It’s that time of year again; when the horizon softens, deadlines loosen their grip, and the air begins to hum with the promise of heat. Chapter 44 feels particularly special; forty-four months of Interlude, forty-four months of conversation, curation, and creative witnessing. In November, the eleventh month, the angel numbers truly abound! Forty four is long enough to feel truly like an archive, close enough to remember how it all began, and expansive enough to keep unfolding with us.

I love this edition because it signals the return of summer; the season of light wardrobes, longer days, and the anticipation of festive. We’re all exhausted, we’re all getting ready to be salty, chic and languid. It’s a time when the earth around you exhales, wherever in South Africa you are, and when clothing becomes both simpler. May the year’s hard-won creative momentum finally settles into something celebratory for you, and may this guide, as always, be an ode to dressing locally — a reminder that South African design is wildly deserving of space in our summer wardrobes. Above anything else. 

R’FRIQUE Rental’s Concept That Makes African Luxury Accessible

First up on our list is actually a curveball, because it’s not an item at all; it’s a concept. A concept I need you to go into 2026 knowing, so I’m planting the seed now — you’ll thank me later. R’Frique, founded by Ceejay Ndlovu and Lebi Barfour-Osei, gives you access to a curated selection of high-end African designers — without the barrier of ownership. In a landscape where exceptional pieces often feel out of reach, R’Frique creates a new entry point as it honours craftsmanship, expands representation, and keeps garments in circulation for longer. Please read their interview with Twyg to gauge more of Ceejay and Lebi’s intentions; it’s incredible. 

I’m obsessed with two standout rentals, both Nigerian labels; the Oye Striped Maxi by Kilentar, and the Neptune by Lady Maker, which features a custom hand-dyed Stellar print that takes one woman three days to complete, and contrast splices from hand-woven aso-oke. The beaded Neptune Mini takes five days of handwork devotion stitched into every detail.

Renting these pieces makes African luxury visible, and precisely the kind of fashion landscape we hope to be part of.

HempLove’s Kai Tube Top & Avanna Shorts 

Hemp remains one of South Africa’s most ecologically meaningful fibres, a drought-tolerant crop that enriches soil and supports regenerative farming. HempLove showcases its sartorial potential, and the Kai Tube Top and Avanna Shorts, in soft Panna Cotta, blend raw hemp with cotton and silk to create a a gorgeous feather-light set. Worn together, the set has that “summer uniform” quality that I’m perpetually in search of. Also, ‘panna cotta’ as a colour name? Please and thank you. I really am in my earth child mood this season (and every season).

Wass’s Cotton Somerlus Dress in Milk or Noir

Wass’ Somerlus Dress is summer minimalism distilled into form; clean lines, breathable cotton, and a silhouette that drapes perfectly. It’s a dress designed for heat — soft, airy, grounded in simplicity. Wass’ approach to restraint is its superpower, and I’d purchase just about anything dreamed up in the irreverent confidence of the Wass World. 

Studio Syx’s Glass Bead Reverie Necklace

Studio SYX — founded by creative sisters Yonela and Xola Makoba with artist Sihle Sogaula — is a Cape Town–based, Eastern Cape–raised collaborative rooted in fashion, art, research, and, as they put it, “the everyday and ordinary labour of South African women that has either been historically overlooked or deemed inconsequential.”

I first saw the Glass Bead Reverie Necklace on their IG stories and immediately ordered. They’re beautifully made; natural stones and glass beads, finished with a genius magnetic clasp that balances weight and delicacy.

The Reverie collection has a tender origin. SYX shared that these necklaces “emerged on a phone call… holding space for each other after the devastating news of a friend’s passing.” The first was made “to honour that fabulous friend — to make something Venusian for a Venusian queen.” What followed was ritual; gathering to make, catch up, and, in their words, “lower the stakes… and do what comes naturally.”

Each piece carries that intention, “a small carrier of light, dreams, and the weight of the earth.” Made for the girlies for whom accessories are always, always amulets. Iykyk.

Bardovano’s BV 5306 Sunglasses 

I think most of us are loving a chunky, sculptural frame this season, with fuller frames very much back this season. The BV 5306 by Bardovano strikes that elusive balance between sculptural and understated. With thick-cut acetate in dark gold, black, white or clear, the silhouette is bold and lightweight, it fits comfortably and contours the face; with polarised TAG lenses and UV400 protection make it ideal for peak-summer glare. 

Sipho Mbuto’s Stone Maxi Dress

The Stone Maxi Dress encapsulates Sipho Mbuto’s gift for construction. And, as I learned from retail-maven Vuyo Majoli, this foray between Sipho and Bash is such a sharp blueprint for what big SA retailers and local designers could achieve together. Suffice to say, its fluid lines, soft structure, and restrained detailing is breathtaking. The collection overall was much broader, but it sold out within days, so the response speaks for itself!

Sealand’s Men’s Boxy Tee

Sealand’s Men’s Boxy Tee, cut from 100% BCI cotton, is breathable, durable, and made for South African heat. The silhouette strikes the sweet spot between relaxed and structured, it’s from their collection Agent of Earth; ever-reminding us to remain focused on planetary consciousness in our material choices. Sealand’s continued foray into apparel is very considered, and I love that they’ve walked this journey slowly, as befits their approach with intention and integrity.

Elula’s India Trousers & Savannah Top

Elula’s linen sets are classics, straight out of Ballito. The India Trousers and Savannah Top — in Black, White, or Pinot — are made from high-quality linen that softens beautifully with wear. The Savannah Top’s bell sleeves and adjustable ties create a flattering, airy fit, while the India Trousers’ elastic waist, deep pockets, and tapered shape make them a daily go-to.

Created by sister-in-laws Ang and Pippa, Elula designs pieces are designed as garments for all seasons of life. Breathable, effortless, and rooted in “Mzansi craftsmanship” as they put it; our east coast kin know how to do resort wear, that’s for sure. 

SELFI x Shelflife’s Pleated Mini Skirt in Cream

Arguably one of the best collabs of the year (well, according to us), Celeste Arendse’s SELFI and Shelflife delivered a partnership so poignant and perfect. Shelflife, the iconic streetwear and sneaker behemoth, made the selection for its annual local designer collaboration with the girlies in mind — a deliberate invitation for a more feminine voice to enter its usually street-leaning universe. The result is a capsule that bridges two worlds; SELFI’s sculptural softness and Shelflife’s steez, as a unified vision for the sartorial potentials for femininity within streetwear.

This collaboration reimagines the classic pleated mini through a modern, functional lens. The skirt sits above the knee and features a long wrap-around tie for an adjustable, secure fit — practical, flattering, and ready for movement. 

Finished with gorgeous subtle co-branded embroidery, the skirt is absolutely essential for your archive! 

S.W.A.N.K x Long Season’s  “Creatives Are Non Disposable” Tee

S.W.A.N.K and Long Season’s collaboration centres on a message that we, undoubtedly, love: Creatives Are Non Disposable. At a time when cost of living is rising sharply and cultural labour is increasingly undervalued, the arts remain essential — and creatives need protection and recognition. Messaging aside, the tee does the work. Printed on heavyweight 240GSM organic cotton, it uses its structure and longevity to echo its ethos; creativity is labour, and it deserves to last.

The silk-screen graphic references the tools and symbols of cultural work, honouring process as much as product. Oversized, unisex, and pre-shrunk, the shirt is a manifesto. Wear it as solidarity, style, or stance — ideally all three.

Stiebeuel’s Chore Shorts in Midnight

Stiebeuel’s Chore Shorts are the definition of a summer workhorse — practical, durable, and elevated. Look, everyone needs proper denim shorts; and few do them with the same clarity and restraint as Stiebeuel. Constructed from 100% heavy overdyed cotton, they offer a relaxed fit and slightly longer length that forms part of the ‘jorts’ revival essential to this season. Additionally, the branded details — the screen-printed tab, nickel button, and YKK zip — show the label’s commitment to craftsmanship. Designed and made in Cape Town, Stiebeuel continues its ethos with precision; thoughtful construction, restrained styling, and garments made each season to cut through hype. Love. 

Written by: Holly Beaton