Woolworths STYLEBYSA 2018
Woolworths have returned with their STYLEBYSA campaign, which involves enlisting South Africa’s top designers to release part of their 2018 collections through Woolworths stores and online. This year’s selection shows a great combination of retro takes, contemporary styles and streetwear, with each designer being at the forefront of their craft.
Wanda Lephoto
The Wanda Lephoto label is run by Kabelo Kungwane and Wanda, its namesake. The young designers are based in Johannesburg and are members of the multi-disciplinary collective “The Sartists”. The group was formed to challenge parochial ideas about blackness in modern society through considered style and creative storytelling, and this is expressed throughout the Wanda Lephoto label. Wanda and Kabelo’s brand has turned heads with their unique and classic styles, which combine structured silhouettes with strong tailoring and serious attention to detail. Past stand-out pieces from the brand include tailored pants, tafetta coats, white patchwork shirts, as well as beautiful striped suits and jackets.
Rich Mnisi
Another exciting member of this campaign is Rich Mnisi, winner of the young designer of the year award and speaker at the Design Indaba Conference. Starting in 2014, Rich Mnisi has already established himself amongst South Africa’s top designers. His clothes demonstrate a global view catering to an aspirational market, all while packaged in extremist yet minimalist structures which take design and craftsmanship as the main motivation. Mnisi has a love for pop culture and intends his brand to reflect a contemporary outlook, while standing firm in an aesthetic that brings worlds of artistic imagination together. This year’s collection is close to Mnisi’s heart, with inspiration stemming from his own mother
Sindiso Khumalo
SIndiso is an impressive designer who got her Masters in Design for Textile Futures, before studying architecture in Cape Town and going on to work with world-renowned architect, David Adjaye in London. She followed these achievements by starting her own clothing line in 2013, which specialises in sustainable contemporary textiles. She draws inspiration from her rich Zulu and Ndebele culture to create culturally infused fashion pieces with sustainable textiles at the heart. Sindiso Khumalo’s SS18 collection contains tropical prints on flowing satin and multicoloured striped jumpsuits with ruffle sleeves. It's no wonder her clothes are available as far as Milan.
Anees Petersen of Young & Lazy
Young & Lazy has proven itself year after year as Cape Town’s top streetwear brand. One just has to look at the brand's recent collaborations to see that they are in serious demand. These collaborations include a Nike Air Max 270 partnership for a Young & Lazy fashion show, a Space Spinach collab and pop-up at Baseline Skateshop, and even a collaboration with your very own Shelflife. There is no doubt that Young & Lazy speaks to the youth with simple and functional streetwear that has connections to skate culture and Anees’ religious beliefs. Speaking on his latest collection, Anees said, “I just wanted to create a desirable ready-to-wear collection that is simpler, clean and minimal but still makes an impact.” This can be seen with his use of PVC coated finishing on garments, combined with his staple wide chinos and simple graphics.
Thebe Magugu
Another exciting offering for women in this year’s STYLEBYSA campaign is Thebe Magugu. The brand is defined as a contemporary fashion brand that mainly operates within the field of women’s read- to-wear. However, Thebe Magugu also excels at accessories and other multi-disciplinary projects. His brand combines sleekness and forward-thinking designs with motifs from the continent's past to create smart, multifaceted garments. Thebe's AW18 collection is titled, “Gender Studies” and explores the balance between masculinity and femininity.
The STYLEBYSA AW18 collection will be available online on the evening of the 24th of April and in select Woolworths stores (Sandton, Rosebank, Centurion, Pavilion, and Canal Walk) from the 25th of April.
