An African-inspired Valentine’s

Right on the doorstep of Sandton City is an African fashion oasis. Chief curator Thula Sindi brought the concept to life in October last year. Emulating a gallery of art, designers have made their spaces in the store come to life with their own unique touches.

Valentine’s Day is coming up and we’re getting all the trends.

The Sandton Chronicle spoke to three designers who gave us some tips to have a truly African Valentine’s Day.

For a pool date, you can keep it super local with ShweShwekini. Established in 2017 by designer Mapitso Thaisi, she wanted to bring a range of ShweShwe-inspired activewear and swimwear for both men and women.

“I saw a gap in the market. I was a little bit frustrated with the lack of African print in swimwear and I needed something that reminded me more of my home country which is Lesotho and the Sotho culture. That’s when ShweShwekini came about,” said Thaisi.

For her, the fashion space has tremendously evolved. With a larger focus on African designers, she said that it is a great opportunity to bring her own culture into what she does every day.

“To realise that the world wants to see more of us is amazing. What I want to see is more younger people taking up space and create lasting brands.”

Her Valentine’s date tip is one for the outdoors.

“My suggestion is the Mariha swimsuit – it covers nicely in all the right places. Another favourite of mine is the Mahali swimsuit which is a super sexy number and a best seller.”

She advised pairing it with one of the cover-ups in store and you’re on your way. “Not limited to just swimwear you can mix it up.

“It’s versatile to go from the beach to the club. Or in this case, from the pool to dinner.”

Kenyan-based designer Adhiambo Lauwers of Galago is a lover of all things authentically African. “Galago was started about five years ago – it’s a Johannesburg-made brand, everything is handmade locally in Joburg with love.

“We create fun and fashionable quirky shoes and accessories, for the perfect Valentine’s outfit with ‘bae’.

“I’d suggest a red tie-up – you know, dainty around the ankle with a little bit of shimmer. Sexy and casual, its comfortable and you will look beautiful.”

Celebrated designer Maria McCloy is inspired by the continent. A shoe and accessory designer, she is all about keeping it local.

“It’s important for me to keep the design on the continent because it shouldn’t be ‘made in China’ because that’s cheap. It should be made here because it is authentically African.”

With a pan-African offering, you can find high quality luxury items at her place. “I feel proud that Thula Sindi asked me to be here. It’s a luxury African emporium.

“There are a lot of designers here but what we struggle with is a platform. A platform that isn’t a flea market or a once in a while.”

McCloy’s advice for the perfect Valentine’s date is to just be yourself.

“Be yourself and if you’re really being yourself you’re going to respect your heritage and culture and reflect it. So I would say come here and look for an outfit. It’s limited edition so your look is unique.”

And because love will be in the air, she mentioned that supporting local would be quite lovely too. “It’s nice for everyone to be able to go on dates and that happens when you put money in, so put money into the local design so that we can also go out on the 14th of February.”

Related articles:

https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/238629/twist-luxury-african-fashion-kahindo/

https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/240257/fresh-perspective-fabulous-sa-fashion-week/