The vibrant world of South African fashion. Here's some of the runway brilliance from top designers—capturing bold prints, cultural motifs, and the dynamic energy of SA’s fashion scene.
Here’s a curated lineup of the most influential South African designers making waves locally and globally. Each brings a unique blend of heritage, innovation, and artistry.
1. David Tlale
A household name celebrated for avant-garde designs and theatrical runways. David has showcased at Cape Town, New York, and Paris Fashion Weeks
Known for bold colors, textures, and philanthropy—mentoring emerging designers through programs like United Colors of Fashion
2. Gavin Rajah
An elegant visionary who founded Cape Town Fashion Week and became the first African brand invited to Paris Haute Couture
His work extends beyond fashion into philanthropy—mentoring survivors of domestic violence through The Whitelight Movement
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3. Thula Sindi
Known for chic, timeless designs that fuse modern aesthetics with African flair. His craftsmanship and sophisticated silhouettes have earned him a devoted following.
4. Laduma Ngxokolo (MaXhosa Africa)
Founder of MaXhosa Africa, renowned for reinterpretations of traditional Xhosa beadwork in knitwear. His brand has garnered international acclaim, expanding to Paris and New York
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5. Palesa Mokubung (Mantsho)
Celebrated designer behind Mantsho, known for its striking prints and expressive silhouettes. She made history as the first African designer to collaborate with H&M
6. Marianne Fassler
A trailblazer with decades-long influence, known for her eclectic, bohemian aesthetic and fearless use of color and texture
7. Rich Mnisi
A rising star known for gender-fluid, avant-garde designs that challenge norms. His powerful aesthetic draws attention both locally and internationally
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8. Nkhensani Nkosi (NN Vintage / Stoned Cherrie)
Founder of Stoned Cherrie, known for t-shirts featuring apartheid-era heroes like Stephen Biko—melding fashion with political symbolism
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9. Thebe Magugu
Winner of the prestigious 2019 LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize, now a global presence collaborating with Dior, Adidas, and more. He remains deeply grounded in storytelling and cultural roots
He recently opened Magugu House, a creative showroom in Johannesburg showcasing fashion and art
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10. Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana
Known for blending Basotho cultural heritage—especially the iconic Basotho blanket—into contemporary fashion. Her label stands out globally for its creativity and cultural representation
Jacques van der Watt (Black Coffee) – Known for structural, geometric fashion installations with deep South African design influences
Abigail Betz – Recognized for delicate, ultra-feminine bridal designs
Gert-Johan Coetzee – Glamorous, red-carpet ready couture adored by celebrities
Bongiwe Walaza – Bold prints and bringing shweshwe fabric to the global stage
Sindiso Khumalo – Sustainable fashion pioneer, weaving her heritage into vibrant prints and empowering communities through ethical collaborations
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David Tlale — Runway look from the David Tlale collections (example from his recent collections pages). A theatrical, sculptural evening look from his collections. DAVID TLALE+1
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Gavin Rajah — Handcrafted beaded evening gown (Gavin Rajah couture / Cape Town Fashion Week runway photo). Elegant couture gown with hand beading and drape. Getty Images+1
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Thula Sindi — Abero Chiffon Dress (from Thula Sindi official site). A timeless, chic ready-to-wear dress representative of his refined silhouettes. THULA SINDI
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Laduma Ngxokolo (MaXhosa Africa) — Runway look from MaXhosa (Maxhosa Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear runway coverage). Xhosa-inspired knitwear piece (signature graphic knit jumper). Vogue+1
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Palesa Mokubung (Mantsho) — Mantsho x H&M capsule — e.g., the Mantsho “cape collar”/printed dresses from the H&M collaboration. Bold prints and flowing silhouettes from the Mantsho × H&M collection. Glamour+1
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Marianne Fassler — Signature eclectic / bohemian dress (examples on her official channels / Getty photos). A colorful, textured look that reflects her decades-long aesthetic. Getty Images+1
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Rich Mnisi — Look from Rich Mnisi runway (examples from his lookbook / H&M × Rich Mnisi / Adidas collaborations listed on his site). Gender-fluid, avant-garde piece from his runway archive. richmnisi.com
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Nkhensani Nkosi (Stoned Cherrie / NN Vintage) — Stoned Cherrie printed T-shirt (historical / museum piece: Drum t-shirt exhibited at the Museum at FIT). Iconic politically-charged T-shirt design, part of museum collections. Flickr+1
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Thebe Magugu — Mafeteng Dress / look from Thebe Magugu collections (and images from Magugu House coverage). A narrative dress from his tribe-inspired collections; also shown at Magugu House. thebemagugu.com+1
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Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana — Basotho-blanket inspired cape / Classic Butterfly Cape (product page on Thabo Makhetha official shop). A contemporary cape/coat made from traditional Basotho blanket motifs (signature item). Thabo Makhetha+1
