment manufacturing sector, leading to job losses, factory closures and cancellations of stock, the shift towards local manufacturing has become a necessary step in reviving the local economy.

  • Mr Price currently sources 35% of its total merchandise units locally. The clothing brand has committed to reducing its reliance on Chinese imports, which still account for 48.5% of its orders, and refocusing to manufacturing in African countries. Mr Price has also announced that via membership to the South African Cotton Cluster (SACC), it will procure 1,357 tons of cotton from local producers.
  • TFG Africa, which used to import around 80% of its products from Asia, currently sources 35% of clothing locally and has announced a strategic imperative to reduce reliance on suppliers like China.
  • Truworths also has plans to move towards more locally produced fashion and announced their intention to increase local textile purchases to 50% in the coming years.
  • Woolworths has also committed to sourcing more fashion locally, and currently purchases over 50% from the SADC region.
  • Other well-known local brands are also committing to locally sourced fashion. Pick n Pay clothing will be embarking on collaborations with South African designers and local production, and Pep Clothing plans to expand, offering more jobs to local workers and producing disposable PPE items to aid in Covid-19 efforts.

Benefits

“There are many benefits associated with producing fashion locally. Local fashion promotes community enrichment, feeds into the local ‘eco-system’, and promotes environmental sustainability,” says Dylan.

Local manufacturing allows fashion to retailers to respond quickly when it comes to trends and weather changes. Whereas previously it may have taken months for imported clothing to reach South African shores, locally made items can be manufactured and on shelves within weeks, while they’re most relevant. This shorter lead time could equal greater profit for clothing brands, as they’re better able to deliver what customers want, when they want it.

Local manufacturing also insulates the South African market against global disruptions, such as the pandemic and ongoing trade wars between major exporting countries. This, as well as an increase in jobs in local communities, could provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Challenges

“With the benefits of local production come some challenges. We’ve weathered and successfully overcome various difficulties as a proudly South African manufacturer, but it definitely isn’t for the faint-hearted,” says Dylan.

South African manufacturers face many challenges, not least of them the rising cost of electricity and an often-unreliable power source. As a nation, South Africa is are also faced with uncertainty regarding the unstable Rand, as well as an ageing skilled work force. When it comes to fashion, specifically, South Africa struggles to produce certain fabrics locally, still relying on imports, especially for winter garments.

What do these changes mean for brands that have always manufactured locally?

“Cheap imports from abroad have long been flooding our South Africa market. They are often low-quality items, which promote ‘fast fashion’, leading to environmental disasters such as overflowing landfills and the use of environmentally damaging fossil fuels for transport,” explains Dylan.

As well as being detrimental to the environment, these imports have posed as competition to quality local brands, who have had to compete with disposable, low-priced items – especially in South Africa where the clothing market is characterised by a demand for variety.

With brands set to increase local manufacturing, established local brands should see a greater equalisation in pricing and quality. The local, ethical production of clothing, free from exploitation and sweatshops, means pricing should come more into line with established local brands.

A greater interest in local manufacturing and production could also lead to new opportunities for local textile factories and brands, as large brands looking to go local search out established, tested, quality manufacturers to include in their stores.

“We welcome the increase in local clothing manufacturing, and hope to see more communities flourish as a result. Lontana remains committed to producing quality local apparel with South Africans in mind, and we look forward to more manufacturers doing the same,” concludes Dylan.

Content courtesy of Biz Community & Nairobi fashion hub 

South Africa Fashion Week is taking its shows to The Mall Of Africa

Posted on by Fashion Tribe Influencer

South African Fashion Week (SAFW) is back with Spring/Summer 21, and they are taking it to the Mall of Africa (MOA).

The organisation announced that owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, they’ll be moving from their home, Sandton City, to a much bigger space.

On a three-year partnership with the MOA, SA Fashion Week will stage its first hybrid designer collections showcase this year.

SAFW director Lucilla Booyzen said: “This hybrid combination of both a digital and live fashion experience allows us to navigate the complexities of trading and doing business effectively while simultaneously being mindful of the safety aspects associated with the pandemic.”

According to Booyzen, the 2020 SAFW Collections are trans-seasonal in line with international trends towards collections that incorporate both cool, and warm weather elements. They are also increasingly representing a move towards a “slow fashion” ethos of timeless design and sustainable production.

She added: “While the move towards cleaner fashion production in South Africa still faces many challenges, there is a real commitment from many designers to pursue this necessary transition to a new fashion order. The designer community is predominantly SMME’s, they all employ small contingents of artisans such as seamstresses and pattern makers. It has been a superhuman challenge for these businesses to stay afloat and retain jobs in the absence of any trade or cash flow. This opportunity to showcase their collections in preparation for summer is vital.”

SAFW SS21 starts on October 22 with Gert-Johan Coetzee’s show.

Content courtesy of SA fashion week & Nairobi fashion hub

%d bloggers like this: