Where to shop in Joburg – June 2023

Time
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 hotspots, pop-ups and the latest labels that may not yet be on your radar… 

As mid-winter sets in, we are thinking of layered, African luxury clothing, beautiful ceramics on which to serve cosy dinners, and funky accessories to brighten us up on grey days.
 

Antique fairs
 

Sterling silver marcasite and garnet frog brooch. Photo: Antique Fairs via Facebook.

Every month, head to Pretoria on the first Saturday, and Nelson Mandela Square on the first Sunday, for a superb collection of high-quality vintage pieces to shop, ranging from period jewellery to beautiful tableware, collectable ceramics and unusual treasures from yesteryear such as antique snuffboxes, old-fashioned cameras and even gramophones.  Brooklyn's Antiques Fair will take place on  Sat, Jul 1 from 09:00 and  Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair on Sun, Jul 2 from 10:00. 

Shoes galore at Blu Betty's Pretoria pop-up

Fresh designs available at Blu Betty's Pretoria pop-up shop. Photo: Blu Betty.

The online-only footwear label Blu Betty is headed to Pretoria for a two-day pop-up at Vintage on Main on  Fri, Jun 30 from 08:30 – 19:00, and Sat, Jul 1 from 08:30 – 16:00 . Blu Betty's pop-up events are always a festive occasion, with dedicated fans of the proudly South African brand's handmade leather footwear (from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) eagerly lining up to get their hands on the latest collections. Shoppers can look forward to a brilliant range of Blu Betty classics in a huge array of colours as well as brand-new styles making their debut. For thrifty shoppers, the selection of 'Perfectly Imperfect' factory flaws is always a favourite. Regular Blu Betty pop-up shoppers will tell you that the early birds snap up the best deals, and as Blu Betty regulars ourselves, we are going to tell you the same!

Cool Doos Wine

 
Edgy and sustainable wine. Photo: Doos Wine. 

Wine in a box? Gosh haven’t tried that since our university days and the memories, while blurry, are not very good! But as  Doos  says, they put "proper wine in a box". High-quality, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable and easy to travel with, this Johannesburg-based wine company will make you the belle of the braai. Enjoy a glass or even a paper cup of this delicious wine while soaking in the warmth of our winter sun or next to a roaring fire.

Fashionable flashbacks with Frolic&Moon

 
The '90s never looked so good. Photo: Frolic&Moon via Facebook.

If you don’t have a moonbag you are missing out. This fashion accessory that harks back to the 90s has had a major style upgrade, with bright, fun prints and colourful leather straps. Frolic&Moon produce one-of-a-kind bags made of locally sourced fabrics. Big enough to fit your phone and lipstick, worn on the waist or across the shoulder, this is the perfect bag for dancing the night away while looking fantastic. Available at lifestyle store Tapenade & Friends at Rand Steam , corner of Barry Hertzog Avenue and Napier Road in Richmond , and online here

Liebermann Pottery

 
Liebermann mocha coffee pot. Photo: Liebermann Pottery. 

A Johannesburg institution, Liebermann Pottery was established in 1956. The pottery is bright and fun and the huge range includes planters to platters. Situated at the Old Gasworks at 1 Annet Road, Cottesloe, we recommend spending a morning going through the exciting inventory here. We have our eye on the tall coffee mocha pots and flat-bottomed pasta bowls for long-weekend lunches of pasta al limone and steaming, hot brews. Bliss. 

Crochet creations by Mama's Boy

 
Mama's Boy's creativity, stacked high. Photo: Thabo Mthombeni.

Made in Soweto by Jacqueline Hadebe with creative direction by her son Simphiwe Khumalo, Mama's Boy offers a range of handmade crochet hats, infused with vibrant shades that spark pure joy. Skilfully crafted by Hadebe using premium wool, each hat is a one-of-a-kind piece, combining different stitching methods and a whole lot of creativity. 

Their journey began in Cape Town when a crocheted hat caught Khumalo's eye. Motivated by her son's latest addition, Hadebe took on the challenge of replicating a hat similar to Khumalo's. She kept working on her passion project, and four months later their creations caught the attention from creatives in Johannesburg’s fashion scene. Mama's Boy is available on Instagram through  Studio Bananaaa .

Masonwabe 
 

Ameva Ayabangulana collection by Masonwabe Ntloko. Photo: Supplied. 

Artist, designer and illustrator Masonwabe Ntloko has launched a unisex knitwear collection titled Ameva Ayabangulana. The collection draws on inspiration from the experience of African childhood in a colourful and modern way. Pieces from Ntloko's latest collection are availabe for pre-order through his website here. Discover the city through Masonwabe Ntloko's eyes with his #MyJoburg here. 
 

We interviewed the duo behind Me&B

 
Mother and daughter team Kelly-Grace Gibberd (left) and Betina Swart (right) – the force behind Me&B. Photo: Me&B.

Since opening their store at  44 Stanley , this Cape Town-based label has become a firm favourite among the Johannesburg In Your Pocket team. Embracing inclusivity and diversity as a driving force, the dynamic mother and daughter duo behind the brand – Betina Swart and Kelly-Grace Gibberd – have crafted a clothing brand that transcends boundaries of age and size, delivering stylish and often exhilarating garments that leave a lasting impression. 

Amidst a sea of often mundane fashion, Me&B embodies a vibrant South African spirit and stands out in its price range. Me&B has committed itself to ensuring that no one is left out, catering to a wide range of sizes from 32 to 46. Swart and Gibberd's shared vision for shaking up the fashion industry is manifested in collections bursting with eye-catching colours, captivating prints and daring silhouettes,  read the interview here

Upgrade your look at Mo Piiercings 

 
Matching tattoos. Photo: Inkmoe Tattoos.

A one-stop shop for thrift, ink, tooth gems and more, Mo Piiercings is owned by piercing artist and thrift enthusiast, Moagi Mengo, and has become a destination for those seeking unique body modification experiences. 

Since opening in 2018, Mo Piiercings has gained recognition for its experienced team specialising in piercings, tattoos, tooth gems, and nail art. In 2022, Mo Piiercings opened its store on Smit Street in Braamfontein , and this revamped space serves offers a welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable expressing their individuality. 

So, whether you're itching to get some wicked new piercings, thrift clothing and jewellery from Backdoor Thrift , get inked by the talented Inkmoe Tattoos , add some sparkle with tooth gems by the fabulous Fangtastic , or get some nail art done by Nailed Ntswembu , Mo Piiercings has got you covered. 
 

Carefully crafted garments by Project Inflamed Official

 
Utility jacket by Project Inflamed. Photo: Project Inflamed Official. 

This “Soweto born, Maboneng crafted” local clothing company has us swooning at their Johannesburg men’s style range. Project Inflamed 's tailored cuts, prints and colours remind you that Jozi style may just be the coolest on the globe. Visit them at Arts on Main in Maboneng or shop online through their Instagram page here


Kalahari Books reopens

 
Literary beauties await. Photo: Kalahari Books.


We have good news for Joburg's bibliophiles and second-hand book aficionados. After temporarily closing due to Covid-19 lockdowns, beloved Orange Grove bookstore Kalahari Books reopened in May. The extensive shelves of this enchanting bookshop are a treat to browse, with plenty of well-priced literary gems.

Learn more about the Kwa Mai Mai market 
 

Author Sipho Sithole, whose book Maye! Maye! is a fascinating and detailed history of Kwa Mai Mai. Photo: Laurice Taitz.
In Sipho Sithole's fascinating book about Joburg's  Kwa Mai Mai market  entitled  Maye! Maye!  (May 2023), he tells the story of a place that is at once a site for preserving cultural memory and ties to a rural homeland, a place of resistance, and one of economic survival. Kwa Mai Mai, or the Mai Mai market as some know it, has often been misunderstood. 

At Kwa Mai Mai prayer, culture, medicine, resistance, performance, entrepreneurship, woodwork and healing take place daily, side by side. Kwa Mai Mai is emblematic of Joburg's history, a place of contrasts, and home to a migrant working class who have found a home away from home in this part of the city. It's not without its immense burdens and hardships – but as Sithole unfolds the story, you get a sense of the depth of cultural pride that marks out Kwa Mai Mai's community. Throughout, Sithole emphasises how little is known about this place and its significance in Joburg, so we thought it's important to document some of his findings. We put together a list of 
Gallery image

1/3


You might also be interested in

Check out other destinations in South Africa

Leave a comment