Victoria’s Secret’s Runway show came back after years. But beyond South Africa’s Candice Swanepoel and Tyla taking to the stage; the show left a lot to be desired:

New York, South Africa (17 October 2024) — Earlier this week, Victoria’s Secret made a ‘splashy’ return to the runway after several years away from its once iconic pink carpet.

Premised to be a new era for the brand that has had a massive influence on the relationship women across the world have with their bodies; hopes were high for the comeback show and all the freshness it might bring. But, VS is nothing if not a tease. And for many critics, if the show was supposed to be a tease for diversity, it unfortunately missed the mark.

As a woman and writer who has long been championing topics of inclusivity and empowerment, I have to admit that the 2024 reveal left much to be desired.

Many of the models were part of the same class who have long worked with VS (the Hadid sisters, Taylor Hill and, of course, the seasoned Angels like Behati Prinsloo and Adriana Lima).

There were new faces part of the show and iconic ones too (Cher, Kate Moss and Tyra Banks to name a few). And all of it was as glossy as it was when I watched it as a teen.

But in the spirit of inclusivity—which is where many suspected the show was heading—it felt a lot like waiting for the drop of a song that never comes. In fact, it was a lot like listening to an old song you haven’t heard for a while again, except with a few barely noticeable remixed notes.

While it’s damn-near impossible to represent every person of every body type, it also feels like tokenism to see only a handful of models who weren’t size 0 (many of whom did multiple walks). There could have been a spectrum of body-positive representation that gave us all a more organic idea of beauty across the board…but there wasn’t.

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting. A little (a lot) more of a celebration of the idea that healthy bodies can and do look different? Female empowerment of some kind? Wings that actually attempted to uplift women? At the very least, they did break the ageism barrier the beauty industry is known for by featuring models who would’ve been considered well into retirement if this were the early 2000s.

Two moments made the show almost worth the watch, and they were purely because South African women took to the stage like powerhouses. Candice Swanepoel was as gorgeous as ever, while Tyla got to headline the event with the energy she’s won the world over with. I’ll also give a special shout-out to Cher’s performance because that legend is nearly 80 years old and still killing the game.

But beyond their time on stage, the show hardly brought anything new to the table. Perhaps that was exactly the point.

If anything, the show made me thankful that I’m older and wiser than I was when I first gazed up at the angels like superheroes and thought beauty needed to look that way. Thankful that in 2024, we can recognise it’s just a show and not what women need to look like to fit into the world.

And thankful that the younger generation of women do have access to more information on health and well-being to create informed perspectives on what was once deemed ‘the standard’ of beauty.

Sources: GTG

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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South Africa’s world-famous songbird and soprano Pretty Yende is the first opera singer to become an ambassador for the prestigious fashion house Dior!

Global (11 October 2024) — Prestigious fashion house Dior and South Africa have enjoyed many a moment together in 2024. From showcasing Capetonian fashion brand Earth Age’s crochet hats on a runway in Paris to incorporating art by Karoo-raised artist Hylton Nel, Dior is having a South African moment. But, perhaps the most exciting of Dior-South Africa dates has been Pretty Yende’s appointment as an ambassador for the house—a first of its kind!

The famed South African songbird and soprano is the first opera singer to ever become an ambassador for the fashion house; a match somewhat made in heaven.

When you think of Pretty Yende, you think of classic, feminine, bold, and elegant elements that are all central to the fashion house and Maria Grazia Chiuru’s designs.

 

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The bill is only fighting for the woman who was dubbed one of the Most Influential Africans of 2023 and sang at King Charles III’s coronation.

“Being enveloped by your creations has been a true honor and I am in sweet anticipation for what’s to come,” (sic) Pretty Yende said in praising Maria.

Aptly, her ambassadorship has run alongside another ‘Mama I made it’ achievement for the soprano—her role as Queen Mary in Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda opera. Queen Mary of Scots was also known to have a keen interest in fashion during her life in the Renaissance.

Meanwhile, in other stunning news from South African songbirds, the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s African twist on the operatic classic ‘Nessun Dorma’ is an absolute must-hear that South Africans all over simply can’t get enough of!

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Five female South African designers got the enormous opportunity to showcase their talent at New York Fashion Week!

Global (04 October 2024) — Five South African female designers got to enjoy the pinnacle of fashion excellence as they showcased at New York Fashion Week last month.

Through the Give Her a Crown Platform—an initiative by The Change Collective Africa that uses art to challenge barriers around gender equality—female empowerment was all the rage for local fashion lovers as South African designers got to give the runway an iconic run with their talents on full display.

Their works were as thoughtful in curation as they were in ideation, inspired by the theme ‘Shifting Perspectives’ and the words of spoken word artist Qui Qarre.

The Crown Collection for 2024 was co-curated with Michele Roda, the New York-based African Fashion Council and designer Chuks Collins. These curated pieces are a convergence of fashion, poetry and storytelling—elements that speak largely to the beating hearts of our continent. Additionally, they help raise awareness by spotlighting young female creatives to watch.

Meet the Designers:

• Gugu Peteni—The founder of the inclusive streetwear brand Gugubygugu, who also earned praise in Paris earlier this year.
• Keneilwe Mothoa—A visionary melding fashion and interior design to celebrate African heritage.
• Manthe Ribane Liebmann–A multi-faceted artist who blends her skills from music to design to create unique and dynamic pieces
• Tsakani Mashaba—Through her brand HAMETHOP, Tsakani takes fashion lovers on a journey through African art, textiles and architecture.
• Thando Ntuli—MUNKUS’ creative force who draws inspiration from 1980s and 1990s South Africa to create nostalgic and expressive fashion.

Reflects Chuks Collins:

“Bringing African fashion talent to New York is a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible creativity of these designers. I’m thrilled for the world to experience these powerful, transformative collections that challenge norms and inspire change.”

Meanwhile in Milan, South Africa’s most fashionable couple and the team behind House of Decorum got to take to the runway in Milan! You can read all about it here.

Sources: Supplied 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Second Hand September is using sustainable fashion choices to support people with intellectual disabilities, one pre-loved purchase at a time!

Cape Town, South Africa (27 September 2024) — This month, leading Cape Town-based charity, The Oasis Association, has called on sustainable fashion lovers to do what they do best—shop and sift through clothes as part of Second Hand September—an initiative that’s supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

For the past 7 decades, The Oasis Association has played a huge role improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Through various projects and programmes, they help people reach their full potential and have even helped secure a Special Olympics Gold Medal for South Africa!

But, like any charity, funding is essential to keep the good work going. One way Oasis does this is through its Charity Shops; all of which are Cape Town-based.

As part of Second Hand September, they have invited sustainable shoppers to pop into any of the charity shops to cop new, pre-loved finds, or to donate the remnants of any spring cleans to these spaces.

You can find the shops here.

How Second Hand September Helps People and the Planet

The shopping and donating initiative will help finance Oasis’ Day Centres, specialised Workshops, and Group Homes that provide affordable and safe housing for up to 500 intellectually disabled individuals!

Beyond the exceptional cause, Second Hand September is also a fantastic way for shoppers to embrace a circular economy and support second-hand shopping as a way to reduce one’s carbon footprint, extend the lifecycle of clothing, and minimize waste.

Executive Director of the The Oasis Association, Gail Bester says, “We are hoping that the Second Hand September campaign, which was launched by Oxfam in the UK in 2019, can have a positive impact by making people more aware of the role fashion plays in the environment and encouraging the public to buy only second hand clothes for the month and support sustainable fashion. When you shop at any one of our charity shops in Claremont, Fish Hoek, or Elsies River your purchases play a direct role in changing the lives of our beneficiaries, for good.”

“When you shop pre-loved fashion, you play a vital part in extending the lifecycle of items that could’ve ended up in a landfill. Oasis Charity Shops offer a win-win experience for our customers as they guarantee affordability, sustainability, and style, providing an alternative to mass-produced fashion while helping to change lives.

“The profit generated from donated items provide employment opportunities for our beneficiaries, allowing them to develop to their full potential in a supportive environment,” concludes Gail.

Proceeds from Oasis Charity shops go directly back into the organisation’s various programmes, helping to provide social work, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, sports and recreational support to the organisation’s many beneficiaries.

In fact, 100% of the proceeds from Oasis Charity shops go back to supporting Oasis projects for their beneficiaries. So, every cent spent on a thrift fashion or home item makes a positive impact in someone’s life. A difference that can be seen and experienced when you visit Oasis Charity Shops.

To donate pre-loved or unwanted goods to The Oasis Association you can also drop off these items at the Oasis Charity Shop in Claremont on the corner of Lee Road and Imam Haron Road.

Sources: Supplied 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Joburg Fashion duo ‘Mr and Mrs Decorum’ recently saw their designs radiate on one of the most coveted runways in the world in Milan!

Milan, Italy (23 September 2024) — Joburg-based fashion duo and the couple behind local brand House of Decorum ventured to the home of fashion giants like Gucci and Prada recently in a whirlwind experience that saw their garments take on one of the world’s most coveted runways!

To have one’s designs dominate the runway at Palazzo Serbelloni as part of Milan Fashion Studio is a huge deal in the world of fashion. But for Mphahlela and Rethabile Mokgatle (AKA, Mr and Mrs Decorum), it’s also a well-earned opportunity.

 

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The Mokgatle’s might have backgrounds in finance and law, respectively (Mr Decorum is a chartered accountant and Mrs Decorum is an attorney), but it’s in the fashion world that the ladder to their dreams is fitted.

With a new era of classy dress in mind as inspired by their corporate backgrounds (where dressing for success is often key to actioning it), the fashion couple is integrating high-quality aesthetics with local prowess.

Their collection, “I’dlozi Lethu’ or ‘The Modern Dandy’ got its taste of the Fashion Capital last week, including an exceptional runway show and a visit to the prestigious Accademia Del Lusso School of Fashion.

“This [was] a great opportunity for us to teach the world about our patterns as South Africans and the rich heritage behind our garments,” Mr Decorum said.

He adds that the collection aimed to redefine the modern dandy aesthetic with a “bold fusion of traditional tailoring and avant-garde elements” to create a unique statement in the international fashion scene as reimagined from Johannesburg.

Sources: Supplied; House of Decorum 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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It’s another big moment for Tyla: South Africa’s showstopper has been chosen to headline the return of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where she’ll be sharing the stage with the mother of all icons, Cher!

Global (19 September 2024) — As Victoria’s Secret prepares for the long-anticipated return of its fashion show following a hiatus and rebranding era, the organisers’ sights were naturally set on making sure that the comeback show was launched with iconic women in tow.

It comes as little surprise then, that South African superstar Tyla was chosen as a headliner—an massive deal for the performer who continues to make the whole continent proud.

 

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The Victoria’s Secret fashion show has hosted numerous stars in its time, from Lady Gaga to Rihanna. As the show prepares to return with new zest and an updated appeal to fashion inclusivity, the picks for this year’s headliners needed to ooze icon energy. True to this, mother of all icons, Cher, will also be taking to the stage, while the final headliner is yet to be revealed.

“I’m thrilled to be performing on this nostalgic and legendary stage. What’s even more exciting is the celebration of diversity, showcasing a broader range of beauty, which makes this moment truly special,” shared Tyla.

The announcement comes after another massive moment for South Africa’s showstopper. Last week, Tyla became the first South African to win a VMA (Video Music Award)! Nominated for three VMAs, Tyla took home the moon person for the Best Afrobeats category.

Meanwhile, in other big news from South African creatives taking their scenes by storm, Esther Mahlangu has been celebrated by the likes of John Legend and Alicia Keys, while a local production earned critical acclaim at the Toronto Film Festival, and Thokoza-based photographer Vuyo Mabheka has been awarded the glittering opportunity to showcase at Switzerland’s top exhibition!

Sources: Various (Linked Above)

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The Eco-Logic Awards have officially unveiled this year’s finalists—a celebration of some of South Africa’s most innovative and impactful eco-champions!

South Africa (29 August 2024) — The Eco-Logic Awards have officially announced their finalists—a celebration of some of South Africa’s most innovative and impactful eco-champions.

The awards, now in their 13th year, shine the spotlight on individuals, organisations, products and services that are pioneering eco-conscious solutions and actions across South Africa. Despite contributing to different niches—from eco-fashion, to waste innovation and those restoring and protecting our natural treasures—all are helping pave a greener path to a more sustainable future for our country.

Entries opened up in April, where submissions across 12 categories were evaluated by a panel of independent and environmentally knowledgeable executives from different backgrounds.

“While many of the entries were impressive, what ultimately led us to deciding on the finalists was decided by how well they demonstrated and reflected what we call Eco-Logical Intelligence,” shared David Parry-Davies, the editor of Enviropaedia and the Eco-Logic awards founder.

The awards will presented on 30 October at the Two Oceans Aquarium and are set to be hosted by none other than the comedian who keeps South Africa giggling, Themba Robin.

Meet the 2024 Eco-Logic Finalists

THE NATURE CONSERVATION AWARD

• BirdLife South Africa
• Greenpop – Reforest Fest 2025
• Two Oceans Aquarium: Marine Protected Areas Day

THE CLIMATE CHANGE AWARD

• Atlantis Special Economic Zone
• Climate Action Network South Africa (SACAN)
• Earthlife Africa Johannesburg
• SAFCEI (Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute)

THE ECO-INNOVATION AWARD 

• Endangered Wildlife Trust – eDNA by Samantha Mynhardt
• Inverroche Bee&Bee
• Urban Surfer – Project: Sorting & Solar baling reclaimer camp in Parktown

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND WASTE INNOVATION AWARD 

• Eskom – Lethabo Power Station
• Netcare Limited – My Walk Made With Soul
• Singakwenza Early Childhood Education

THE WATER CONSERVATION AWARD  

• Harmony Water Treatment Projects
• The South African Breweries/ AB-InBev: Water Security Through Catchment Restoration
• Woolworths & WWF-SA Water Stewardship Project

THE ECO-FASHION & LIFESTYLE AWARD

• AECI: From Bottles to Bags
• Chic Mamas Do Care & Love It Again
• Sealand Gear

THE ECO-HEALTH & WELLNESS AWARD 

• Aether Group (Aether Apothecary)
• Kiko Vitals
• Three Sisters & Co

THE ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS AWARD

• Faithful To Nature
• Mo’s Crib
• The Mushroom Box

THE ECO-COMMUNITY AWARD 

• Abalimi Bezekhaya
• Mosselbank River Conservation Team NPC
• Protect The West Coast NPC

THE ECO-HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM AWARD

• Babanango Game Reserve
• CTICC | Cape Town International Convention Centre
• Veld and Sea

THE ECO-ANGEL AWARD

• Abigel Sheridan – Chic Mamas Do Care & Love It Again
• Dimakatso Nhlapo – Netcare Hospitals
• Zandile Ndhlovu – The Black Mermaid

THE ECO-WARRIOR AWARD

• David Tshidzumba
• Kumi Naidoo – Artivism
• Nonhle Mbuthuma – Wild Law Institute

ECO-LOGICAL INTELLIGENCE – LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

• Dave Varty – Londolozi Game Reserve

Sources: Supplied 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Slow fashion lovers and those who want to learn should start gathering their preloved items and crafting tools because the slow fashion festival is just around the corner!

Cape Town, South Africa (15 August 2024) — In a world of quick production and faster trends, communities around the world are rebelling by simply slowing things down. The slow fashion movement isn’t just about saying no to over-consumption and searching for ethical production chains—it’s also about taking the initiative to say yes to reworking preloved items, upcycling garments you never thought you’d wear again into new and creative forms and of course, doing all this alongside a community who cares about the environment as much as you do.

Around the corner lies the Slow Fashion Festival—a free occasion to unite with like-minded fashion lovers, doers and thinkers over a love of the slow lane.

Here’s What to Look Forward to:

Led by slow fashion champions TWYG, on 17 August, it’ll be all systems go for a feast of activities, including:

• A swap & mend session
• A craft circle with the Cape Town Craft Club
• Learning how to make a zero-waste T-shirt with Andie Reeves
• Repurposing denim, embroidery and other mending experiences with Husqvarna Viking
• Learning how to put together your own mending kit
• A kitting session with Holly Kane

In addition, there will be talks from experts that’ll give attendees the 101 on running a sustainable fashion business, learning about African traditional fashion and sustainability and then some!

Details:

• When: Saturday, 17 August from 10 am
• Where: V&A Watershed, Cape Town
• Cost: Free Entrance

Sources: Twyg

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Celebrated fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee wowed the crowd at the Miss SA pageant with an array of gowns created via technology, 3D-printed magic and artistic flair!

Pretoria, South Africa (12 August 2024) — Celebrated South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee once again made a dazzling impact on the Miss South Africa stage after the pageant night was graced with his innovative marriage of art and technology.

No stranger to the spotlight, Gert’s designs some of South Africa’s best known creations in fashion, with stars Oprah, Cardi B and Chloe Bailey having shown off Gert’s unmistakable local flair before.

On home ground, the name Gert Johan-Coetzee is synonymous with glamour and artistry—with the likes of the now former Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert being adorned with Gert’s imaginings before both when she represented South Africa in the famous children’s canvas dress on the international stage and when she won her crown in red and beaded beauty in 2023.

This year, the designer’s creativity reached new heights on the Miss SA stage with a new task—to create the gowns for the opening sequence of Miss South Africa. There, 11 stunning gowns transformed the stage into its own South African-proud runway where fashion coalesced with technology seamlessly.

Breaking into largely untapped territory; every piece of fabric seen was an example of fashionable tech with each having been meticulously created and printed in the Gert-Johan Coetzee studio.

But, the 3D-printed elements on the gowns were not void of human touch. In fact, these elements were quite the opposite; acting as storytelling elements unique to each contestant’s personality.

“I believe in embracing change, in letting each year’s contestants and their unique stories guide my creativity,” says Gert. “It’s about crafting gowns that not only celebrate their beauty but also resonate with the vibrance of our country. The thrill of creating something new and exciting each year is what drives me.”

“Remember, fashion is not just about following trends; it’s about setting them, about being fearless in your expression, and about inspiring others to see the world in a new light.”

Though each gown was a winner for South African fashion, only one wearer would take home the Miss SA crown. Aptly, this year’s Miss South Africa is also a boundary pusher—with the gorgeous Mia le Roux becoming the first hearing-impaired Miss SA to take on the reign!

Sources: Supplied—Gert-Johan Coetzee 

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Johannesburg-based fashion designer Thebe Magugu is using his Heirloom Collection (love letters to loved ones in clothing form) to raise life-changing funds!

Johannesburg, South Africa (05 August 2024) — Renowned South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu is nothing if not a storyteller. However, his latest collaboration earmarks not a story to be revisited but one to unfold thanks to a team-up with the RED—an organisation making support for those impacted by AIDS more accessible!

In case you haven’t met Mr. Magugu yet, he is one of South Africa’s most acclaimed names in fashion. From creating garments rocked by the likes of Rihanna to earning accolades like the LVMH Prize for Young Designers and, recently, the first-ever Global Excellence Award from the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards, Thebe’s pull is not just that he’s fantastically creative and talented, but also that he is centred on fashion for impact —making South Africa beyond proud.

Largely, the designer’s focus has been on bringing African voices to the world of Westernised fashion. In fact, last year, he won an award at a United Nations event for his dedication to positive impact where he was praised for his “dedication to capturing forgotten histories and cultures through fashion”.

But revitalising histories through fabric is only one aspect of Thebe’s curiosity. Another lends itself to gaze to a better future, which is exactly what the RED Foundation are working toward.

The RED Foundation was founded in 2006 in response to the AIDS crisis as a funnel to raise funds for organisations like the Global Fund. This way, critical programmes are able to be supported; empowering healthcare workers and offering healthcare in areas where it is lacking.

Thebe has teamed up with RED through his Heirloom collection—a special collection that honours the people in our lives. Through custom-made designs, the clothes act as a wearable love letter to those in our lives.

 

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A post shared by Thebe Magugu (@thebemagugu)

Last year, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o famously praised her Heirloom garments that acted as a visual telling of her grandmother.

“Heirloom is a very special project for me, because it gets to immortalise through cloth not only my own memories, but the memories of others as well. Creating an archivable ‘log’ of one’s life. It is extra special that this project also gets to contribute to (RED)’s critical mission of fighting AIDS through the power of fashion. I have seen the effects of HIV/AIDS up close, having lost family members to it, and watching others manage the condition, I am personally invested in this cause. Being in South Africa, we have one of the highest rates in the world”—Thebe Magugu.

Proceeds from the collection will head to RED and in this way, tell the story of a fashion designer and a world that helped those in need simply by honouring the people they love.

Sources: RED

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