A Guide To Sustainable Fashion In Cape Town
While Cape Town is praised for its foodie scene, wineries and amazing hikes, one thing that’s not mentioned enough is the local fashion. It’s quite a stylish city and there are some small ethical and sustainable brands doing really cool things. So today I’ve compiled a list of a few of my favorites to spread the love and hopefully introduce you to something new.
AKJP Studio | One of my first stops on Kloof Street, this space is curated to perfection with local ethical and sustainable fashion, accessories, clean beauty, and homeware. AKJP boasts a selection of 32 South African designers (SELFI is a personal favorite) alongside their own label of streamlined wardrobe staples.
Art Club and Friends| A small batch, non-gendered label created by artists, for artists. I stumbled upon their space in The Watershed and was instantly drawn to the classic dungarees and athleisure basics. It’s the no-frills, utilitarian staples and embroidered “a” logo clad accessories that make this simple brand feel so cool.
Duck Duck Goose | Located on Bree Street, this thoughtfully designed space carries some well-known South African designers such as Rich Mnisi and Thebe Magugu. Shop owner Daniel Sher’s Good Good Good label is another colorful staple, incorporating locally-sourced tartan and kikoi fabrics in their made-to-order pieces.
Fields | A contemporary menswear brand combining the work of visual artists with knitwear, outerwear and accessories. Their flagship store, located at The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, includes a workspace where you get a peak behind the scenes of the design process.
INKE Knitwear | Delicate and intricate knitwear to be worn all year round. Each piece is made from sustainably-farmed South African wool from the Karoo and Eastern Cape regions, and crafted by local knit artisans. I love the natural, muted colors and minimal designs. Pictured above wearing the Bonbon jumper.
Pina Jewels | A colorful, 90s nostalgia jewelry brand using recycled plastic for their playful signature daisy hoops.
Stiebeuel | The punchy primary colors characteristic of this brand gives its simple wardrobe staples a youthful update. I’m a fan of their utilitarian work jacket and retro color palette.
Thalia Strates | A minimal and elegant leather handbags and accessories brand. Handmade using leather byproducts from the meat industry, each piece is designed to embrace the unique imperfections of the materials.
The Stranger’s Club | This popular cafe also features an extensive retail space, carrying a host of trendy local clothing brands, accessories, skincare and a curated selection of books.
