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Minimalism can hold on a minute, the global nomad is having a moment

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Asanda Sizani has carved an inimitable name for herself in South African fashion. Her diverse experience spans across print, advertising and television. As a style journalist, stylist and creative consultant, Sizani has worked for some of the largest fashion magazines and retailers in the country.

She has held the position of Fashion Editor at ELLE and previously, Drum magazine. She has written regular columns for Grazia, Juice and recently, an introduction to the Africa chapter in a coffee table book, Global Style Tribes. Sizani is a regular fashion collaborator for Woolworths' WMag and a sought after style consultant. She is a member of the Berlin UP Fashion Committee which creates trade and networking opportunities for African designers in Germany.

Long before a mash-up of eclectic contradictions walked the runway, trend forecaster Li Edelkoort said, "Traditional clothing from nomadic regions will be modernised." She said the direction moving forward would be on casual, functional clothing based on travel.

We have since seen digital prints in fashion, reminiscent of a getaway. Spacious landscapes, tropical flowers and water themes. East met Africa at local designer's Chulaap's recent show, and global prints are Maria McCloy’s signature in footwear. Style stars like Yasmin Furie and Trevor Stuurman are known for combining inspiring eclectic touches taken from around the globe.

READ: Natural hair: more than just a trend

Recently, Siya Beyile of The Threaded Man and I were trending for posting an image of us twinning in a checked Woolworths scarf, we had styled the winter staple in a traditional way as a homage to rural women in the Eastern Cape. This unexpected styling, where Siya married a tailored suit with the blanket scarf around his waist, was not everyone’s cup of tea. To us, it was about the freedom of mixing pieces in an unconventional way. Our culture is always our point of reference.

fashion, fashion and beauty, beauty, anzani, cultu

Images: The ABC, Trevor Stuurman and Siya Beyile

fashion, fashion and beauty, beauty, anzani, cultu

This winter, be inspired to take a multi-cultural approach. Incorporate unique textures and handmade decorative elements. Draw influence from continents you haven't necessarily been to, but dream of one day seeing. Everything can be mixed up with free creativity. You throw on an obi belt, and you are magically transported to Japan. You put on a rich tapestry or gilded gold and you're in Russia or India or wherever you want to be in your imagination. In hunter-gather mode, designers are layering rich textures, marrying different ideas. They are taking us on a journey, and this is one tour around the world that doesn't require a visa.

All images: Supplied

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