Nothing can be compared with the thrill of bringing an idea to life. But witnessing people resonating or even buying the product is mind-blowing.
The process seems pretty easy: come up with a catchy name or associate the brand with a familiar face. It’s not that simple.
That formula doesn’t appeal to everyone.
The fashion industry is highly competitive and international brands make it hard for the local industry to thrive. We are proud of the brands below that are winning the hearts and minds of local and international customers.
TSHEPO
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TSHEPO offers a range of bespoke denim clothing and ready-to-wear products, the brand has established itself in the hearts and minds of ordinary South Africans and people across the world.
Tshepo Mohlala’s medium became denim, continuing the legacy of storytelling through his designs.
DRIP
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From having no casual shoes of his own to owning a burgeoning shoe empire and providing shoes to children in need – that is the current iteration of Drip Footwear’s founder and director Lekau Sehoana’s life story.
Drip is now one of the biggest sneaker brands in Africa.
MAXHOSA AFRICA
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MAXHOSA AFRICA is a Mzansi’s knitwear brand founded in 2012 by Laduma Ngxokolo. This was with desire to explore knitwear design solutions that would be suitable for amakrwala (Xhosa initiates).
His initial vision was to create a modern Xhosa-inspired knitwear collection that would be suitable for this market. As a person who has undergone the process,
Laduma felt that he had to develop premium knitwear that celebrates traditional Xhosa aesthetics.
BATHU
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The Bathu story is more than just a story of Sneakers. It’s a story of owning your destiny, of staying true to who you are, of perseverance, of following your dreams and doing something you are passionate about.
A qualified Accountant, Theo Baloyi is the brains behind this successful sneaker brand.
RICH MNISI
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RICH MNISI is a South African based contemporary multi-disciplinary brand founded in 2015 by the Essence Best in Black Fashion Awards’ Emerging Designer of the Year for 2019, Forbes 30 under 30 Class of 2019 inductee, Rich Mnisi.
The brand was born from Mnisi’s yearning to connect deeper with his unique culture and heritage and tell a compelling story through his art – a story of a mysterious past, intriguing present, and reimagined future.
Local is indeed lekker! What’s your South African favourite brand?
These are top Proudly South African brands. BATHU IS MAKING WAVES, Maxhosa is Also Making waves. I own Per of Tshepo Jeans, Bathu Shoes And Drip Shoes their quality is amazing and comfortable and yet to Try Maxhosa.
Inspiring entrepreneurial flair!
I am so happy to see the local brand and it gives me a great pleasure to say am proudly south African and i happy to support and uplift the local brand ..I am saying big up guys
Rich Mnisi Im inspired
Keep up the good job God Bless Your Talent
Local designers are absolutely killing it lately! <3
This South African brands shared in this article are powerful ones and international recognized. I salute them and i every feel so inspired since I would love to have my own clothing brand one day. Thank you Manbox for sharing with us such a beautiful and motivational article
I love Mzansi fashionistas… well done 👏 done ✅
Anything that has Rich Mnisi in it is phenomenal 👌🏾👌🏾👏🏾
And then just generally, I think the brands featured in this post have done so much work in paving the way for young South Africans and giving them role models to aspire to in the field. There was once a point where it almost seemed impossible to make it in this space because youngsters could not see themselves in brands that were already out there and the people who established them! So big ups!
Definitely love Rich Mnisi and Maxhosa Africa. Last year I had an opportunity to buy a couple of gifts fo the gents in the family and I went to Maxhosa in Mall of Africa. I bought them pairs of socks and I must say I felt good about the buy and the gents absolutely loved their christmas presents!