Durban-based South African clothing brand, Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu is another participant in our Sustainability Accelerator programme. The Plain Tiger team and Cyril Naicker, our Chief Sustainability Officer and the Country Coordinator of Fashion Revolution South Africa, have been working closely with Fikile. Through the programme, Fikile has gained access to expertly curated content and specialist training in the field of sustainable fashion design. The initiative aims to empower designers like Fikile with the knowledge, network, community and exposure to become forerunners in the slow fashion space. 

This year, at SA Fashion Week, Fikile stuck closely to her trademark ageless aesthetic with the Cruz Collective. Her statement designs were peppered with ruffles and frills, bringing volume to the runway in shades of black and white, accentuated by spritely shades of green. Her collection was big and yes, it was beautiful. 

Artho Eksteen’s collection is decidedly offbeat with an air of punk. In a room full of minimalists, Artho is the maximalist. His designs are heavily influenced by history and straddle the line between fine art and fashion design. This season’s collection is inspired by the “Surrealist method of Exquisite Corpse,” a method also known as “Exquisite Cadaver,” where a pastiche of images and words is assembled to create a completed piece of wearable art. 

South African swimwear and apparel brand, Beachcult took to the runway at SA Fashion Week in bold, bright variations on primary colours. Their accessories were designed and produced by Crystal Birch, a maverick milliner whose irreverent reimaginations of classic hats have become beloved adornments on the heads of the country’s most stylish fashionistas. 

The handiwork of designer, Belinda Venter turned heads at Fashion Week. Under her brand, BELHAUZEN, she showcased a collection that has been described as “effortlessly chic for the effortlessly modern woman.” The BELHAUZEN design ethos is strongly rooted in sustainability, with every garment being manufactured using natural and recycled fabrics. 

Body positivity was the aesthetic message of Isabel De Villiers, who presented a fabulous flurry of designs that cater for a diverse range of body shapes and sizes. Her figure-flattering, minimalist and design-focused silhouettes exuded femininity and grace, infused with a health dose of urban energy.