“Art gave me freedom,” the artist Olaniyi Akindiya reveals on a Google Meet call as he quickly strings up pieces of cardboard. “There’s communication, dialogue among people that’s helped me open up the minds of a lot of people.” The Nigerian artist has been working in fine art for over two decades but began his…
Contemporary African fashion is often a dialogue between the so-called modern and traditional. Under this postcolonial umbrella, contemporary Africans have to walk a thin line between the Western and globalised while trying to hold onto a distant history and disappearing tradition. Tinyiko Makwakwa’s work is interesting in this regard as she looks past this dialogue…
Lazi Mathebula, crafts hand embroidered sneaker-inspired rugs with his latest offering that considers the worlds and proclivities of both sneaker heads and art collectors alike; a meshing of two worlds offered to us in the tuft and stitch of his rugs. There is much to be celebrated with this range for people looking to freshen…
The 90s saw the advent of streetwear rising to the attention of the elusive “fashion” crowds around the planet. A blend of minimalism fused with grunge marked the decade – with Marc Jacobs being fired from Ellis Perry for sending models down the runway in plaid prints and Dr Martens. Shawn Stüssy’s scripted logo, originally…
Richard John Jones works with stories of erasure, displacement and marginalisation. Specifically, Richard addresses obscured or erased histories and practices through installation, video work, performance as well as domestic craft techniques. He sees the process of domestic craft as the site for technological innovation. Feminism embraced. A floral pattern hugs tightly around a body –…
Tropical prints for flowing satin frocks. Multicoloured striped jumpsuits with delicate ruffle sleeves. Summer will definitely appreciate being greeted by womxn in the Sindiso Khumalo SS18 collection, Inanda. Before completing her Masters in Design for Textile Futures, Sindiso Khumalo studied architecture at UCT and worked at offices of architect David Adjaye in London. Her background in architecture…
Mélange is the title of Odette Steele’s luxury women’s wear textile collection. Mélange is defined as a varied mixture. Her works invokes the reality of what it means to be in our world; a kaleidoscope of experiences and interactions that have influenced our complex and often tricky understanding of who we are and what we…
