South African fashion has long been a canvas for cultural expression, from commemorating rites of passage to challenging societal norms.
A young Eastern Cape designer, Alizwa Sibawu, has emerged as a compelling new voice.
Selected by PnP Clothing’s Futurewear incubator, Sibawu has unveiled a limited-edition Heritage collection that intricately weaves his Xhosa heritage into a collection of modern fashion designs.
Inspired by the bold, sun-drenched hues of Transkei, Sibawu’s collection features a vibrant mustard-yellow print adorned with authentically African motifs.
The brightly coloured designs in his collection can be mixed and matched, and seamlessly transition from day to evening wear.
Sibawu says he intended the designs to evoke “the bold, sun-soaked palette created by the warmth and energy of the sun over the Transkei landscape.”
Born and raised in the Eastern Cape, Sibawu began his foray into fashion from observing his mother, Lindelwa, at the sewing machine.
His creative spark led him to launch a small clothing-design business in grade seven. Today, that spark has matured into a signature style that embraces South Africa’s heritage through meticulous tailoring and contemporary designs.
His designs are more than clothing; they’re narrators of identity, bridging the gap between ancestral heritage and present-day aesthetics.
“Futurewear was never meant to be a runway alone. It is a working classroom and a real shop floor,” explains designer and Futurewear co-founder Gavin Rajah, adding that Sibawu “brings a clear point of view that honours place and people while delivering clothes that live in the wardrobe, not a museum.”
The growth of e-commerce and passion for culturally rooted fashion continue to drive growth. Cheap imports from global fast-fashion giants such as Shein and Temu have eroded local market share.
Fortunately, the closing of a tax loophole that previously favoured these players has begun to shift the dynamics in favour of homegrown talent
Alizwa’s collection is now available in select PnP Clothing stores nationwide, beginning in September, just in time for Heritage Month.
Lifestyle
