One of my biggest passions of late is supporting the local fashion industry. We have a booming industry, filled with talented designers who cover a wide spectrum. Why then, do I find it so difficult to wear clothes from local designers? My main aim is to unearth these designers and bring them to the fore using my online platforms. As a South African, it makes no sense that my wardrobe is predominately occupied by clothes made and manufactured overseas. The fact that I even consciously have to make an effort to do this is ridiculous but I’m at a point where I’m tired of wearing the same old, same old and I’m looking for something different, something authentic and I’m looking at the local industry to fulfill it. It isn’t easy, I must admit, and I know my wardrobe won’t be filled with local designers overnight, and neither will this blog, so give me time. In my previous two look posts, I’m wearing local designer Matte Nolim. See here and here. I have started the process.
My biggest qualm with local designer wears is that they aren’t easy to find. You actively need to go search for them and they aren’t easily accessible to the general public. I like the convenience of rushing to the mall on a Friday evening to quickly shop for an outfit for an event on Saturday. With malls closing at 8pm I take full advantage of that and can get to the mall at 6pm and find an outfit with accessories in two hours. You can’t do the same and purchase local designers. That frustrates me. Concepts like Workshop Newtown in Newtown and 27 Boxes in Melville are a welcome relief but they are still too few and far between. Having a brick and mortar store also helps with sizing. I like stepping into a store to try items out because a size 8 in one store isn’t the same in the next. Hell, I even have pants in different sizes from the same store which fit me perfectly. Not all cuts are made the same.
For all the points I complained about, there are positive points to consider when buying local. You know you are buying something exclusive. Anybody else who wants the same item of clothing needs to go through the same process you did to purchase it. You are basically buying one of a kind pieces, not clothes mass produced in a factory in India. This brings me to superb quality and workmanship. Because they are handmade, you can expect the best. Obviously, no two brands will be of the same quality but I am usually drawn to designers who are passionate about their work, which you can tell from their clothes. Another positive point is the relationships you can build with designers. I can’t pick up the phone and call Alexander Wang, but I can send Cari from Love Deluxe (previously Tart Clothing) an email to ask her a question. My number one reason to support local is to boost the economy. I would rather have my money go to a designer to help fund his/her next collection and make it bigger and better, rather than lining some rich man’s pockets who I don’t even know. As challenging as it is, I’m not going to rest until I’m able to wear local from head to toe. Help me shop SA and let me know who your favorite local designers are in the comments section.
A few months ago I pulled out a Love Deluxe crop top from the depths of my wardrobe to wear to an Urban Decay event I attended, organized by Teetee Nteta. I hadn’t worn that crop in a while because I feel like it’s so eye catching. It’s the type of item which cannot be repeated too often. I honestly had forgotten it was a local purchase. After I had posted my look online, Cari from Love Deluxe contacted me to ask if she could use my image. I agreed and looked through her Instagram feed to see what was new. I immediately fell deep in love with the new range. The aesthetic has changed dramatically and is now characterized by luxe fringe. This is not just any type of fringe but beautiful, glossy fringe which looks amazing in motion. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The fringe is applied directly to each garment individually, by hand, using a knotting technique which allows it to fall freely from the garment creating kinetic energy all on it's own. I knew I had to have something from this range.
After a lot of indecisive back and forth, I decided to get the two tone miniskirt first. It's short, sexy and is made of blue and black fringe. I feel like it radiates Tina Turner vibes. I already have my eye on a second piece and can't wait to get my hands on it.
T-shirt | Country Road
Mini Skirt | Love Deluxe
Sandals | Brian Atwood
Choker | Lovisa
Photographed by Cedric Nzaka
yho! I mean…..what’s a girl to say about this look. as for suggestions Burgundy Fly maybe
Author
🙂 I’m glad you like Princess!
Thank you for the recommendation. I’ll try them out
Looking absolutely stunning! Supporting local designs is what we should aim for more 👏🏾👏🏾
differentlyconfident.com
Author
Thank you! Absolutely! It should be the norm to be honest.
I love your posts but also your skin is so flawless. What do you use?
Author
Thank you! That’s a combination of going to a dermatologist, drinking lots of water, make up and a little editing. 🙂
You look amazing!!!!
Your body :)…..love love that outfit, so effortlessly dressed up.
Author
Thank you Cebo!