Leading local fashion retailer, Woolworths SA, opened SA Fashion Week with a star studded front row of SA’s top fashion media, fashion mavens and influencers with another edition of STYLEBYSA.
The STYLEBYSA SS18 line-up showcased the retailer’s collaboration with leading fashion designers, Thebe Magugu, Rich Mnisi, MmusoMaxwell, Wanda Lephoto and Watermelon Social Club.
Woolworths’ on-going commitment to STYLEBYSA has helped create opportunities and celebrate South African designers. In addition, it acknowledges the notable strides made by designers in the local fashion industry
MEET THE DESIGNERS FOR STYLEBYSA SS18:
RICH MNISI
His pieces included bold colours and unique patterns this Season with a beautiful balance between femininity and masculinity by focusing on practicality.
Rich’s intent with this collection is to give the wearer contemporary complimentary clothing that allows them to feel beautiful.
THEBE MAGUGU
Thebe describes his pieces as eclectic and sophisticated with a strong emphasis on proportion. The various pieces invoke feelings of dominance, ephemerality and confidence in the wearer.
Thebe makes surprisingly brilliant colour combinations in this collection that works in any setting.
His designs are strongly influenced by the prominent female figures in his life.
MMUSOMAXWELL
MMUSOMAXWELL is the vibrant brand by duo Maxwell Buko and Mmuso Potsane. The pair have been regular features at fashion weeks throughout South Africa. Their bold, unconventional use of colour and patterns has awarded them international acclaim.
The SS18 collection from MMUSOMAXWELL marries contemporary culture with African heritage. This is achieved through the use of interesting cuts and shapes paired with fabrications like cotton poplin, crepes and melton.
WANDA LEPHOTO
The Wanda Lephoto label, a part of the multidisciplinary creative collective The Sartists, is spearheaded by two designers: Wanda Lephoto and Kabelo Kungwane. The two have infused the brand with a strong sense of storytelling.
This blend of past and present is especially prevalent in the t-shirts featuring barber and salon themed artwork created by a local Johannesburg street artist.
THE WATERMELON SOCIAL CLUB
Sthembiso Mchunu and Siyabonga Ngcamu founded The Watermelon Social Club in 2016. The SS18 collection is a modern twist on Zulu culture with strong influences from both their heritage and present-day experience.
The brand is heavily guided by the streetwear movement. Bold prints combine with unisex silhouettes to form a style that is on trend with a timeless effortlessness.
