I actually can’t believe it’s that time of year again — our last Interlude for 2024 and our inaugural summer chapter. As is tradition, we have rounded up some of the best pieces from local fashion brands that we think might be totally essential for the season ahead. I love putting together this piece because the emphasis is on the vital heroes of South Africa’s fashion industry; mid-weight price pointed, highly developed brands run by young fashion entrepreneurs and brand owners. Perfect for your Christmas wish list or summer wardrobe shenanigans. The brands featured here, and in our other editions, are essential in and of themselves in producing a well-rounded, healthy local fashion market. We love love love to see it. 

You might sense a pattern across many of these selects and I’ll liken it to two things; firstly, the general sense for summer in South Africa for 2024 and 2025 is an earthy, breezy and tonal energy. It’s been a wild year and we’re clearly all looking for some respite, and I think this is reflective among the hero pieces from the various brands. 

Secondly, this ‘trend’ or feeling is certainly my mood; and so perhaps it’s difficult for me to separate some of the tones and textures I’m drawn to. Alas, this is an essential guide and that means that the pieces to follow are accompaniments to your wardrobe — they have the potential to be your most trusted allies in the season ahead and as is true to finding sustainable ways to dress; for many seasons to come. I’ve stated ad nauseam in this fashion column that shopping locally is conscious shopping. Our industry is unique as most brands run smaller batches and stock. We’re all about supporting our local economy this festive season…and all year around. Let’s get into it.

Sama Sama’s Sophy Dungarees 

Founded by Kimberley Lardner-Burke in 2019, Sama Sama is a staple on SA’s conscious fashion scene. Sama Sama is designed with a conversational dialogue in mind, with Kimberely asking five questions at all times — namely, ‘What makes up my garment? Is it biodegradable and recyclable? Who makes my garment? Are they being treated well, paid fairly and taken care of? Will my garment last me a good few years? Is it long-wearing or will it only last me one season?”

With each garment from Sama Sama a true study in the art of unisex design across genders, their Sophy Dungarees in Charcoal, from their Satsuma collection, is made with soft 100% stone-washed cotton. This pair unisex dungaree is ease and comfort personified — you’ll certainly need a pair for market sojourns or open-air concerts.

nuun’s Mohair and Silk Crew Neck

Ya’ll know I’m obsessed with nuun, founded by discrete mother and son duo, Zainab and Shaheed — a brand that has been a scene for some time, as an ‘eco-luxe wear’ brand and project that draws on its heritage between South Africa and the Middle East. They dropped a new collection in September that is almost entirely sold out, with their slow fashion emphasis being on small batches; a formula that allows the brand to always iterate and develop their approach time and time again. Thankfully, their Mohair and Silk Crew Neck is still available, perfect for those ever-so slightly chilly moments that inevitably befall some days during our warmer months. Made from South African yarn, the Crew Neck is “a fluffy, lightweight knit that is gentle on the skin with a silky soft texture, the brushed effect glows on the light which adds an extra layer of luxury.”

Pina Jewels’s Hula Hoop Earrings 

Arbiters of the acrylic daisy earrings and all things candy-hued, playful (and sophisticated) in the jewellery realm – Courteney Krauss’s demi-fine jewellery brand Pina Jewels is that girl. For summer, they’re introducing a vast array of new bold daisies, but we wanted to shine light on a new signature for the brand; the Hula Hoop. As described, the Hula Hoop is “bright, bold, and bursting with colour! These enamel Hula Hoops are crafted from brass, plated in either 925 Sterling Silver or 18K gold, with a playful pop of coloured enamel.”

Sleeper’s Racing Vest 

For basics that are anything but basic, Sleeper has honed in on the art of comfortable, clean silhouettes that lend equally to a minimalist dress sense as they do to layer whatever look you have in mind. As Michelle says of their latest key piece, The Vest, “introducing your new best friend – The Vest piece is made from 98% cotton rib with 2% lycra for optimal movement and support. It features a contoured fit and a clean racer design, making it ideal for layering or achieving a more stripped-back look.” With a unisex approach, The Vest is succinct and essential for summer.

Sol Sol’s Corduroy Cap  

One of the most enduring and successful menswear labels in South Africa – Sol Sol is for the homies. Founded by Mathew Kieser and on the scene equally as a stalwart and as a constantly refreshing design space, Sol Sol articulates streetwear through a very clean lens, with its success being tied to each piece’s adaptability for many kinds of moods, lifestyles and interests. My husband is very particular about the style of cap he wears, so I’m very grateful that Sol Sol’s Corduroy Cap in literally all three of his favourite root vegetable colours has arrived for summer and Christmas; Brown, Burgundy and Golden Yellow. Made from 100% cotton corduroy and featuring a low-profile, six-panel unstructured design, it includes embroidered eyelets for breathability and a square peak for the only cap style that truly matters (in my humble opinion).

Pessimistic Clothing’s Cargo Shorts

Based in Joburg, Pessimistic is a streetwear brand that is focused on disrupting the conventions of streetwear and high fashion aesthetics. We love a dose of patriotism at CEC (we are a proudly South African publication after all), so this Map Tee from Pessimistic Clothing is a seasonal streetwear staple. Featuring a drawn map of Joburg, with the brand exclaiming that the map “represents the city’s journey of hope and empowerment. Wear it proudly and make a statement,” its Jozi forever, choms.

Rethread’s Gaia Maxi Skirt 

Rethread has done it again. To inaugurate summer, the brand released their SS25 collection ‘Do Good, Dress Better’ — a nod to their sustainable business ethos and its uncompromising result in the most delicious womenswear pieces imaginable. I’m actually having sleepless nights over the Gaia Maxi Skirt in brown, though the green grey is also sensational. Made locally in Cape Town by women and in small batches, to reduce waste and deadstock, the cut and ruching of the Gaia Maxi is utter perfection. I ran my hands through it AKJP last week and it is the dreamiest, lightest fabric for city and forest fairies alike. I will be coming for it on pay day.

Research Unit’s Asia Tech Dress

I’ve been sleeping on Research Unit and it’s actually madness that I think this is the first time I’m writing about them? Clean isn’t even the word to describe it, as the label is so highly articulated and clear in its vision. Hand-made by women in the communities of the Cape Flats through a waste-reducing small batch manufacturing process, Research Unit is founded by husband and wife duo Erin-Lee and Chad Petersen. On their website they share that “we work with communities across Cape Town from Hanover Park to Khayelitsha to empower skilled people, especially women, by working closely with them to sculpt, perfect and design a superior quality, sustainable and thoughtfully designed product you can wear for a long time.” A true fashion story worth its weight in gold — their Asia Tech Dress sent me into a spiral. Available in Cotton White, Pebble Stone and Black, The Asia is extremely high up on my list of extremely well constructed silhouettes that I’ve seen all year.

FIELDS’ Cotton Denim Shirt  

Another extremely important local menswear staple, Mikael Hanan’s FIELDS “is for multifaceted men, our pieces embrace nuanced masculinity. Our brand is organised into three lines: Soul, encompassing contemplation, purity, connection, and integrity; Art, including impactful work, creativity, and leadership and; Outdoor, the tactile, the natural environment, and physicality.” With a big presence in proliferating local design through their relationship to education and upholding local craftsmanship and textiles, FIELDS’ Cotton Denim Shirt is just one example of many pointing to the fact that you should support them, and look really good doing it.

PICHULIK’s Mermaid Bag 

Ethical jewellery atelier Pichulik is a local phenomenon. Distinct and imbued with deep intention, Katherine-Mary Pichulik has been instrumental in putting South African jewellery on the map locally and internationally. Through a “sculptural use of locally produced and re-purposed rope, embellished with a variety of unique cast and found exotic materials”, building your Pichulik collection is vital — and you best start this summer. Perhaps the Mermaid Bag in woven rope is the best place to start before you venture yonder into the etheric lands of Pichulik adornment. 

YARNS’ Crinkle Linen Short Sleeve

Look, it wouldn’t be a local fashion round-up if we didn’t feature a number of streetwear brands. Our streetwear scene is thriving and dynamic — and since 2022, YARNS have been a steady and clear part of this. Available at Archive, Lemkus and Pot Plant Club, their Crinkle Linen Short Sleeve is but a taste of what the brand can do in well executed simplicity (the essence of workwear) and the world they’re building.

Earth Age’s Aurora Short Brim Hat 

Do you guys remember when Dior collaborated with South African ceramicist Hylton Nel — one of the most important moments in fashion this year? The collection featured those gorgeous crochet hats with bead trim that were in fact, made by Earth Age — a female-founded local brand in Cape Town. Made by women in Cape Town and rooted in a deeply conscious approach to design — and In the spirit of celebrating South African brands on the local stage and this moment for Earth Age, one of their Aurora Short Brim Hats is totally essential for your summer wardrobe.

Antisocial BTQ’s Athena Crochet Maxi Dress

Every summer is hot girl summer and Antisocial BTQ is your partner in achieving this. Thoughtfully designed pieces that speak to the heart of travelling, beach days and any summer adventure your heart desires — Antisocial BTQ’s Athena Crochet Maxi Dress  “features a relaxed halter neck design with an open back. Designed to embrace your inner bohemian with its intricate weave and delicate cross over detail at the back.” The brand also has a colour analysis feature to guide you in your personal style journey and I think this is the cutest, most thoughtful addition for customers.

Ecru’s Earthy High Rise Bikini 

Ecru is designed with women’s bodies in mind across a variety of swimwear styles, the brand is made locally in Cape Town and uses eco-conscious, cotton undyed cotton packaging. As a seaside city, Cape Town is home to an abundance of local swimwear options; so there’s really no excuse. Their Earthy High Rise Bikini is the perfect for brown’s renaissance — though, their colours vary as does their silhouettes.

Sage and Sunday’s Adri Hemp & Organic Cotton Wrap Top 

Founded by Jakob Slabbert and together with his team, Sage and Sunday are an ecologically conscious, local vision for design. We’re obsessed with S&S’s structured wrap top, the Adri, in shades of Olive, Cream or Sky. Made from a blend of hemp and organic top and featuring the most gorgeous capped sleeve — the Adri is a cute layering addition to your summer wardrobe.

Written by: Holly Beaton

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