Where to shop in Joburg – May 2024

24 Apr 2024

Fashion designer Thebe Magugu's newly launched capsule collection, 'Heritage III: Lobola Negotiations'. Photo: Thebe Magugu via Instagram.

Plenty of treasure at the Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair. Photo: Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair via Instagram.

The Imanii puffer from Sari for Change. Photo: Sari for Change 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…

From knitwear charm to fashion fame: Oddity's Jessica-Ann Shepherd wins Mr Price New Talent Search Competition

Mr Price New Talent Search Competition 2024 winner Jessica-Ann Shepherd of Oddity at SA Fashion Week S/S 2024. Photo: SA Fashion Week via Instagram.

Freshly crowned winner of the Mr Price New Talent Search Competition at SA Fashion Week, Jessica-Ann Shepherd, founded Oddity in Cape Town in 2019. The label is best known for its charming knitwear but for the Mr Price New Talent Search Competition, Shepherd expanded her repertoire to include quirky prints and innovative upcycling techniques. Shepherd's win underscores her talent and sets the stage for Oddity to continue to shine as a label. Be on the lookout for her Mr Price collaboration coming soon.

Heritage meets high fashion: Thebe Magugu's latest collection celebrates South African icons and traditions

Fashion designer Thebe Magugu recently launched his third Heritage capsule collection titled Lobola Negotiations, which showcases 18 of South Africa's most prominent figures, including Professor Thuli Madonsela (former public protector) and Dr John Kani (legendary theatre actor). These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields. The new collection is inspired by the tradition of lobola, a customary practice in which the groom's family presents a gift (traditionally cattle, nowadays money) to the bride's family in exchange for her hand in marriage. This practice is not about ownership, but rather a symbolic gesture that has evolved. The collection is now available for pre-order on the Thebe Magugu website.

Blu Betty takes their shoes to new heights

The Tatum, Ty, and Harv shoes (left to right) from **Blu Betty**. Photo: Supplied.

Durban brand Blu Betty is taking winter to new heights by adding a chunky sole to some of their beloved shoes, including a relaunch of the Harv brogues, giving them a dynamic new edge, as well as new boots like the Tatum and Ty. You can order these online or, even better, visit their new Joburg store in Parkhurst.

Crafting creativity: KAMERS/Makers returns to Joburg

Get ready Joburg for the ultimate artisanal extravaganza. KAMERS/Makers is back and better than ever. From Wed, May 1 – Sun, May 5, St David’s Marist in Inanda transforms into a bustle of creativity, hosting more than 160 of South Africa's most talented artisanal small businesses, designers, and makers. Whether you're on the hunt for unique fashion finds, stunning jewellery, gourmet goodies, stylish homeware, or adorable kids' items, this pop-up retail experience always has something for everyone. KAMERS/Makers is also a wonderful way to support South African businesses and ensure money circulates in the local creative economy.

Artisanal delights at The Gift Gallery

Trinkets and art to take home from The Gift Gallery. Photo: Supplied.

The Gift Gallery is a vibrant new addition to 44 Stanley. This unique store is a creative collaboration between sustainable luxury brand WhatWeCherish and Path Nomad, making it a great stop for art and design enthusiasts. Path Nomad's gallery is a dynamic hub for art exhibitions and events, while WhatWeCherish highlights talented African artisans, celebrating their distinctive creations and sharing their inspiring stories. At The Gift Gallery, you'll discover a petite, but captivating, museum-gallery shop filled with artisanal bags, exquisite jewellery, and home décor. Each piece is sourced locally or from across the continent.

Wrap yourself in style with Sari for Change's new Imanii puffer

Sari for Change is a conscious fashion brand dedicated to empowering women, from the makers to the wearers, through the upcycling of gently worn saris and textiles from the African continent and diaspora to create stylish kaftans, elegant kimonos, and comfortable drawstring pants. They are continuing to make waves with their latest offering, the Imanii Puffer, now available at Big Blue stores nationwide. The puffer is a reversible jacket crafted from these unique fabrics, each piece celebrating individual identity while championing shared textile heritage.

From winter blues to sizzling heat: Black Coffee and Rich Mnisi's latest A/W collections

BLACK COFFEE A/W 2024

Striking coats in Black Coffee's A/W 2024 collection. Photo: Black Coffee via Instagram.

Black Coffee's latest A/W collection effortlessly weaves a tapestry of inspirations, drawing from the intricate patterns of 18th-century frescoes, the bold strokes of Hokusai's block prints, and the artful mending techniques of Sashiko. Discarding the whims of trend-driven seasonality, the collection embraces being a collector's item, seamlessly transitioning from one season to the next. Each piece undergoes a fascinating process of deconstruction and reconstruction, reflecting the brand's commitment to crafting wearable art. You can buy pieces from the collection online.

RICH MNISI A/W 2024

The Earth Argyle Trench Coat from Rich Mnisi's A/W 2024. Photo: Rich Mnisi via Instagram.

We previously mentioned (read our March Shopping Blog) that Rich Mnisi's A/W 2024 collection was showcased at Palais Brongniart in Paris. The collection called Mihloti, meaning 'tears' in Xitsonga, journeys through a spectrum of emotions tears represent, from joy and anguish to vulnerability and acceptance. It features meticulously tailored suits that echo corporate attire, juxtaposed with whimsical patterns and exaggerated silhouettes that are sure to turn heads. And the best part? Some of these pieces are already available for purchase, including the Earth Argyle trench coat. More pieces are on the way to shop.richmnisi.com.

Urban Joburg–flair with Seen Pha

The signature dungarees of SeenPha are for everyone. Photo: SeenPha Instagram.

SeenPha is the brainchild of playwright and artist Jefferson Tshabalala. Rooted in the pulse of Joburg, this clothing label captures the city's unique spirit with its playful, gender-neutral designs. From stylish cargo pants and shirts to eye-catching shoes, SeenPha's collection is a celebration of local culture and fashion. But the real showstopper? Their signature dungarees that effortlessly blend comfort with urban flair. To get your hands on SeenPha's distinctive and trendy pieces, check out their Instagram page for more information.

Unlock hidden treasures at the Brooklyn and Mandela Square antique fairs

Discover unique treasures at the Brooklyn Antique Fair at Brooklyn Mall on the first Saturday of each month. Browse through a diverse selection of jewellery, accessories, ceramics, and 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 Sunday of every month. Both fairs offer an array of distinctive items sure to get your attention.

Design darlings steal the spotlight: Mash T and Dokter and Misses

MASH T

Showing at this year's Milan Design Week as part of Dolce & Gabbana’s Casa exhibition, South African design studio Mash T Design Studio is led by owner Thabisa Mjo. Mash T Design Studio interplays opposing forces and fuses traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, masculinity, and femininity. Their pieces exude a quintessentially African aesthetic. With Mash T Design Studio, you're not just getting furniture – you're getting a piece of art that tells a story.

DOKTER AND MISSES

Fun graphic elements and bold colours make a Dokter and Misses rug. Photo: Dokter and Misses via Instagram.

Dokter and Misses, the dynamic South African design duo comprising graphic designer Katy Taplin and industrial designer Adriaan Hugo, burst onto the scene in 2007 with their vibrant furniture and lighting pieces that celebrate bold colour palettes, striking silhouettes, and an edgy, modern spirit inspired by the quirks of their surroundings. Each piece is meticulously hand-painted, adding a unique touch to every creation. Among their standout pieces are fabulously fun rugs that draw inspiration from the spontaneous energy of sketching and doodling, incorporating elements from both Joburg and New York. With their bold, upbeat energy, Dokter and Misses designs inject a burst of life into any space they inhabit.