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Zara, Topshop, Cotton On, H&M, Mr Price: they all provide us with on trend, stylish pieces of fast fashion.
But lately, I've been investing in a few local pieces I've spotted at fashion week or from reading and receiving local fashion news.
Local fashion is hot, sustainable and incredibly well-priced, especially when you consider the quality.
Thing is, when you shop local you get something that very few people have. SA designers create vibrant, uniquely South African items that speak to the very essence of our environment, beautiful people and landscape.
It is sustainable to invest your money in people making fashion her, on our very soil, instead of in a factory somewhere far, far away. And the quality of the garments and jewellery is, most often, next level.
So get out of the malls and invest in South African talent:
1. Loin Cloth & Ashes by Anissa Mpungwe
Luxe fabrics and vibrant prints have become this Jo'burg based brand's signature. It has always been one of my favourites.
Image: Supplied
2. Wake
Pieter Burger's designs bring us delightful African fashion with modern silhouettes.
3. Pichulik
Katherine-Mary Pichulik finds inspiration all over the world and crafts every one of her jewellery collections in a unique and interesting way.
4. Selfi
Cape Town-based designer Celeste Selfi has an unusual aesthetic, which combines sleek lines with surreal prints and ideas.
5. Adriaan Kuiters and Jody Paulsen
Every single season I find myself coveting one of their new pieces. Always memorable and always innovative. Also check out the new AKJP Collective, celebrating local collaboration, at their Kloof Street store.
6. Drotsky
Elaine du Plessis recently launched her new label as she used to design under the label, Christopher Strong. Her classically elegant dresses are to die for.
7. Jane Sews
This KZN-based designer's leather shoes and white shirts are things of great beauty.
8. Chulaap
YOU, Huisgenoot and DRUM magazine fashion director Chu Suwannapha is a wizard with prints. He creates magnificently tailored menswear pieces worn by both men and women.
9. Henriette Botha
Botha focuses on creating handcrafted, locally made statement pieces. I want every single cuff that she produces!
10. Isabel de Villiers
This local design label caters for women, sizes 32 to 48. Can I get a Hallelujah?!
11. Joel Janse van Vuuren
Known for his gorgeous wedding gowns and creative, colourful and feminine everyday dresses, van Vuuren has been on our radar for many years.
12. Missibaba
I have a love for this brand that is very, very pure. Their most recent Iconic Missibaba Clutch Collection proves, yet again, that they are here to stay.
13. Apis Atelier
Jewellery sculpted from an eclectic mix of cast coral, leather, driftwood, pebbles, shells and beautiful semi-precious stones, their earrings and cuffs are on my wishlist.
14. Lara Klawikowski
Her wearable, high-concept designs employ advanced pattern-cutting, draping and tailoring techniques using re-fabricated materials. It's always fresh and playful.
15. Amanda Laird Cherry
She has received local and international recognition for her finely-crafted designs. And lace-up pumps for the win!
16. MaXhosa by Laduma
Knitwear inspired by traditional Xhosa beadwork, patterns and motifs. We are in love.
17. Thalia Strates
I have been coveting this exact bag (seen below) for a year. Thalia Strates designs stunning luxury leather handbags and accessories, all handmade in South Africa.
