Our Annual Winter Essentials Guide

We’re back with our Winter Essentials guide — one thing about South Africans? We’ll act surprised every year when the cold sets in. It’s as though our sun-drenched summers give us collective amnesia, and suddenly the crisp autumn air turns into bone-chilling mornings and wind that cuts right through you. It shocks us every time, and staying dressed and chic; we must. 

Winter is one of the most exciting times for fashion: we get to layer, play with texture, and lean into those cosy silhouettes. The best part is that local brands continue to show up with pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. In a country where terrain and climate shift from one province to the next, these pieces embrace versatility, offering trans-seasonal staples that shift with you, wherever you are.

Puff, knit, leather, wool; take your pick and stack textures with chaotic abandon. We love to see sleeves get longer, collars get higher, and layering take centre stage. In winter, your outfit is your whole attitude, and even a little delusion (we know you will wear that mesh top under a trench like it makes sense, in case the sun comes out).

Selfi Boxy Big Cuff Shirt

The oversized shirt that does it all — and then some

Celeste Arendse’s label Selfi always keeps us nourished, and this one’s for the lovers of easy tailoring and big, dramatic cuffs. Selfi’s Boxy Big Cuff Shirt takes the classic button-up and gives it a sculptural twist (as is the brand’s principle design code) with curved sleeves, a roomy boxy fit, and extra-long cuffs that are perennially theatrical. It’s made from 100% cotton, so it’s breathable, comfy and totally biodegradable. Wear it buttoned-up with tailored trousers or loose over denim; either way, it’s an essential that’ll carry you through the season (and way beyond).

Selfi Boxy Big Cuff Shirt photographed by Katinka Bester

Rethread Issey Knit

For the layering girlies who love options

Rethread’s Issey Knit is an update on last year’s wildly successful hit, The Saturn Knit— this time, with an update to its functionality. It comes with a removable scarf that buttons on and off, letting you wear it your way. We love the structured fit and the curve at the hip (yes, she’s flattering), and the fact that it’s made in Cape Town from 100% South African cotton. The knit itself mimics pleats, hence its namesake (Issey Miyake, the Father of Pleating). Sculptural, and endlessly remixable, this one is for the archive. 

Rethread’s Issey Knit

Broke Windrunner

Protection For These Chilly Streets

Back by demand—Broke’s community-favourite Windrunner is about to be restocked. Designed with movement and mood in mind, it features elastic hems, adjustable toggles, a two-way zip, and a peach-skin finish that feels as good as it looks. Finished with a signature rubber badge, the jacket comes in black or blue and works as a lightweight layer that plays well across seasons. 

 

Broke’s Windrunner

Float Apparel Frontier Jacket

Your “throw it on and have your life together” jacket

Float Apparel are masters of the utilitarian and the genderless, and their Frontier Jacket is a definite essential. This is the kind of piece that makes you feel pulled together, no matter the mood. It’s boxy in all the right ways, with a clean zip and snap overlay, a rich chocolate tone or black. Plus, the adjustable hem lets you cinch or swing. Ideal for layering; this is the jacket you’ll reach for every single chilly morning.

Float Apparel’s Frontier Jacket photographed by Kent Andreasen

The Shopaholic Boat Neck Basic Long Sleeves

The underrated icon of winter layering

We didn’t expect to fall this hard for a basic, but here we are. The Shopaholic’s Boat Neck Long Sleeve Top is that rare combo of ultra-comfortable and properly sculpted — thanks to its double-lined stretch fabric and curved hemline. It hugs in the right places, comes in multiple colours (you will want more than one), and pairs well with literally anything in your wardrobe. Also, props for a detailed size guide — they really thought of everything.

The Shopaholic’s Boat Neck Basic with Long Sleeves

Research Unit Eleven Tech Jacket

A functional piece for the futuristic minimalist

This one’s for the ones who like their fits smart and sleek. Research Unit’s Eleven Tech Jacket feels like a crossover between utility wear and something out of a sci-fi wardrobe (in the best way). The water-repellent, body-temperature adjusting fabric is kind of magical, and the adjustable waist and zippered kimono sleeves let you play with proportion. It’s equal parts professional and relaxed — ideal for city days, light rain, and the kind of wind that messes with your hair.

Research Unit’s Eleven Tech Jacket in Black and Mint

Long Season Hug Bomber, Silverzip Trouser & Wrap

Your cool older cousin who lives in Joburg 

The Hug Bomber does exactly what it says on the tin — it wraps you up with six (!) pockets, a built-in hood and scarf situation, and an attitude that is unmatched. Honestly, I haven’t seen anything cooler in a long time. Paired with the clean Silverzip trousers and the cargo-style wrap, this set is modular dressing at its best. You can wear them together or apart — but trust us, they’re strongest as a full look. Functional, distinctive, and totally modular — it’s giving more than we deserve. 

Long Season’s Hug Bomber and Silverzip Trouser and Wrap

Tshepo Knitted Polo

The kind of knit to make you dapper

If winter were a gentleman, he’d wear this. Tshepo’s Knitted Polo is simple and elegant— with a half zip that adds a little edge and the signature red crown puller that nods to the brand’s attention to detail. Made from mercerised cotton (read: soft but structured), it works for layering or solo wear and is just dressy enough to handle dinner plans. A proper essential for stylish guys, or anyone who loves a good menswear moment. 

Tshepo’s Knitted Polo

Socioculture Urban Creative Denim Set

Canadian Tuxedo, but actually cool 

Dark denim, raw hems, and a heavy hit of ‘90s nostalgia, this set from Socioculture is major. Designed by Naeelah Jamut, one of SA’s rising forces in streetwear, the Urban Creative denim set channels Y2K energy with a gender-sharp edge. It’s boxy, bold, and built for city movement. We love that it’s available at select Archive stores; showing corporate buy-in for local brands that is so critical for our retail landscape. 

 

Socioculture’s Denim Set

Mi, Thata Studios Snug Hat

The knit hat for artists 

Not all beanies are created equal. Mi, Thata Studios’ Snug Hat is hand-knitted from 100% wool by Cape Town artist Keith Virgo and his crew. Soft, warm, and perfectly shaped, it adds that final touch to your winter outfit without trying too hard. Whether you’re heading to brunch or staying in, this one delivers cosy energy with steez baked in. Currently, the only one available is the black version at Duck Duck Duck Goose – but watch this space. 

Mi, Thatha Studio’s Snug Hat

Sweet Pea City Boots

The perfect minimalist boot — from Ballito, no less

We didn’t expect a coastal town to birth our new favourite winter boot, but here we are. Sweet Pea’s City Boot is sleek, ankle-height, and made from buttery leather or suede that just gets better with age. Reminiscent of The Row, the silhouette is clean and architectural with a seamless front and a low-profile sole; and you can have them made in a variety of colours. Also, Sweet Pea has a ton of other options for all your footwear needs. Local shoe brands are few and far between, so we love to see a brand growing as much as Sweet Pea is. These are handmade to order, which makes them feel even more special — a true local gem in the shoe space.

Duck Apparel’s Puffer Tote Bag in Black and Stone

Written by: Holly Beaton

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

Congolese artist, Reinel Bakole, releases ‘Humble Me’

Following an 18 month gap between releases and an introspective start to the year in Brazil, multidisciplinary artist Reinel Bakole presents soulful new track ‘Humble Me‘, just in time for the summer weather.

Reinel Bakole has returned from two month-long writing, performing trips, wandering between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. From this Brazilian creative immersion have emerged new sounds, blending Brazilian influences and collaborations with Brussels musicians – mainly with Helocim, her album’s producer, with whom she completed all the production work back in Brussels. ‘Humble Me’ is another element of Reinel’s art – what she describes as a sonic growing tree taking root in soulful sounds and instruments.

Following the release of her debut album ‘Healing Exhaustion’, Reinel continues her journey, stepping into an evolved, more open, vulnerable, and tender state. Five years of touring alongside various releases have led Reinel to share the elements composing her art with audiences around the world – each element bringing them closer to knowing who Reinel is. This time, she lets you see her in a raw, touching state – with less artifice. Free of any judgment, she sings how precious, loving, gracious, shy, soft, fun, and smart she is. She unveils character and heartfelt presence, with the intention to connect closer.

 

Listen to ‘Humble Me’ here

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

DJ Lag, Sir Trill and Sykes release a 3-Step Single, ‘Woza’

Adding to his ever-evolving sonic palette, DJ Lag returns with ‘Woza’, a new release featuring collaborators Sykes and Sir Trill. The track dives into the fast-rising sound of 3-Step, a genre he’s been actively exploring, most notably with his collaborative work alongside 3-Step pioneer Thakzin. 

“I started making the beat for ‘Woza’ around the time I was playing some b2b sets with Thakzin end of last year, trying to imagine my take on the sound, while also drawing inspiration from Afro-Tech joints I’ve been incorporating in my live sets in the last couple of years. It flowed naturally from there and we were blessed with Sir Trill and Sykes landing their magic on vocals,” shares DJ Lag. “When I took it back to the booth I could immediately tell I was able to create something new, which at the same time merged perfectly with the hard hitting style I’ve been known for, and it just felt right.”

Sir Trill adds: “With the lyrics I was just reminding people who fathered the style! And how sometimes you can’t take things personally, just pour a drink and let things be, and know that what you might do for people they will not do for you. A reminder for others, and myself that when I was fighting for everyone, most people were scared to stand and fight with me, but I’m still right here.”

‘Woza’ is a pulsating, high energy single that blends DJ Lag’s signature rhythmic groove with a flowing, Afro Tech-inspired bassline. Sir Trill’s raw, emotional delivery collides with Sykes’s airy, almost haunting vocals, creating a contrast that’s both visceral and transportive.

While rooted in the hard-hitting DNA of Gqom, ‘Woza’ opens new doors, signaling DJ Lag’s continued evolution and dedication to innovation.

Lag continues to represent South Africa’s music on the global stage with shows on some of the most prolific stages in the coming months, such as DC10 (Ibiza), Rush Festival (France), Open Ground (Germany), Glastonbury and Fabric (UK).

 

Connect with DJ Lag:

X: @RealDJLag

Instagram: @realdjlag

Facebook: @realdjlag

TikTok: @realdjlag

YouTube: @DJLAG

Listen to ‘Woza’ here

 

Press release courtesy of Sheila Afari

DJ, Producer and Activist, Chmba Releases a New Single ‘Dream’

Multi-hyphenated DJ, producer, and activist Chmba returns with her latest single, ‘Dream’, a genre-blending, uplifting track that marks her first solo release after a reflective creative pause. Fusing ancestral percussion, orchestral strings, and affirmational vocals, ‘Dream’ serves as a sonic offering rooted in trust, joy, and the journey toward self-rediscovery.

Following a whirlwind year of international DJ sets, including Madonna’s Oscars Afterparty, the Smithsonian Museum’s Summer Solstice, Gates Foundation Goalkeepers, Daybreaker, the World Economic Forum, and Future Horizon, Chmba took time off from releasing music to hone her sound and reconnect with her artistic core.

 

“Dream” opens with the Yoruba chant “Ase Ase Ìyá Ìyá,” invoking spiritual alignment and affirming power. The track’s standout lyrics, “Sometimes things don’t go the way we want / but that don’t mean we are giving up,” underline its message of perseverance and faith in one’s path.

The song has gained rapid traction on social media, with over 1.5 million combined views across visualizers, and has been selected for a live debut at Soho House Stockholm.

Connect with Chmba:

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

TikTok

YouTube

Listen to ‘Dream’ here

Watch ‘Dream’ here

Press release courtesy of Sheila Afari

Gabonese Photographer and Creative Director, Davis Heuss, presents ‘Good Choice’

For Gabonese photographer and creative director, Ossiesse Ngouabi Davis Heuss, ‘Good Choice’ is more than a story—it’s a visual and emotional journey, shared through photography and design. “This project is my way of expressing feelings through fashion and image-making, a canvas where imagination and identity meet. At its core, it’s a tribute to Senegalese and African designers, whose work I weave into my own understanding of style, culture, and—above all—choice,” he shares.

About this photographic body of work, he continues to share that life is full of choices. “From mundane decisions to life-altering crossroads, we are constantly pushed to decide. Even the creation story, in many traditions, begins with a divine choice: should man exist alone, or with a counterpart? The introduction of women is a profound, intentional decision—one that echoes the weight of choice itself.”

As humans, we are often faced with the fundamental decision between good and evil choices, behaviour and actions. Every action sits somewhere on that spectrum. The ‘Good Choice’ story invites us to look inward—at a more symbolic choice. Davis prompts us with this, “If you were handed two pills, one red and one blue, which would you choose?

The red pill represents truth—unfiltered, sometimes painful, but ultimately liberating. It forces us to confront reality and embrace the lessons that come with it. The blue pill, by contrast, offers ease and ignorance: a comforting dream that asks no questions and promises no disruption.

For me, the idea of choice is deeply human. It’s complex and often fraught with doubt. Every decision holds weight—it can bring growth, joy, or even suffering. Sometimes it leads to irreversible consequences. But to choose is to evolve.”

Photography and Creative Direction by Ossiesse Ngouabi Davis Heuss  

One can at once see that Davis, having shot, produced, styled and directed this editorial, is a creative conceptual thinker as well as an image-maker. He continues, “The red pill demands courage. It’s rooted in self-awareness, in a fiery determination to face reality. It’s not a comfortable path. Truth often arrives uninvited and harsh, but when we greet it—ideally, even with a smile—it brings with it the strength of knowing, the power of clarity.

The blue pill, though beautiful—blue is, after all, my favorite color—represents denial. It’s easy, seductive. But ignorance is fragile. It opens us to manipulation, to self-doubt, to the quiet erosion of identity. Remaining in utopia is, in time, a dream that turns to despair, as the eventual awakening can feel like betrayal.”

To Davis, these pills—these choices—can coexist. Like good and evil, they are twin forces, equally present, equally persuasive. While the statistics of life favor one eventually, we are called to choose. To him, the choice is red, because no matter how difficult, choosing truth—choosing awareness—is choosing freedom. “I’d rather carry the burden of truth than float in the illusion of ease. That, to me, is a Good Choice.”

Photography and Creative Direction by Ossiesse Ngouabi Davis Heuss  

Creative Credits:

Photographer and Creative Director: Ossiesse Ngouabi Davis Heuss  

Production: Ossiesse Ngouabi Davis Heuss 

Talent: Arnaud natrang and Jordy Isaac Cocou 

Styling: Ossiesse Ngouabi Davis Heuss

Assist photographer and Set design: Jeffrey Engoneh

Make Up Art: Tahicia Gomes 

Videographer: Sethi Djegane Gueye 

Fashion Brand: Mass Attitude, Farasina, Toorondo, Rashid African Designer, Moodawear

 

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

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Levi’s® and Nike drop their latest love letter to the streets

The Levi’s® brand and Nike, two titans of American culture, have joined forces once again for their most anticipated collaboration. This time, they’ve merged the rich denim heritage of Levi’s® with Nike’s legendary Air Max 95 silhouette. Uniting two brands that have continuously shaped the landscape of American sportswear and lifestyle fashion for generations, the latest Levi’s® x Nike collaboration represents the intersection of denim and sneaker culture.

At the center of the new collection are three iterations of the Nike Air Max 95, each meticulously crafted with premium Levi’s® denim materials and unique design elements that honor both brands’ DNA. The Levi’s® x Nike Air Max 95 White/Ecru pairs low-key hues of Ecru Denim and matte white with a gum sole, providing a neutral look that pairs perfectly with your favorite worn-in Levi’s® denim. The stealthy and smooth Levi’s® x Nike Air Max 95 Black presents 14-ounce black denim construction for a bold, monochromatic statement. Levi’s® x Nike Air Max 95 Denim showcases 14-ounce indigo denim construction with the same mid-to-light wash pattern as the apparel collection. A matte navy sole and midsole replace the typical semi-gloss finish, while the upper incorporates fabric variations unique to this collaboration. 

The OG “Big Bubble” Air Max units give a nod to the original Nike Air Max 95 while delivering supreme cushioning underfoot. With a slightly slimmed down silhouette, each shoe features exclusive details that celebrate both brands: Levi’s® iconic Red Tab appears under the Nike swoosh on the right shoe only, while the sole’s shank displays Levi’s® red branding. The sock liner showcases a Levi’s® dollar bill print on a red substrate. All three colorways are presented in custom packaging – classic Nike Air Max 95 boxes redesigned in Levi’s® red with added batwing details. 

The collection’s Levi’s® x Nike Trucker Jacket and Levi’s® x Nike Baggy Jean reimagine classic denim silhouettes with contemporary fits, featuring authentic selvedge denim and matching mid-to-light wear patterns elevated by signature off-white chain-stitching details and co-branded brown leather patches with Nike swoosh logos that replace traditional Levi’s® elements. The trucker maintains the iconic Type II structure with selvedge running through the interior placket and a prominent chainstitch Nike logo on the back, while the baggy jean offers a generous, oversized fit specifically designed to complement the collection’s footwear with the perfect leg opening and stack that enhances the sneaker’s profile.

“In collaboration with Nike, we set out to craft an immersive experience that celebrates the shared legacy and forward-thinking spirit of both brands. The opportunity to reimagine the iconic Nike Air Max 95 in honor of its 30th anniversary was a true milestone,” said Leo Gamboa, VP of Collaborations at Levi’s. “By integrating our signature denim into one of Nike’s most iconic silhouettes, we’ve created a seamless fusion of sport and lifestyle—honoring the past while pushing the boundaries of design.”

The new Levi’s® x Nike collection celebrates the authentic craftsmanship and innovative spirit that both brands embody, delivering sport-inspired style through meticulously designed pieces that honor each brand’s legacy while pushing creative boundaries. By blending Levi’s® authentic denim heritage with Nike’s revolutionary Air Max design, the collection sits at the intersection of sportswear and style in ways that only Levi’s and Nike can.

The campaign features hip-hop artist Larry June, WNBA player Paige Bueckers, NFL player Keon Coleman, and designer Daniel Buezo.

All imagery courtesy of The Bread

The new Levi’s® x Nike collection will be available July 10th on Levi.com and selected flagship stores.

Press release courtesy of The Bread 

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BULLYBOY ft. creative duo OSKI’s campaign is a love-letter to soft skaters

BULLYBOY is part of a new generation of skate brands reshaping what the culture looks and feels like; rooted in the ethos of Escape the Ordinary, their mantra reads more akin to a dare than a slogan. This is a brand that sees skateboarding as a living archive of rebellion, tenderness, punk lineage, and graphic experimentation, all at once serious—but mostly, the freedom to make and do cool shit with your friends. Born from Francesco’s frustration with the generic grip tape options on the market—“none of them looked like me”—BULLYBOY emerged first as a DIY fix, and has since grown to be a cult label steadily gathering a loyal following. 

BULLYBOY, despite the name, is anything but aggressive. The brand’s latest campaign—shot in collaboration with creative duo OSKI, creative director Grace Mettler and photographer Nick Farmer—leans into a different energy. 

“I run BULLYBOY. It’s actually a one-person show—I do the marketing, design the products, shoot the campaigns, manage the social… the whole shtick. But I kind of like to make it seem like it’s a whole team behind it,” Francesco admits. That contradiction—the illusion of a team, the reality of one person doing everything—echoes the DIY ethos at the core of the brand. Though Francesco is not out there alone; BULLBOY is part of an ecosystem of brands and projects between Francesco and his friends, “With BULLYBOY, I’ve got this whole crew—graffiti artists, photographers, videographers—we all help each other out. So it’s a ‘we’ in that sense.”

All imagery courtesy of BULLYBOY and OSKI

That ‘we’ includes OSKI, a collaborative pairing cemented by creative chemistry. Of their relationship with the brand, “we met through Grace’s sister,” says Nick. “Our first shoot together was sometime last year by the train tracks. From there, we just kept hanging out, doing more shoots, and eventually became friends.”

“I’m a creative director, and Nick’s a photographer,” Grace adds. “He’s gotten me into photography too—mainly film. I think we bring two different styles: Nick’s more documentary, and I bring more of an editorial eye. When we come together, we create something a bit more fun and different.”

The shoot for BULLYBOY’S latest drop is full of dreamy contrasts: the gritty environment of their old apartment block, washed in soft light, alongside tough poses softened by floral arrangements. The campaign is a visual love letter to the skate world’s lesser-seen sides, featuring Francesco himself along with Salvador, BULLYBOY’S brand ambassador. “For the creative direction of this shoot, I wanted to show skaters in a softer light,” Grace explains. “They’re often portrayed as aggressive or rebellious, but I wanted to highlight their gentleness and humanity—making it more about the people than the act of skating.”

OSKI did just this, using only a basic setup: one softbox, one strobe, and two cameras—Grace’s trusty Nikon F3 and Nick’s RB67 medium format. “We try to keep things extremely natural,” says Nick. “A lot of the time, we don’t edit our photos at all, and if there are imperfections, we usually embrace them.”

In true BULLYBOY fashion, the guerilla-marketing aspect of the shoot is true to the vision; such as the team using a remote to sneak into an old apartment building, or shooting on film, printing in the darkroom, and saying no to the fast-paced, algorithm-chasing grind that defines so much of content creation today. “The idea for this shoot worked out perfectly,” Nick continues. “Francesco wanted to shoot new content, and Grace and I were building our portfolio. We had a location in mind—our old apartment—but moved out before the samples arrived. Luckily, I had a good relationship with the building security and still had a remote, so we just went in and shot it there.”

“What drew me to BULLYBOY from the start was Francesco’s marketing strategy,” Grace says. “It’s so fresh and grassroots—graffiti, fast-paced fisheye clips of them skating through the city, just being absolute menaces. But if you know them—Francesco and Salvador—they’re the sweetest guys ever. That contrast really shows in the photos.”

At a time when skate brands are either going full-corporate or full-nostalgia, BULLYBOY occupies a rare in-between: forward-looking, punk-rooted, and deeply human. 

All imagery courtesy of BULLYBOY and OSKI

As for the drop itself, it features a unisex update of BULLYBOY’S signature baby tee, alongside a cropped menswear piece that blurs the lines between femme and masc. It’s fashion-centric with a dose of cheekiness, “This drop’s for the girly-pops,” Francesco laughs. “I’m over the box tee that everyone is doing right now. We will do a box tee run soon, but the crop is what I wanted to create right now.” There aren’t many skate brands putting the girlies front and centre, and “it’s inspiring to work with a brand that’s doing things for the love of it,” Nick says. “They’re not chasing investors or crazy engagement tactics, it’s just Francesco having fun with something he cares about.”

This spirit is so critical for 2025: genuinely, deeply, stubbornly caring about your craft in a world that rewards shortcuts. BULLYBOY and OSKI are proof that creating, and doing the things you want to do, is felt by your community in ways that go beyond the work itself; ultimately reminding others that they can do the same. 

Shop the collection at bullyboy.shop

Check out OSKI’s work here

Written by Holly Beaton

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

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The Offline Revival Is Asking Us To Care For Our Digital Wellbeing

While much of modern life continues to unfold through our screens, behind passwords and pings, there’s a parallel impulse drawing us back to the physical. This, I believe, is instinctive to the moment we’re living in. As writer Rebecca Solnit so poignantly wrote, “the mind, like the feet, works at about three miles an hour. If this is so, then modern life is moving faster than the speed of thought, or thoughtfulness.” We’re exhausted with pixelated visions, and the gnawing sense that we’re always slightly out of sync with ourselves—our bodies lagging behind the pace of our screens. While the digital world offers infinite access and stimulation, it often leaves us overstimulated and undernourished. 

With every swipe, a dopamine hit arises in our brain; and while the information and curated visuals feel nourishing, the endless consumption truly is not. It feels as though we are at a point in our digital adoption in which a return to the physical is inevitable. Of course, we’ve always been immersed in our own realities—but from the very real revival of supper clubs and journaling to the rising popularity of community gardening, pottery workshops, and even handwritten letters, a quiet resurgence of offline culture is gathering momentum. I’d hesitate to explain this as a whimsical return to the past or some purist rejection of technology—rather, this is a counterbalance, or a recalibration. Digital hygiene is as prescient as ever, and after years of acceleration into the virtual, many are feeling their way back to something more grounded. 

The rise in digital fatigue is well documented. A 2024 report by the World Health Organization identified excessive screen time and ‘digital overstimulation’ as growing mental health concerns, particularly among younger generations. The average adult now spends more than seven hours a day engaging with screens, and for many, this is starting to feel less like connection and more like confinement. We are, it seems, reaching the limits of our digital absorption, and the promise of limitless access and perpetual efficiency is giving way to a growing sense of psychic clutter: the result being our fractured attention spans, algorithm-induced anxiety, and a creeping dissatisfaction that no amount of content can seem to cure us. 

WGSN have been reporting on this shift through the lens of brand-building, framing it around the emerging emotional state they call ‘Witherwill’—a word coined by John Koenig, author of The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. Defined as a longing to be free from responsibility, Witherwill is predicted to be a key consumer emotion and coping mechanism by 2027, as people increasingly grapple with pressure on multiple levels.

Imagery by Ron Lach, via Pexels
Imagery by Cup Of Couple, via Pexels
In their report, WGSN note: “Witherwill will be a reaction against the great exhaustion, with workplace and digital stressors creating a pervasive sense of burnout and overwhelm. As people push back to explore a slower existence with lower stakes, fewer to-do lists, more meaningful connections and less loneliness, brands have an opportunity to offer them the respite they need.”

While this is, naturally, presented in the context of helping brands sell their products, it clarifies that our collective digital fatigue has become so widespread, so culturally significant, that even marketing strategies are now being shaped by our need to slow down.

Across cities and small towns alike, the desire for real-life engagement is manifesting in all sorts of ways. We see it in the return of supper clubs and communal dinners. We see it in the uptick of local workshop attendance—from floral arranging, to jewelry making, book clubs and more. We see it in the return of tactile pleasures like letter writing, bookbinding, or simply walking without headphones. As crazy as it sounds, I think one of my proudest achievements over the last few years has been to train myself to work without headphones and be totally present, daily, with my dog. This is to say; digital hygiene requires our self-motivating discipline, as tough or obvious as it may seem to achieve. 

A compelling example of this shift recently played out on Bree Street in Cape Town. During March this year, the Young Urbanists initiated a bold experiment: the entire street was shut to vehicular traffic for every Sunday  and turned into a pedestrian-only cultural hub. The goal was to see what might happen when space was reimagined for people, and critically, no commercial activities were permitted. Instead, activities included free bike rentals for kids, community blanket making sessions with The Maak, graffiti workshops with Brother Love Studio, chess clubs and even a silent book club, with people perched on the road all reading together. 

This reclamation of public space for non-commodified community purposes proved what a slower, more connected urban life could look like. The Young Urbanists are a phenomenal space that challenges the enduring apartheid legacies shaping South African cities. Rooted in principles of economic, social, environmental, and spatial justice, the group empowers its members—across all disciplines and backgrounds—to become change agents in their fields. With a strong focus on inclusivity, the platform initiates critical conversations and imaginative solutions for building more equitable cities across the country. 

The return to the offline is similar in the world of commerce and brand culture, it’s increasingly clear that physical experience still matters—and may, in fact, matter more than ever. I don’t know about you, but I’m increasingly reluctant to buy online; instead, I prefer to try on clothes in real time, or take the trip to meander stores than predict something will be fitting for my home, wardrobe or fridge through a screen. 

Imagery of Bree Street Community Blanket Making via @the.maak IG
Imagery by Eva Bronzini, via Pexels
Despite years of predictions about the demise of physical retail, many brands are doubling down on brick-and-mortar stores. Physical spaces offer something that no online interface can replicate; atmosphere, human interaction, and the possibility of surprise. Meta, the very company pushing virtual and augmented realities, has recently expanded its retail presence with physical stores for showcasing its tech. The irony is rich but telling—even the architects of the metaverse understand that we want to touch, ask, linger. Fashion brands are similarly following suit and independent labels like Rethread have just expanded to a bigger showroom space in Woodstock, with founder Alexa Schemper’s intention to host community gatherings within a multiple-purpose space.

To understand this impulse at a deeper level, cultural theory is ever my go-to. French philosopher Jean Baudrillard’s concept of hyperreality, developed in the 1980s, offers a prescient lens for the mood of this moment; as he argued that in late capitalist societies, signs and representations begin to replace reality itself. In the hyperreal, we no longer engage with the real world directly, instead we engage with simulations of it. Case in point as we fast-forward to today’s social media-driven culture, and Baudrillard’s ideas feel uncannily accurate. A dinner is rendered a photo opportunity, and ‘the self’ becomes a brand. The more time we spend in simulation—curated, flattened, algorithmically manipulated—the more we crave what the simulation will never deliver: texture, nuance, unpredictability and presence.

This is not to say that digital life has no value and the connectivity it offers remains transformative. There is no going back, however there is integration; we are beginning to see its limits, and to notice what our digital lives displaces. In some ways, the return to offline culture is a reckoning with the costs of relentless digitalism: attention fatigue, disembodiment, and the loss of shared, physical spaces. It is also a return to the idea that meaning is created through conversation, through making, through being together. The rise of “slow living” dovetails with these cultural shifts. Practices like journaling, analogue photography, gardening, and knitting are becoming central to how many people resist burnout and reclaim time. These activities slow us down and invite a deeper kind of attention, and in these slow-paced acts, efficiency is discarded; this is precisely the point. 

Offline revival is also taking root in new business models that emphasise intentionality and connection over scale. Small-run magazines, zines, and locally hosted lectures and salons are vanguards of the future in the attention economy. At CEC, we’re committed to the long-form word and the art of the conversation, even amidst the waning attention spans of internet users. Artist-run spaces like The Drawing Room, or ceramics studios that offer monthly classes like Han Studio, are using skills transference as a form of community-kindling. 

Even among Gen Z—a generation raised online—there’s a growing appetite for IRL engagement. Despite growing up digitally native, this generation is increasingly drawn to analogue tools and face-to-face experiences; perhaps because they know, better than anyone, how exhausting and performative the online self can become; the novelty having worn off by the time they’re forming their adult identities. 

It’s easy to misread this moment as a cultural regression, or a nostalgic return to some imagined pre-digital purity. In reality, it’s a complex synthesis; we simply need to layer our lives with more balance, and this is the necessity of practicing digital hygiene as a function of our day to day. 

Ultimately, the resurgence of offline culture is a hopeful sign. It suggests that, even amidst technological acceleration, our human need for connection and physicality persists. In the 21st century, we still get to inhabit a future that remembers the body, honours the senses, and values presence as a luxury— while being wildly connected to the broader world, and embedded in the complex swathes of culture and creation taking place all around the planet. 

In this reality, being continually distracted is our challenge, while choosing to be present is our resistance. Every effort is required to find our place in this hybridised world. 

What will you do with your time spent offline? 

 

Written by Holly Beaton

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za

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The Jade releases their live ensemble album, ‘Love Harder’

Having carved out a place in the contemporary club scene with releases on Glitterbox/Defected, Boogie Angst & Lovemonk Records amongst others, Madrid’s Casbah 73 recently shed his skin and is now ready to introduce The Jade, a live ensemble that prioritises emotion, excitement and the art of the song. Led by Oli Stewart (Casbah 73), the project brings together a remarkable group of players. At its core, this is about people: musicians in dialogue, shaping rhythms and melody, singing songs from the heart, that shared pulse based on a timeless musical vocabulary.

The Jade’s sound is post-pout, studs up, raw soul, free from modern dancefloor tyranny. It’s intimate disco, dead-selfie freedom, Afro-Latin jazz-dance and Iberian funk all rolled into one, rooted in emotion and shot through with a healthy dose of funky bad ass groovism. Genres that blend and bleed into each other following one simple idea: songs and the expressive power of live instrumentation.

 

Coming from Madrid and spearheading the resistance, you’ll find Chavi Ontoria on keys and David Salvador on bass, forming the rhythmic foundation. They’re joined by the rousing horns of Josué García and Dani Herrera, and the vibrant voices of Deborah Ayo and Nia Martin. All the way from Montevideo, guitarist Nico Ibarburu weaves his spell-binding grooves, while top-notch artists such as Josh Hoyer, Angela Gooding, Ale Gutiérrez, jazz trumpet player Malcolm Strachan and others broaden and enrich the project’s emotional and musical range. The Jade is a celebration of the human touch. 

Listen to ‘Love Harder’ here 

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff

Joris Feiertag releases his latest EP, ‘Embers’

Dutch producer & live act Joris Feiertag unveils his latest offering, the Embers EP, a five-track journey released on Sonar Kollektiv. This marks his first release on SK since 2024’s ON/OFF EP and reaffirms his signature beat-driven sound, blending lush textures with a refined interplay of organic and synthesised elements. 

The Embers EP begins with a bang through its eponymous opening track. ‘Embers’ is a dense and electrifying statement, bursting with energy. Wordless vocals soar alongside swirling synths, deep basslines, and chugging drums, creating a dynamic and invigorating piece that sets the tone for the EP.

Feiertag reflects on the project: “I’m really proud of how the EP has come together; it feels like a complete journey and a true reflection of where I am as a producer right now. Creating it has been a transformative and rewarding process. My goal has always been to craft tracks that feel at home both on the dancefloor and in your living room, and I believe this EP achieves that balance.”

With three albums and numerous singles and EPs already under his belt, including releases on R&S and Anjunadeep, Feiertag continues to impress. The Embers EP showcases his mastery of balancing acoustic and electronic elements, reaffirming his ability to create music that resonates in both intimate and high-energy settings.

Listen to ‘Embers’ here 

 

Press release courtesy of Only Good Stuff