She’s Lost Contol
Spoek Mathambo’s latest video Control is a township house cover of the Joy Division classic ‘She’s Lost Control’ – a collaboration with one of South Africa’s most celebrated photographers, Pieter Hugo (www.pieterhugo.com) and cinematographer Michael Cleary (www.michaelcleary.co.za). His debut album Mshini Wam was released in August.
“It explores the world of township cults, street preaches and teen gangs and was shot on location in a squatted train boarding house in Langa, Cape Town. The cast is mainly made up of the neighborhood kids who run their own dance troop, Happy Feet” – www.spoekmathambo.com
Very Cool!
Stefania Morland
This high-end fashion designer is one of South Africas jams when it comes to unique and playful garments! Stefania’s latest collection is beautifully shot by the German fashion photographer Burkhard Henrichs – just in time for the upcoming fashion show at the Design Indaba.
“Layering pieces and expertly constructed garments that can be worn in more than one way create a more complex look and allow our customers freedom and creativity of expression with our clothes.” says Stefania.
Here is a sneak peek…
For more information on the designer got to: www.stefaniamorland.com
Shwe Shwe Fabrics
Shwe shwe fabrics was introduced to South Africa by German settlers in the 19th century. This indigo dyed fabric made out of 100 % cotton. Traditional shwe shwe fabrics are printed in three colours: Indigo blue, red and chocolate brown. While printed these fabrics are starched, which makes makes them quite stiff – after washing a few times, they become soft and easy to work with.
South African Xhosa women, started using it as replacement of their traditional animal skin clothing – they say the name shwe shwe stands for the sound the fabric makes while wearing it. These are my favourites…
Click Song by Miriam Makeba
The song of the day! A few of you will know why…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mwh9z58iAU
Rustic Frames
This is such a Cape Town thing! These rustic frames are made out of recycled timber and look great on a wall full of frames in different colours and motives.
Image by www.designspotter.com
Wire Art
Scooby’s designer Richard is a Zimbabwean artist living in Cape Town. As a child Richard made his own toys by using any recycled goods he could find in order to have fun with his friends. Arriving in Cape Town, his creativity soon garnered interest from local designers. Using metal and wire, Richard creates expressive art that can be used practically as coat or necklace hangers or simply as decoration for one’s home.
To view more Wire Art products by Scooby click: www.bonsela.co.za
We are taking orders for personalized Wire Art by Scooby and deliver for free within South Africa!
Merchants On Long
It’s time to introduce the latest addition on Cape Town’s “To Go To List”. This unique shop is located in the heart of Long Street and showcases contemporary African fashion and art. The brands are sourced from around the African continent showing in great style that Africa is all about moving forward.
Its definitely worth a visit!
For more infromation please go to: www.merchantsonlong.com
Bantu Beach Wear
This African swimwear brand is one of my favourites! Bantu’s mission is to introduce the world to African beach culture by creating a hot line of beach and resort wear, accessories and skincare products using indigenous prints, labor and materials. All 100% made in Africa – says Yodit Eklund, Bantu’s founder.
Yodit has started Bantu in 2008 to show the world that there are amazing things that come from Afirca, fashion that can compete with many international brands – it was important for her to make people realize that Africa is not only about black diamonds, pirates and war. There are so many beaches in Africa, from Cape Town to Casablanca and from Dakar to Zanzibar which made Yodit create an ambassador program that pairs underprivileged kids with surf instructors who will teach them the fun of surfing. Her desire to create awareness around Africa and the desire to give back to the African community by creating jobs makes this brand unique.
The Bantu bikinis are reversible – they combine colourful prints copied from traditional wax cloth fabrics onto the swimwear material Lycra and the Brazilian cut for the sexy look of an African queen.
For more information check out: www.bantuwax.com – loving the tunes on the cool website by the way…