Up-and-coming SA designers whose labels you need to know about

Set to do bigger and better things in the fashion industry in 2017, these designers brought inventiveness to the ramps this year

Mmuso-Maxwell

The back story: The brainchild of Mmuso Potsane and Maxwell Boko, designers who met through "The Intern by David Tlale" programme and recently decided to join forces.

The aesthetic: Heavily influenced by their African heritage and contemporary culture.

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The customer: A fashion enthusiast who values African heritage, and who seeks clothing that is carefully considered in relation to design, quality and practicality.

The must-have items: The pin-striped patch print knot top and off the shoulder "little navy blue dress".

The future: The duo are looking to debut their collection at Cape Town fashion week in March, and trying to grow the brand further.

Instagram: @mmusomaxwell

Vintage Zionist

The back story: Creative director Oscar Ncube worked on finding a way to create a leather jacket by deconstructing, revamping and redesigning old vintage leather pants. Once he established the formula, the next step was to build more apparel around the jacket.

The aesthetic: A reinvention of timeless pieces that are rock 'n' roll inspired.

The customer: A rebel who is not defined by age but rather by attitude.

The must-have items: The core leather jacket, leather dungarees, rock'n'roll-inspired tees and the Lanky Rock Dress.

The future: Following the AW17 debut at SA Fashion Week, Vintage Zionist looks forward to showcasing its SS17 collection at SA Fashion Week.

Instagram: @vintagezionist

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Sheila Madge

The back story: After studying fine arts and publishing, Madge's love for design steered her in a different direction.

The aesthetic: More is more.

The customer: Anyone and everyone.

The must-have items: The Macaque jacket;illustrator Andel Olivier drew monkeys which Madge translated into beaded wonders on a bomber jacket. Each monkey takes hours to bead and is highly labour intensive, making the garment a collector's item. There is also the Alligator Omen dress, a mini-dress decorated with Olivier's green crocodiles.

The future: More collaborations, more ranges, more colour, more texture and more designs.

VisitSheilamadge.com

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LUMIN

The back story: LUMIN was founded in September 2014 by Amy Liu and James Barrett-Poulsen, both lovers of design who became friends while studying at fashion college.

The aesthetic: Minimalism, monochrome and well-considered style is LUMIN's philosophy. Easy-to-wear and urban, with simple silhouettes which make for sophisticated and effortless looks

The customer: A confident and independent thinker who looks for designer clothing that is easy to wear and speaks to their unique but understated fashion sense.

The must-have items: The Hakama style culottes and tuxedo waistcoat.

The future: The duo is off to London Fashion Week in February as part of their prize after winning the New Talent Search (thanks to Sunglass Hut and SA Fashion Week).

VisitLuminclothing.com

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