Cape Town is a fashionable city and a visit to the Mother City means you need to be on the lookout for all the talented local designers that call the city home.
Here’s our list of design stores not to miss – from jewellery and fashion to interiors.
ARTS, CRAFTS AND INTERIORS
The Watershed
Next to the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, you will find The Watershed, a local design, fashion and interior hub. With 150 shops, representing over 365 brands, you’ll find everything from timeless souvenirs and local curios to designer fashion, jewellery and art.
Open from 10am to 7pm daily, you’ll have plenty of time to browse, shop and have a delicious coffee, treat or fresh juice while you enjoy the ambience.
Website: www.waterfront.co.za/Shop/watershed
Stable South African Design Collection
Showcasing over 115 local design brands, this collective in Loop Street in the CBD was started by Aidan Bennetts. It’s a wonderful place to explore innovative South African design from furniture, lighting and interiors to leather bags and even birthday cards.
For more info visit: www.stable.org.za
Skinny LaMinx
Heather Moore’s iconic brand, Skinny LaMinx, is instantly recognisable from her inimitable Scandinavian meets African Chic fabric prints. Heather started selling her array of cushions, table runners, scarves and tea towels online and was so successful that in 2012 she opened her shop in Bree Street. She now sells paper prints too like posters and wallpaper.
Website: www.skinnylaminx.com
ACCESSORIES
Cape Cobra Leathercraft
If you’re looking to get your hands on exquisite, genuine leather products, this family-run business should be your first port of call while in Cape Town. Made with authentic and interesting leathers such as Nile crocodile, ostrich, whip snake and python – all strictly sourced under the regulations of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species – you can find a range of elegant handbags, evening bags, briefcases, belts, wallets and other leather accessories at the store based in De Waterkant.
Website: www.capecobra.co.za
CHAPEL
Founded by Caleb Pedersen and his passion for fashion, photography and travel, CHAPEL specialises in men’s and women’s leather bags and footwear. The products are a refreshing take on locally sourced materials with emphasis on premium quality finishes. If you’re looking for a sought-after genuine leather backpack or quality weekend tog bag – this is the place!
Website: www.chapelgoods.co.za
Missibaba
The team behind Missibaba, led by Chloe Townsend and Lizel Strydom, meticulously handcraft each accessory with love and care. They also focus heavily on community upliftment and skills development, which is a good reason to support them. From bead-laced clutches to quilted bags – and a men’s collection to boot – you’ll find something unique for everyone.
Website: www.missibaba.com
Kirsten Goss
Local South African jewellery designer Kirsten Goss, who shares a space in Cape Town with Missibaba, is a qualified jewellery designer and gemologist who experiments with metalsmithing, stone cutting and combinations of the two. Each original piece is handcrafted and will totally elevate your street cred. Creations include everything from arcade earrings and metallic arm cuffs to feminine punch rings.
Website: www.kirstengoss.co.za
Black Betty
Designer Kristin Weixelbaumer’s range of edgy yet sophisticated jewellery, which includes everything from pendants and earrings to rings and bracelets, was born out of her fascination with the ancient tradition of gem craftsmanship, which she discovered in India. Her inspired and authentic pieces are created using hand-cut precious and semi-precious stones merged with striking metals.
Black Gold is her more premium range, characterised by the regal combination of gold and diamonds.
Website: www.blackbettydesign.com
FASHION
MarethColleen
What first began as collaboration on a single wedding dress has since developed into a creative partnership between Mareth van der Walt and Colleen Lesch. Their diverse range of ready-to-wear women’s apparel is made using locally sourced materials and talent. And their garments often use intricate beadwork, which has resulted in a community upliftment project that empowers rural individuals through skills development.
Website: www.marethcolleen.com
Merchants on Long
Masterfully curated collections hot off the local Fashion Week runways is what you’ll find in Long Street at Merchants on Long. With a focus on African designs, styles and stories, Merchants on Long stocks renowned local designers like MAXHOSA BY LADUMA, FUNDUDZI, and OKAPI. You’re in for a feast for the eyes and a luxury shopping experience as soon as you cross the threshold.
Website: www.merchantsonlong.com
MeMeMe
This much-loved emporium started by award-winning sculptor and fashion designer, Doreen Southwood, houses carefully curated collections of South Africa’s leading designers. It’s a space that honours the special moment when you choose a garment that expresses the ultimate “me”. MeMeMe stocks clothing, accessories, shoes and handbags.
For more info visit: www.mememe.co.za
AKJP Collective
On vibey Kloof Street, you’ll discover a little piece of fashion heaven at Adriaan Kuiters and Jody Paulsen’s concept store AKJP Collective. The art-inspired easy-to-wear garments from the AKJP Collective decorate the store and you won’t have to look long to fall in love with their shapes, textures and pops of colour.
They also showcase other local designers, so you’ll have your work cut out for you choosing between a selection of quirky socks, designer bags and hip accessories.
Website: www.adriaankuiters.com
