On the evening of October 30th, Seattle’s creative landscape was lit up with fashion, music, and conversation at The Meet, a first of its kind gathering where stylists, photographers, brand architects, and innovators of all kinds came together in celebration of African and Diaspora artistry. The venue? Seattle’s chic new Karoo Café—a South African-owned gem that added an unmistakable cultural flavour to the night. But this wasn’t just any event; it was a vivid collision of talents and ideas, seamlessly blending panel discussions with electrifying live performances and DJ sets, all expertly hosted by Nthabi.
The evening’s centrepiece was a fifty-minute panel led by Nthabiseng Mushi, bringing together creative powerhouses like brand architect and digital maven Mike G, the multi-talented tech-and-art fusionist Larissa Umulinga, finance pro turned DJ Anzo, headwear innovator Ebrimâ Badjie, and visionary stylist Thando Motswalo herself—the driving force behind The Meet. This wasn’t just talk; it was a compelling dialogue about creativity, authenticity, and the often-overlooked journey of African fashion. Each panelist brought a distinct perspective, sharing stories about their paths, their passions, and their commitment to bringing African culture into the limelight. To bring the formalities of the night to a close, Ugandan artist Sweet Cocoa serenaded the crowd with covers from John Legend, Rae Khalil and Lady Wray.
Founder Thando Motswalo, a stylist with a mission to bring South African fashion to American shores, curated The Meet as an immersive bridge for African designers, allowing them to reach audiences that would otherwise be out of reach. Thando’s vision goes far beyond fashion—it’s about telling a story, amplifying voices, and positioning African designers as global players. And at The Meet, her vision took centre stage, displaying her favourite South African pieces to a captivated audience.
The Meet, themed around blending high-end fashion with street style, was Thando’s way of unleashing individuality and raw creativity. “Growing up in Johannesburg and living in New York, I saw fashion around every corner—bold, inspiring, limitless,” she reflected. Thando missed the spark of home, that vibrant energy where self-expression knows no bounds. By infusing The Meet with a mix of luxury and street style, she brought a bit of Johannesburg’s fearless creativity to Seattle, inviting attendees to explore fashion that speaks to their roots, culture, and personal flair.
Throughout the evening, the audience was treated to insights from each panelist, starting with Mike G, who spoke about his multifaceted career spanning music, and tech, explaining how digital innovation and branding can uplift all forms of creativity. Larissa Umulinga, a software engineer with a deep love for visual storytelling, reminded the crowd that “inspiration is all around, whether or not you’re looking for it.” DJ Anzo shared his experience balancing a corporate finance career by day and setting dance floors on fire by night, reflecting on how he uses music to fuel his activism and sense of community.
Ebrimâ Badjie, the mastermind behind the trendy BRIMÂ headwear brand, captivated the crowd with his entrepreneurial journey. Growing up in The Gambia, Ebrimâ shared his belief that true creatives are “doers, not complainers.” Spotting a gap in the market, he launched a line of stylish, functional durags, blending culture with contemporary design and filling a need with genuine passion.
One of the evening’s most thought-provoking questions centred on the fusion of street fashion and luxury—a theme that embodies South Africa’s vibrant and layered style scene. When asked about this unique blend, founder Thando Motswalo shared insights into how South Africa’s “cool kids of Braam” and trendsetters from various regions seamlessly merge street style with high-end fashion. Across South Africa, each community carves out its distinct style, turning fashion into a form of self-expression that’s as diverse as the nation itself.
Thebe Magugu, Kasi Flavour and Maxhosa— celebrated South African brands that exemplify this fusion—were on display that night, giving attendees a firsthand glimpse into how these labels embody cultural storytelling through clothing. “Everyone is telling their own story through their fashion,” Thando explained, emphasising that in South Africa, style is more than just garments; it’s a deeply spiritual reflection of identity and community. Street brands like Kasi Flavour capture the essence of urban South Africa while elevating it with luxury touches, creating a unique aesthetic that’s both rooted in heritage and boldly modern.
Throughout the evening, attendees mingled, forged connections, and discovered new collaborations. The Meet wasn’t just an event; it was a revelation—a symbol of creative convergence that promises to evolve into something even greater. Though its next date is yet to be announced, Thando has assured that The Meet will continue to be a space for inspiration, cross-cultural connection, and the constant celebration of African and Diaspora creativity.
