Every month we scout out shopping hotspots that may not yet be on your radar…
Soul Shooz adds lightness to your step.
We had the privilege this week of meeting Sisi Nxumalo, a founder of Soul Shooz, on a visit to the Transwerke building at Constitution Hill. Now renamed the Creative Uprising Hub, the building is a treasure chest of local brands, designers and makers, literally hidden behind anonymous doors in what was once an historic hospital. We love the shoes, a modern re-making of classic Zulu Imbadada shoes, designed for comfort (we were told the original versions are extremely tough on the feet, made from discarded tyres). See more about Soul Shooz here.
Boys of Soweto has a standalone store.
Bob Ndima’s brand has become a cult label. Signature knits, denim sets and the best contemporary take on a “suit”, it’s hard to choose what to buy first. What started as part of a collab on the ground floor of 99 Juta in Braamfontein is now a super stylish standalone store on the first floor. You’ll want to spend time. The garments are well cut and have a Joburg edge. Of course we love that. Essential wardrobe staples.
Get more than paint at Bespoke Paint & Home
A paint shop designed with women in mind… What would that look like? Christina Hinis has made it her mission to bring that idea to life and we like her vision. Bespoke Paints in Parkhurst is a roomy store that is half paint shop, and half decor and home accessories store. You are encouraged to browse with the offer of a cappuccino. There’s expert paint advice and the most tasteful array of paint hardware supplies and adjoining the paint shop is a cavern of fantastic gifts for you or someone else – from great glassware, baskets and fashion accessories to gigantic wooden boards perfect for the ultimate meze platter.
Four decades of Kensington Trading.
It's been a long time since we visited Kensington Trading but we were delighted to find that not only is it still a landmark on Queen Street in Kensington (since 1985), the store has expanded its offerings and is now a go to for not only antique and vintage furniture and decorative pieces, but a haven for vintage clothing lovers and fans of vinyl.
Front row fever at SA Fashion Week.
The nation’s most stylish can be found at South African Fashion Week this weekend Thu, Apr 20 to Sat, Apr 22 at Mall of Africa. Check out the schedule for last-minute tickets and dates. To learn more about the designers, take a look at our list of 10 brands to watch including Viviers Studios and Research Studios.
Get it custom made at Row-G.
The creative mind behind bespoke tailors Row-G is designer Rahim Rawjee who has been in the fashion industry since the 1990s. Rahim’s apprenticeship at Savile Row’s Chester Bernie influenced him to bring elegance to the racks of Africa’s luxury fashion market. Row-G also has a team of tailors from Malawi and Zimbabwe, specialising in suits, jackets and shirt-making, with a total tailoring experience of more than 150 years. For a luxury Joburg experience we suggest you book an appointment for a tailored suit.
Blu Betty pops up in Kramerville.
Head to Katy's Palace Bar in Kramerville for cult footwear label Blu Betty. Our favourite Durban-based shoe company’s beautiful handmade leather footwear is a must-have with cute and quirky designs, from leather sandals and brogues to ballet pumps and ankle boots. Blu Betty's pop-up is always a lively and festive affair.
All things antique and collectable
Save the dates for the Brooklyn Antique Fair on the first Saturday of the month, and the Nelson Mandela Antique Fair on the first Sunday. Gauteng’s most seasoned antique experts are behind the tables at these fairs – so a great opportunity to learn more about specific items, get a valuation or make a request. When it comes to gifting, this is the ultimate in originality, and we love how each piece has a story.
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