“A Creative Encounter in Sharing Stories”…
Sijabulile Ndlovu
Since the inception of her formidable career, Capetonian fashion designer Sindiso Khumalo has been breaking contemporary fashion boundaries through never-seen-before designs, inspired by Azanian heritage.
The fashion connoisseur was crowned joint winner of the prestigious 2020 LVMH Prize through her eponymous fashion label, which boasts vibrant colours and prints. Sindiso recently cemented her name in fashion’s wall of fame through the launch of her astounding collaboration with European retailer, & Other Stories. Expressing their delight about the collaboration, & Other Stories described it as a “creative encounter in sharing stories.”
Rooted in embracing African heritage, the Sindiso Khumalo brand was founded in 2014 after the originator completed her studies at Central Saint Martins. She then went on to work with the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative which helped her connect with various designers from the African diaspora.
Khumalo said her collections are inspired by her roots, particularly places and people including her mother who was an activist that fought against the apartheid regime during her youth.
Khumalo also expressed the pivotal role that African history has played in her creative inspiration and design collections.
“As an African designer, what truly matters to me is to design clothing that can highlight my African heritage and history, bringing it to light in a contemporary setting,” shared Khumalo.
Black and white matching set from the & Other Stories x Sindiso Khumalo Collection
Khumalo’s designs are also inspired by other iconic black figures in South African history, including Charlotte Maxeke and Sarah Forbes Bonetta.
Her collections maintain a vintage aesthetic with a modern twist, with each piece carrying optimism interwoven with tales to tell.
Her recent collaboration & Other Stories x Sindiso Khumalo features ready-to-wear items, swimwear, shoes, bags, and other accessories; all of which have been created with sustainable materials.
Think loose midi and miniskirts in sun-kissed hues and delicately crafted details, incorporating Khumalo’s hand-painted water colours and collage prints. The collection also features bold and colourful pieces.
Pepper-red dress with white collar from the & Other Stories x Sindiso Khumalo Collection
One of the stand-out pieces from the collection is a pepper red midi dress, with a white collar inspired by the South African Methodist Church.
The Scandinavian fashion powerhouse, & Other Stories, has always been at the forefront of shinning a light on up-and-coming designers. Khumalo follows in the footsteps of numerous up-and-coming designers who have collaborated with & Other Stories on off-capsule collections.
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