The Edit/Fashion & Beauty

SA designers set scene for fun, original and totally creative fashion moments

We speak to SA designers about their thoughts on authenticity, the summer season, and what they have planned next

28 November 2021 - 00:00 By Thango Ntwasa and Sahil Harilal
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A showcase from some of SA's most talented designers.
A showcase from some of SA's most talented designers.
Image: Supplied

LUKE RADLOFF, UNI FORM

From my fellow designers I expect authenticity and staying true to their brand DNA. 

Lemon yellow is the colour that I think will be hot this season.

People who want to express themselves through fashion should just start. Anyone who has creative ideas but is held back by their peers or isn’t sure about what to do or how to start — just go for it. You have to start somewhere and then build your confidence.

Model wears Luke Radloff's Uni Form. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R2,200 That’s It! Blouse, R3,500 and trousers, R3,500, both Uni Form.
Model wears Luke Radloff's Uni Form. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R2,200 That’s It! Blouse, R3,500 and trousers, R3,500, both Uni Form.
Image: Aart Verrips/Red Hot Ops Creative
Model wears Luke Radloff's Uni Form. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R2,200 That’s It! Blouse, R3,500 and trousers, R3,500, both Uni Form.
Model wears Luke Radloff's Uni Form. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R2,200 That’s It! Blouse, R3,500 and trousers, R3,500, both Uni Form.
Image: Aart Verrips/Red Hot Ops Creative

My style advice is to make sure you wear things that you feel good in and not something someone has told you is cool.

I’m launching my very first menswear and capsule of womenswear which will include a lot more print than people are used to.

Model wears Luke Radloff's Uni Form. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R2,200 That’s It! Blouse, R3,500 and trousers, R3,500, both Uni Form.
Model wears Luke Radloff's Uni Form. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R2,200 That’s It! Blouse, R3,500 and trousers, R3,500, both Uni Form.
Image: Aart Verrips/Red Hot Ops Creative
Model wears Luke Radloff's Uni Form. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R2,200 That’s It! Blouse, R3,500 and trousers, R3,500, both Uni Form.
Model wears Luke Radloff's Uni Form. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R2,200 That’s It! Blouse, R3,500 and trousers, R3,500, both Uni Form.
Image: Aart Verrips/Red Hot Ops Creative

THANDO NTULI, MUNKUS

Model wears Munkus. Beryl Dingemans stud earrings, R1,100, That’s It! Pearl drop earrings, R3,090. Gold textured earrings, R3,090 both Kirsten Goss. Dress, R1,999. Corset, R4,499. Circular skirt, R2,499 all Munkus. Boots, R6,990, Europa Art Shoes.
Model wears Munkus. Beryl Dingemans stud earrings, R1,100, That’s It! Pearl drop earrings, R3,090. Gold textured earrings, R3,090 both Kirsten Goss. Dress, R1,999. Corset, R4,499. Circular skirt, R2,499 all Munkus. Boots, R6,990, Europa Art Shoes.
Image: Aart Verrips/Red Hot Ops Creative

Fashion is becoming fun again, so what I want is  to see more links to the heritage and personality of each designer. We should keep it South African but concentrate more on sustainability and our own traditional way of doing things.

Pinks and purples are the colours I think will dominate this season.

When expressing themselves in fashion, designers should remember that people are drawn to things they can relate to. I don’t think people mind what your thoughts are, even though there’s cancel culture. People usually appreciate when designers stand up for their own opinions. My advice is that they should stick to what they know and be their true selves — for their own mental health. 

My style advice is that we’re all struggling, but we must be patient. We’re a generation that wants to see changes quickly or else we give up. We need to go with the flow more.

My loyal customers can expect a lot. I recently won a young designer competition with the Cape Town Fashion Council which means that I’ll be showcasing in Paris. I have a collaboration now with Plain Tiger which ties in with my sustainability interests. 

ARTHO EKSTEEN

I’m a history nerd. When I’ve looked at historical fashion after there’s been a war or a pandemic, I’ve noted that  it’s fun and experimental. With this in mind, I’m looking for new silhouettes. I’m also a maximalist so I hope that style makes a comeback.

Lavender is my colour choice of the season.

If you want to be authentic about what you wear don’t follow trends because in the era we live in they pass quickly. On platforms like TikTok everyone has an opinion so don’t take other people’s opinions too seriously.

My style advice is to try out different looks to see what works for you but still feels comfortable.

We’re currently working on production to release the collection we just showed. We’re also working on our next collection which will debut at the next fashion week.

Model wears Artho Eksten. Earrings, R155, Foschini. Dress, price on request. Artho Eksteen ring, R3,850, Swarovski. Stilettos, R2,290, Europa Art Shoes.
Model wears Artho Eksten. Earrings, R155, Foschini. Dress, price on request. Artho Eksteen ring, R3,850, Swarovski. Stilettos, R2,290, Europa Art Shoes.
Image: Aart Verrips/Red Hot Ops Creative
Ezokhetho by Mpumelelo Dhlamini. Brooch (worn in hair) stylist’s own. Blazer, price on request. Ezokhetho shirt, R200, MRP. Bow tie, stylist’s own.
Ezokhetho by Mpumelelo Dhlamini. Brooch (worn in hair) stylist’s own. Blazer, price on request. Ezokhetho shirt, R200, MRP. Bow tie, stylist’s own.
Image: Aart Verrips/Red Hot Ops Creative

MPUMELELO DHLAMINI, EZOKHETHO

In fashion, it would be nice to see people have fun again and still create conversations with their clothes.

I believe green tones will be in this season.

When expressing yourself through fashion always stay true to who you are because that’s when you wear your clothes best.

My style advice is to wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. When you’re not fidgety you’re free.

We’re currently working on the looks from this season, looking to collaborate with different artists from different industries. It would be great to see how other people work, what their mindsets are and to learn from them.

CHRISTINA MCADAM, KANELLA

Since fashion is becoming  fun again, originality and authenticity are what designers should use to create their own beauty.

Olive green is the colour that will be in fashion this season.

With fashion design anything you make is an extension of yourself, so let it be beautifully you and let it come from your soul. Don’t let other people’s creativity influence you.

My style advice is to not let yourself be sidetracked by how other people wear something. Always do things your way.

I'm busy with quite a lot at the moment, but I am focusing on making sure the South African audience is happy. Local is lekker.

Model wears Kanella leather. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R1,700, That’s It! Bra, R799, Bras n’ Things. Leather harness, R1,390, Kanella Leather.
Model wears Kanella leather. Beryl Dingemans earrings, R1,700, That’s It! Bra, R799, Bras n’ Things. Leather harness, R1,390, Kanella Leather.
Image: Aart Verrips/Red Hot Ops Creative
Model wears Neo Serati designs. Coat, price on request. Nao Serati bracelet, R999. Super Dry underwear, R599 and belt, R1,099, both Calvin Klein. Shorts, price on request. Nao Serati leggings, R1,099. Super Dry Moschino boots, R6,990, Preview.
Model wears Neo Serati designs. Coat, price on request. Nao Serati bracelet, R999. Super Dry underwear, R599 and belt, R1,099, both Calvin Klein. Shorts, price on request. Nao Serati leggings, R1,099. Super Dry Moschino boots, R6,990, Preview.
Image: Aart Verrips/Red Hot Ops Creative

NEO MOFAMMERE

Now that we’re out of lockdown, I’m hoping to see a reimagination of the world we live in and new ways of marketing to people.  

I hate trends but I personally love Tiffany blue.

If you want to express yourself through fashion, do some research. The world is your oyster. It’s great to understand why you like certain things.

My style advice is to experiment. A lot of the time we just follow trends and follow what people say about how we should dress our bodies.

At the moment, people who like my brand can expect my designs to be more playful and carefree.

STOCKISTS

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