WHAT'S
UP?
Explore this week.
We’ve recently introduced our new Creative Collections to showcase the explosion of up-and-coming South African creatives breaking boundaries and redefining their relative industries.
Fashion is no different. But there is an even bigger challenge facing new brands – the rise of fast fashion. How can fledgling talent blossom when there is a mass-produced, bottom-of-the-barrel alternative available in seconds? This list is here to celebrate the contrary; the carefully curated and created styles that challenge the consumerism of late-stage capitalism. Slow fashion is what we’re about – and that’s just part of what we adore in these brands.
1. The Pioneers
Artclub and Friends
Would any list of South African fashion be complete without the effortlessly stylish Artclub and Friends? With collections of the perfect mix of vivacious statement pieces and minimalist essentials, Artclub and Friends should be the first spot to look at when investing in a slow fashion wardrobe. Started by Robyn Keyser in 2016, Artclub has become a brand that is “by artists, for artists”. Given their gorgeous genderless dungarees and sweaters, we can see why an Artclub piece would be a staple in any creative’s closet.
Give the Artclub family and their statement pieces a follow on Instagram, or check out their site here.
2. The Dungaree Experts
Daisy Clothing
If you had a glance at my cupboard, you’d find that a good majority of my clothes are from the fabulous Daisy Clothing. Colourful and striking sweaters, dungarees, shorts and bucket hats – to name a few – exemplify Daisy Clothing’s bubbly and cheeky style. My personal favourites are the dungarees – I have about four pairs from them now, all different lengths, colours and materials, yet all as comfortable and well-made as the next.
Check out their Instagram to see some of their pieces and keep an eye out for them at Studio Candor’s Shindig III. We’ll also be having a feature on them soon – we can’t wait to find out more about this up-and-coming brand that has been making waves in Cape Town fashion – and taking up my closet space, of course. Get yourself a pair of their whimsical dungarees from their Instagram.
3. Queens of 70s Funk
Be Kind Clothing
Looking for the perfect pair of flares to make your outfit stand out? Be Kind Clothing is an online brand that exemplifies the vibrant maximalism and funky patterns of the 70s. Another master of slow fashion, Be Kind Clothing provides you with an array of groovy items that could fit in at both a rowdy festival and at a peaceful garden picnic. I’ve ordered the gorgeous pink daisy flares, and I was beyond impressed with the quality of the stitching and the material, the vibrancy of the colour – and of course – how many compliments I got on them. (Yes, they make your peach pop.) Have a peep at their Instagram to shop their sensational thrifts and creations.
4. The Beach Essentials
TJOK
TJOK is more than just swimwear. Nah, this isn’t your dad’s Truworths cozzie. TJOK provides a gap between the perfect beach day outfit and the sundowners after. Take your pick from their statement boardshorts with bold art deco patterns to make a splash at Bakoven, before choosing one of their equally eye-catching “party shirts” to cover that sunburn up with. A set from TJOK should be front and centre in your closet if you’re looking to flex your style without losing out on comfort. I’ll be getting one before I start dipping my toes into the festival scene this year – you can find their spirited summer styles on Instagram or on their website.
5. The Streetwear Staple
Loskop
Loskop was one of my lockdown finds, and it didn’t take much for me to add a pastel purple tracksuit set to my wardrobe as soon as possible. Identified by their blend of rich y2k- inspired colour pallet and casual streetwear influences, Loskop is one of South Africa’s most rapidly growing fashion brands, simply because it fits into a category of its own. It’s not just loungewear, not just a tracksuit. I’ve worn mine to class, and I’ve worn mine to laze around in. Loskop pieces ooze effortless style. Browse their site to explore their range of items that include both swimwear and festival rentals.
We’re going to be interviewing Emily from Loskop soon enough, so keep an eye on our feed to see when it’s up, and of course, check Loskop out on Instagram.
6. Soft Minimalism At Its Finest
Sama-Sama
Sama-Sama is the epitome of gentle. Created in early 2018 by Kimberley Lardner-Burke, the brand describes its main intention as offering “clothing designed to allow movement, unrestricted and with compassion for the body”. This compassion extends to their sustainability stance, which follows the tenants of slow fashion – local production, fair wages and minimised waste. Sama-Sama is just what I imagine when I think of Cape Town fashion – breezy, understated pieces that still manage to make heads turn. Give their website a glance to shop some of their chunky knits and ethereal dresses if you’d like to become a true Capetonian. Work out how you’d fit their pieces into your cupboard by getting some inspiration from their Instagram.
7. Comfort, Style and Sustainability in One
Studio Candor
We recently interviewed Studio Candor, and we’re in awe of the small-batch clothing brand and its influence on the South African fashion scene. Even after starting their venture during the confusion of the early pandemic, Studio Candor has found its voice. More importantly, they have found their distinctive aesthetic where vintage and leisure meet. An aesthetic that personifies the new way of being since the pandemic began: preserving the past whilst still being ever conscious of the future. Check out our latest feature on the sustainability-driven business, and don’t forget the Studio Candor Shindig III on the 29th of January.
