I wasn’t born into the Mother City – I sought her out. She was the destination I circled with a heart on my map as a kid. Cape Town is unlike any other city. She’s an amalgamation of uniquely South African quirk coupled with a special kind of “international” flair. This delicious concoction of old and new, traditional and inspired has created a gateway for local artisans, designers, artists, and creatives to go wild.
Here are a few of my favourite goodies made right here in Cape Town.
Handmade, sustainable, and simply gorgeous. These daisy-shaped earrings are my go-to accessory that adds a little vibe to any outfit. They’re quirky, just like me, which I love. Bright colours combined with bold repurposed plastic come together to create little gems that are hard to go unnoticed. Whenever I wear them (almost daily) I feel equally distinct, trendy, and nostalgic. The overall design carries with it a retro aesthetic that takes me way back. I can’t wait to add to my blue and green daisies.
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Home, for me, is where the art is. Pops of personality are essential – not only for those who pass my welcome mat, but for myself in my sacred space. I enjoy a clean interior spotted with bold treasures. My most recent obsession is the most gorgeous candle holders from Humble Jungle. Made in South Africa, these local trinkets are a funky fusion of ceramic and bursts of bright colour. Pair them with a luminescent candle and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece.
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At 1.76 meters, I’m pretty tall, so often, I’m already towering above most. Being part giraffe, coupled with my tomboy nature, means I’m all in for a flat shoe. Zoom ticks every box for me, from style to business ethics to playing it forward. With every pair bought, a brand new pair of shoes is donated to women and children in need. The business has taken on the coolest approach to giving back: working with a different charity every year, allowing them to contribute towards helping men, women, children, and animals. Designed and made in Cape Town, these cruelty-free kicks are simply the best.
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My love for all things tie-dye and trendy couldn’t have been better crafted by any other than Rosey & Vittori. The dynamic duo behind this homegrown street warehouse has united to create an unmistakable brand that has taken the local fashion scene by storm. Dripping in authenticity and pure artistry, this is a local label I can’t wait to slip into. Olive acid-washed cropped jersey – I’m coming for you.
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These gorgeous cozzies are built on the foundations of a love for summer and sustainability. Two things I happen to hold dear to my heart. Made from recycled fishing nets and plastic, these garments are taking the bad from the ocean, while making you feel good getting into it. Though sometimes I struggle to embrace my own skin, January & June certainly help me feel a bit more fierce on a day at the beach.
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This sweater crew truly embodies all that it means to support local. From design to print to stitch, “local is lekker” is what the business lives by. Their vibrant, colourful creations are inspired by 90’s fashion, coupled with an emphasis on mother nature. I mean, could it get any groovier?
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Wherever I can, I try to do my part for the environment. A big part of my shift in consciousness revolves around the notion of consumption – from the clothes I wear to the food I eat. Changing from dairy to plant-based m*lk has been one of the results. Oat m*lk is my fave. However, for a long time, there weren’t any local manufacturers – until Oh Oat. Not only is it locally produced here in Cape Town, but it’s also absolutely oat of this world (and by far the cleanest version I’ve come across in terms of ingredients).
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Described as “A bralette born in Africa”, these locally and ethically made garments are so much more than you’re average undies. Created by women, for women, nothing is more empowering than slipping on these works of art –
a little secret that leaves me feeling more feminine and empowered throughout the day. I’ve got a little savings jar on the go labelled “India Set.”
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Skoon is all about natural, ethical, local, and empowered business. The 13 women-strong company have gone the extra mile to ensure the cleanest, most ethical products. I’m that weirdo who’s always reading labels at the shops. If I don’t know what an ingredient is, I try to stray away from it. This is why I love Skoon. Not only are all of their products Made in Cape Town and cruelty-free, they are also clean as a whistle. I can’t wait to get my hands on those GLOWDROPS (I’ve been eyeballing them for ages).
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The list of locals making waves is ever-expanding. There are so many brands I’ve come to know and love, and even more I’ve yet to learn about. Localising my consumption is a cause I feel deeply passionate about and is made so easy with so many incredible Capetonians leading the way.
#ROBYNINTHEHOOD