Born from personal history and shaped by intention, MUNKUS has emerged as a thoughtful voice in South African fashion—one that places heritage, sustainability, and emotional connection at the centre of its design language. The brand offers garments that move beyond trend cycles, favouring longevity, memory, and meaning.
At its core, MUNKUS is about clothing that feels familiar yet forward-thinking—pieces that honour where we come from while remaining deeply relevant to the present.
Origin and Identity
Founded in 2019 by designer Thando Ntuli, MUNKUS takes its name from a family nickname, immediately grounding the brand in intimacy and personal narrative. This sense of home permeates every aspect of the label, shaping an identity rooted in lived experience rather than spectacle.
Growing up in Soweto, Ntuli was surrounded by women whose wardrobes told stories—garments borrowed, shared, altered, and cherished across generations. These early memories now inform MUNKUS’ approach to design, where clothing is treated as an extension of self and history.
A Story Woven Through Time
Intergenerational thinking sits at the heart of MUNKUS. The brand draws inspiration from the silhouettes and styling of 1980s and 1990s South Africa, reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens. The result is a wardrobe that feels nostalgic without being dated, modern without losing warmth.
Each piece is designed to be layered, reworked, and worn in multiple ways, encouraging personal expression. MUNKUS does not dictate how garments should be styled; instead, it leaves space for the wearer’s story to take shape.
Made to Last
Sustainability is embedded in the brand’s foundation rather than treated as a trend. MUNKUS prioritises natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and durable bull denim, ensuring garments are breathable, hard-wearing, and timeless.
A made-to-order and small-batch production approach allows the brand to minimise waste and maintain quality. This slower pace of fashion-making reflects a commitment to care—care for the environment, for craftsmanship, and for the people who wear the clothes.
Stories on the Runway
MUNKUS gained wider recognition after Thando Ntuli won the South African Fashion Week New Talent Search in 2022, a milestone that introduced the brand to a broader audience. Since then, MUNKUS has continued to present collections that feel both personal and purposeful.
In 2023, the brand was awarded the Twyg Sustainable Fashion Award for Trans-Seasonal Design, further cementing its position as a label that balances creativity with responsibility.
Why MUNKUS Matters
• Heritage-led design: Clothing inspired by family, memory, and lived experience.
• Timeless appeal: Garments that transcend seasons and trend cycles.
• Sustainability at its core: Ethical production and thoughtful material choices.
• A growing cultural voice: Recognition that reflects both impact and intention.
MUNKUS is not simply about what we wear—it is about what we carry with us. Through its garments, the brand invites us to honour our histories, dress with care, and invest in pieces that endure.
In a fashion landscape often driven by excess, MUNKUS offers something quieter and more profound: clothing that feels like home.
