Lets face it - in South Africa our fashion options are very limited and it just isn't worth it to order from international brands because we get stuck with a hefty importing fee. With that being said I love that there are so many girl boss brands that are making it easy for us to support local! Here are some of my favourites that are really changing the way forward for South African fashion.
1. BLVD BTQ
My go to for cute, trendy dresses! I have been supporting this brand for over a year now and will continue to in the future because of their variety of pieces, incredible customer service and fast shipping and I just love following them on Instagram, their feed and stories are always active and they recently added a blog feature to their website. Their gorgeous CEO & Creative director runs her business from Sydney and I love that she is giving South African women a taste of Australian fashion without the hefty customs bill. They are exclusively online but are hosting their first Pop Up event in cape Town this Sunday, 20th of October!
2. Palm The Brand
Aesthetics heaven. One of the reasons I love this brand so much. Not to mention the fact that everything is just so trendy, very much like the beautiful owner of this South African brand. I love it when you can see that a brand/collection is the true style of its creative. If you are after a new bikini or full piece or a beautiful statement piece or wardrobe essential then look no further. An added bonus is that if something goes out of stock you can request a backorder and they will source it for you - great customer service!
3. Ring Artisan
I was introduced to this gorgeous brand recently when they kindly gifted me a beautiful 9K Gold initial pendant featuring a diamond. The quality, service and presentation of this brand is beautiful and I love what they stand for. They are a local Cape town, 100% girl powered team that specialises in affordable, but high quality, diamonds and bespoke jewellery design. They offer everything from bracelets, stacking rings, earrings, necklaces & pendants to designing your unique engagement ring. I also love that they are dedicated to bettering our environment and support a Spekboom cause. Spekboom is indigenous to South Africa and combats climate change by improving the quality of air that we breathe. With every Ring Artisan purchase 5 Spekboom are planted.
4. I Am Trend
It's all in the name - this eyewear brand is a definite trend setter. They specialise in fashionable and beautiful eyewear - offering their customers a seamless and exclusive online user experience - with the added bonus of their fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog, The Pink Press. I love that they have something for everyone and that their extensive range covers both shades and opticals. I'm a form believer in the power of accessories as a fashion statement and I Am Trend definitely has you covered and you don't get more beautiful than their rapidly growing Instagram page!
5. XO The Brand
This online brand is a Mother-Daughter trio - they all have different backgrounds and came together, along with their talents, to bring us XO. They have a range of locally produced pieces as well as a few imported wardrobe essentials. From clothing to jewellery and accessories this is an upcoming brand to keep your eye on. My favourite thing about them - they remain exclusive and create small, limited collections so the chance of showing up to dinner in the same outfit as your friend isn't likely!
6. Bronzed Basket
Bronzed Basket is a brand that I have so much respect for - her vision started in Bali and instead of importing Balinese basket bags she decided to make a difference and has achieved job creation locally. She works with local weavers in Mpumalanga who hand make all of the bags she offers meaning that no bag is the same. She has not only closed an on trend gap in our market but is the definition of supporting local. You will be able to shop a variety of basket, beaded, wooden and macrame bags as well as a collection of scarves! I have just placed my first order and I cannot wait to use it!
All so different but all started out the same - with a dream.
Happy shopping!