October has arrived and we’re ready to welcome more warmth to our days, especially with a brand new edition of Woolworths’ #STYLEBYSA magic; the series that puts the art of personal styling firmly into the hands of some of South Africa’s most prolific creatives. Enter Sanaa Mothabisa, who joins the #STYLEBYSA fold to narrate his summer style script.

Sanaa Mothabisa is a filmmaker, creative researcher, and storyteller rooted in Soweto, Johannesburg. As a cultural archivist, he leverages the power of movement and narrative through film to capture and define the beauty of South African identity in the modern era. His personal style reflects the relaxed, creative attitude that he applies to all that he does. If you’ve had the pleasure of watching some of Sanaa’s work, you’ll know it evokes the deep wellspring of people and places that shape South Africa’s cultural landscape, offering a profound narrative and legacy of our nation.

With a production company, Sanaa Films, that’s built on principles of originality and integrity, Sanaa has extended his penchant for nostalgic and warm cinematic elements to highlight some of Woolworth’s pieces from their latest menswear drop. Set in a home that feels familiar to the everyday, richly curated experience of Joburg; Sanaa’s summer style is all about embracing the easy, effortless style that mirrors the dynamic energy of the city’s warmer season. 

Key to Sanaa’s style is his continued love for a great white tee; a wardrobe essential that is vital for us all due to its versatility and simplicity. When it comes to this garment, the layering possibilities are endless, and its range lies in its ability to transcend fashion trends, offering a clean, neutral base that can be dressed up or down. Sanaa demonstrates the power of a plain white tee as a complementary piece with Woolworth’s latest laidback semi-formal suits, or coordinated sets that can be mixed and matched. Nobody said summer casual had to be complicated or unrefined — that’s where your own story and style comes in. 

Defining his own #STYLEBYSA campaign, Sanaa brings pieces from Woolworths’ latest menswear drop to life by connecting fashion with his personal narrative. His style choices showcase how clothing is truly the extension of our identity, reflecting the comfort and confidence we can  hold with our individual expression.  

Whether layering a white tee under a Woolies Harrington jacket for a casual outing or mixing coordinated sets for an artistic edge, Sanaa demonstrates that fashion is about how we live comfortably in our favourite pieces and the stories that we communicate with our style. This season, #STYLEBYSA continues to celebrate the style wisdom of South African creatives, one look at a time.

SHOP SANAA’S #STYLEBYSA EDIT HERE

Written by: Holly Beaton