Where to shop in Joburg – October 2024

more than a year ago

PULP Paperworks' new pop-up home at 44 Stanley. Photo: PULP Paperworks via Instagram.

Bright and quirky homeware at By John Designs. Photo: By John Design via Instagram.

Boys of Soweto monogram suit. Photo: Boys Of Soweto via Instagram.

Whether you’re a thrifter, collector, or designer-label enthusiast, you can be sure that somewhere in Joburg, there is something new for you. Every month, we scout out shopping hot spots, pop-ups, and the latest labels that may not yet be on your radar…

For even more fashion inspiration, discover 10 local labels to watch at the Autumn/Winter 2025 edition of SA Fashion Week here.

Empowering Africa's creative future with Création Africa Programme

**Finalists of the Création Africa Programme at the Création Africa Days event. Photo: Supplied.**

From fashion to video games, the Création Africa Programme, backed by the French Embassy in South Africa, Malawi, and Lesotho alongside the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), empowers cultural entrepreneurship in these respective countries. This R24 million initiative supports twelve trailblazing cultural enterprises, including designer Thebe Magugu and his eponymous brand (featured in August's shopping blog), Ananta Design Studio, and Tendalo Trading (both featured in the September shopping blog) with incubation, seed funding, and international networking opportunities. After five months of expert guidance, these talented entrepreneurs showcased their work at the Création Africa Days event on Tue, Sep 17 – Wed, Sep 18, 2024. Additionally, the finalists will attend BIG 2024, Europe’s largest business and investment gathering, in Paris next month. It’s all about sparking long-lasting collaborations and turning creative dreams into global realities.

MaXhosa unveils SS24/25 collection at Paris Fashion Week

Blending African heritage with a chic Parisian twist, Laduma Ngxokolo showcases his MaXhosa SS24/25 collection, titled My Conviction, at Paris Fashion Week on Fri, Sep 27. Founded in 2010, this iconic Johannesburg-born knitwear brand brings its bold designs to the City of Lights, and continues to make waves globally.

Seasonal spoils at Russell Kaplan's Spring Wunderkammer

Fabulous finds at **Russell Kaplan auctioneers**. Photo: Johannesburg In Your Pocket.

Spoil yourself this season by bidding at Russell Kaplan's Spring Wunderkammer auction, a true cabinet of curiosities showcasing the quirkiest and most collectable art, antiques, furniture, homeware, and décor. With thousands of items on offer – from art and furniture to fashion, homeware, books, and delightful vintage collectables – there is something for everyone. Download the app and register to bid online here until Sun, Sep 29.

Design dreams at Joburg's first-ever Design Week South Africa

**Lauren Opia** featured in Objects by Kalashnikovv curation at **Kalashnikovv Gallery**, part of **Design Week South Africa**. Photo: Kalashnikovv Gallery.

The first-ever Design Week South Africa is set to shake up the city from Thu, Oct 10 – Sun, Oct 13, with a packed line-up of creative brilliance. Hosted at venues across the city, this design extravaganza brings together local makers, artists, and designers for four days of pure inspiration. Expect everything from architecture to fashion, ceramics to urban planning, focusing on innovation and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned design pro or just a fan of fabulous ideas, Design Week is an event to fuel your creative fire. Visit designweeksouthafrica.com for more.

Boys of Soweto and PULP Paperwork launch new stores

BOYS OF SOWETO

From a fashion-styling Tumblr blog in Soweto to the swanky streets of Rosebank, Boys of Soweto is ready to make a splash with their new store opening at The Zone @ Rosebank. Nestled under the We Are Egg store, this is the brand's second location (their first store is in 99Juta in Braamfontein). Known for their elevated street wear and bold monograms, Vusumuzi ‘Bob The Stylist’ Ndima is the creative genius behind Boys of Soweto. They’re bringing that same flair and creativity further north of the city, proving that style truly knows no bounds.

PULP PAPERWORKS

PULP Paperwork's new home at **44 Stanley**. Photo: PULP Paperworks via Instagram.

Get ready to turn the page on creativity at PULP Paperworks' new six-month pop-up collaboration with Edition Verso, from Sep 2024 – Feb 2025 at 44 Stanley. As veteran bookbinders primarily located at Victoria Yards and known for their handmade charm, PULP is bringing together the best of both worlds – digital and analogue, bulk and bespoke. This new innovative space will showcase classic PULP books and bookish objects while serving as an exhibition hub and workshop wonderland featuring notable makers from across the African continent and beyond.

BOYDE: A tapestry of style

Cowrie shell pants from BOYDE’s latest collection, DETERRITORIALIZATION AW'25. Photo: BOYDE via Instagram.

Fashion designer Samkelo Boyde Xaba marries contemporary African luxury with a dash of history with BOYDE. The label celebrates African heritage in every stitch by drawing from geometric modernism, industrial architecture, and the minimalist elegance of everyday life. Prioritising local materials, garments are crafted from exquisite mohair and wool in collaboration with top-tier knitting mills, reflecting a commitment to quality that rivals the finest luxury brands. BOYDE’s latest collection, DETERRITORIALIZATION AW25, which first debuted at New York Fashion Week, also incorporates cowrie shells – once currency and now a spiritual talisman – infusing the designs with good fortune and cultural significance. DETERRITORIALIZATION AW'25 showcases style and storytelling, inviting wearers to embrace a rich tapestry of narratives with every piece.

Covetable collectables at Brooklyn and Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fairs

Unique ceramics at the **Brooklyn Antique Fair**. Photo: Antique Fair Pretoria via Instagram.

Discover unique treasures at the Brooklyn Antique Fair at Brooklyn Mall on the first Sat of each month. Browse through a diverse selection of jewellery, accessories, ceramics, home décor, and more. For those in Joburg seeking vintage finds closer to home, the Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair, a sister event, is held on the first Sun of every month. Both fairs offer an array of distinctive items sure to get your attention.

The next Brooklyn Antique Fair takes place on Sat, Oct 5. Catch the Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair on Sun, Oct 6.

By John Designs: Where eclectic homeware hooks you

By John Designs' flamboyant wall hooks. Photo: By John Designs via Instagram.

Lobster, flamingo, or leopard wall hooks aren’t the norm for hanging your jacket, but By John Designs might make you reconsider. Founded by the ever-creative Kaylee John, who turned her love for interior design into a playful homeware brand, this Cape Town label we spotted at Decorex Joburg offers eclectic pieces that are as playful as they are stylish. From tablecloths and coasters to tea towels and scatter cushions, each item bursts with colour, print, and personality, showcasing the unique craftsmanship of skilled artisans. So, why settle for ordinary when you can add fun to your home with By John’s delightful designs?

Discover Next Icons of Style at Sandton City

**Next Icons of Style** highlights brands that are either new to Sandton City or have recently revamped their offerings. Photo: Sandton City Mall via Instagram.

Learn more about your favourite brands and the faces behind them at Sandton City’s Next Icons of Style. Until Sun, Oct 27, 2024, this landmark shopping destination hosts an eight-week celebration of the latest in fashion, athleisure, and beauty. With exclusive in-store offers from local and international brands like NARS Cosmetics, ARC Store, Burnt, and Puma, as well as The North Face offering a 20% storewide discount and MaXhosa selling early-bird tickets for the MXS Kulture Festival 2025, it promises a next-level shopping experience.

Check Sandton City’s social media for exclusive offers and more stylish surprises.

Put your heritage on the walls with MELA LE MEBALA

MELA LE MEBALA wallpaper in Meb006. Photo: Baba Tjeko via Instagram.

Whether you're refreshing your home or adding personality to your commercial space, MELA LE MEBALA, the debut wallpaper collection by multidisciplinary artist Baba Tjeko in collaboration with Fabric Bank, who specialises in bespoke fabric and wallpaper printing, offers the spark you need. Celebrating Heritage Month, this collection features geometric designs inspired by various South African cultures. It is available in six varieties, ranging from monochromatic black and white to warmer earth-tone palettes.