In South Africa’s ever-evolving fashion landscape, certain brands rise not by shouting the loudest but by cultivating a language of subtlety, craft, and intention. Uni Form by Luke Radloff is one such brand—a name that carries weight not through spectacle, but through the discipline of its design. At first glance, Uni Form is understated, almost monastic in its restraint. Yet, beneath the simplicity lies a meticulous vision: garments that live at the intersection of utility and refinement, grounded in Johannesburg’s urban rhythm yet capable of resonating on any international stage.
Launched in 2019, Uni Form quickly positioned itself as more than a label. It is a philosophy, an exploration of what it means to dress with clarity and purpose in a world saturated with choice. Radloff’s collections strip fashion back to its essentials, drawing on the language of uniforms—functional, familiar, democratic—then reimagining them through the lens of contemporary luxury. Oversized shirts, tailored coats, draped trousers, and handwoven fabrics come together not as fleeting statements, but as building blocks for a wardrobe that endures.
The brand is as much about feeling as it is about form. A Uni Form piece is designed to move with the body, to slip seamlessly into everyday life, and to hold space for the wearer’s own identity. It’s clothing that does not demand attention but rewards it, offering details and craftsmanship that reveal themselves slowly, like architecture that grows more beautiful the longer you inhabit it.
A City’s Anatomy Woven into Fabric
Drawing from the raw energy of Joburg’s industrial landscape, Radloff merges utilitarian work-wear with refined tailoring—a reflection of the city’s resilient spirit. His studio, perched above a taxi rank, provides a daily window into the rhythm of commuters, whose uniforms and gestures inform the brand’s aesthetic.
This grounding in local scenes allows Uni Form to craft garments that breathe with lived experience—oversized cotton shirts, draped trousers, and fluid mohair that honour both form and function.
Minimalism with Soul
At its core, Uni Form rejects flash for purpose. Collections are defined by relaxed fits, soft tailoring, clean lines, and a neutral palette—less about fashion trends, more about considered, timeless elegance. Radloff’s creative process is iterative, building upon past work to refine clarity and coherence in every silhouette.
Sustainability as Intention, Not Label
Rather than wearing sustainability as a badge, Uni Form treats it as a guiding principle. Natural fibres are prioritised for their lasting quality; tech fabrics and plant-based cellulose offer responsible alternatives. The brand aims for local sourcing—even if it’s aspirational in parts—while its muted tones reflect an aversion to toxic dyeing processes.
Collaborations with local artisans are at the heart of that mission:
• Barrydale Hand Weavers contribute handwoven cottons and reclaimed textile heritage, especially from Eastern Cape factories, revitalised into new forms via antique looms.
• The Wren Design partnership saw fashion meet conceptual craft: shimmering jackets and paper-based garments emerged, prompting conversations around material innovation and responsibility.
Craft as Cultural Conversation
Radloff’s work goes further than wardrobe—it’s dialogue. He won the inaugural Azzedine Alaïa Foundation × Orveda Prize and spent time in Paris studying couture archives, bringing back that sensibility to local production . The ‘Communion’collection, showcased during Paris Fashion Week, fused mohair and wet-felted wool with beadwork, jewellery, and weaving by South African artisans—emotional tailoring, where each stitch bears meaning.
This approach emphasises responsibility (not mere sustainability), curation, and emotional connection—a framework ensuring each garment resonates long beyond the moment.
Building A Homegrown Luxury Ethos
In 2023, Radloff opened Uni Form’s concept store in Parktown North. The space blurs commerce with community: weekday appointments ensure an intimate showcase experience, while weekend flower-market pop-ups root the brand in everyday rhythm—clothes that speak for themselves, within the local pulse of the city.
Why Uni Form Matters
• Urban to elegant: Work-wear grit elevated into modern tailoring.
• Minimalism with meaning: Quiet design that speaks through quality, form, and intention.
• Ethical craftsmanship: Celebrating regional handcrafts from Barrydale to the Eastern Cape.
• Emotional tailoring: Garments that build a bond, invite longevity, and stand beyond trend.
• Recasting Africa: Proving that luxury, innovation, and mindful production thrive locally.
In a fashion world often defined by excess, Uni Form stands as a beacon of quiet power. Here, restraint is radical, craftsmanship is couture, and every stitch reflects a future that values depth, substance, and soul.
