7 South African Designers You Need to Know: November Edition

When it comes to fashion design South African designers are in a league of their own. We have a unique blend of cultures and history that translates in a fashion industry that is like no other. Why look to European and American brands for inspiration, when we have world class designers on our home soil?

From over the top, avant-garde pieces that defy your understanding of what is possible with clothing, to African masterpieces inspired by our great nation, these designers are reshaping how we see and understand the art of making clothing. If you have been wondering who the best of the best are, we know of just the people who are showing the world what South African fashion is all about.

We have rounded up a list of 7 designers for the month of November, who you should be looking at when you want to better under what sets our designer apart from the rest of the world:

Kat van Duinen, founder of Kat van Duinen

Kat van Duinen creates luxury rooted in African craftsmanship, known for her contemporary silhouettes made through precise tailoring, working with talented artisans and the use of rare, ethically sourced materials to create what can only be described as art. With this brand, luxury is not only meant to be beautiful, but it should also be sustainable.

Her Cape Town based house was started in 2010 and it celebrates modern sophistication through exotic leather pieces, elegant evening gowns and occasion wear, refined ready-to-wear, swimwear, and knitwear, all while offering a transparent supply chain. The Kat van Duinen brand is dedicated to bringing true African luxury to the forefront of the fashion and lifestyle industries.

Thebe Magugu, founder of Thebe Magugu

Thebe Magugu is a young designer based in Johannesburg, who is originally from Kimberley. He blends sleek, forward looking design with cultural storytelling, drawn from South Africa’s layered past and imagined futures. A Fashion Photography and Fashion Media graduate from The School of Fashion, formerly the Lisof Institute School Of Fashion, ( LISOF) and an award winning talent, he creates intelligent, modern garments.

These designs honour quality, novelty and heritage, while shaping a distinct, globally recognised identity. The designer says, “together with our pillar values of quality, novelty and culture, we constantly seek new ways of presenting women with clothing that both complies with and enhances the everyday. Sleek, forward-looking design intersects with motifs from our continent’s storied past, providing smart, multifaceted clothes as valuable as their woman”.

Nyambo Masamara, founder of MASA MARA

Nyambo Masamara is a Rwandan-born creative who was raised in eight different countries across the African continent and he is currently residing in South Africa. He is a multidisciplinary artist whose brand MASA MARA fuses Pan African heritage with a contemporary edge.

Rooted in his cross continental upbringing, he designs vivid, culturally resonant pieces using his own fabric prints, all while balancing tradition, youthfulness and modern urban identity. Nyambo is a pseudonym, a nod to Rwanda’s revered national cattle with their majestic, long horns, it symbolises regality, the same way that his acclaimed fashion label, MASAMARA does. He aims to infuse traditional values into today’s youth, celebrating their innovation through his craft.

Busi Silwanyana, founder of Laud Pulse

Busi Silwanyana draws from her global corporate background as a seasoned global executive, with a background in banking and healthcare, the expressive style of Langa township and her mother’s talent for creating bespoke garments, in order to craft refined luxury pieces that are grounded in African heritage.

She says, “...my passion for fashion has always been intertwined with my love for Africa. Through Laud Pulse, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to fuse opulent African wax prints with magnificent fabrics, creating statement pieces that seamlessly blend into your wardrobe for every occasion”.  Laud Pulse is not just a brand, it’s a reflection of Busi’s vision and dedication to bringing a new dimension to African luxury on a global scale.

Kuhle Phumzile Zondo, founder of E_MANIA

Kuhle Phumzile Zondo is a multidisciplinary creator committed to sustainability and cultural preservation. Through E_MANIA’s “3 R Promise” of repair, re-use and recycle, she designs expressive garments shaped by storytelling, fashion design that is mindful and a touch of whimsical transformation. This combined with Kuhle’s drive to use fashion as a medium for the conservation of culture and heritage, is what is at the core of the brand.

Her creative process is driven by precision, passion, and a touch of magic, she describes it as, channeling the transformative spirit of Cinderella’s fairy godmother — according to her, this spirit is the only super power a designer needs to have.

Siphosihle Masango, founder of Masango by Siphosihle

Siphosihle Masango is known for dramatic silhouettes and meticulous detailing that merge cultural influence with modern glamour. He is said to have been inspired to pursue fashion after watching Cinderella and has cited designers like Alexander McQueen and Coco Chanel as his inspirations. Inspired by these couture legends and his love for his Ndebele heritage, he creates bold, emotive pieces that are the go-to for many notable South African public figures.

His designs exude an air that is described as a daring indulgence fit for a queen, and he puts his all into every stitch, sequin and ruffle of tulle. His designs are courageous, featuring dramatic silhouettes, and a fusion of cultural influences, with modern aesthetics.

Ana Nunes, founder of ANUNES

Ana Nunes channels avant garde artistry into wearable, sustainable design. Drawing from her Angolan roots and her Honours Degree in Fashion from STADIO School of Fashion. Ana’s design philosophy is grounded in sustainability, adaptability, and a strong visual identity. She makes unique designs that empower individuality while still maintaining flexibility and functionality for everyday life.

Inspired by nature, architecture, and everyday movement, her designs balance bold expression with real-world functionality. Ana’s creations have been showcased on platforms such as Graduate Fashion Week London and the International Arts Talent Showcase.

These seven designers are proof that South African fashion is worthy to be seen and recognised internationally. It’s easy to try to look for greatness elsewhere and not appreciate the beauty around you.

If you ever find yourself looking for clothing design that makes you fall in love with fashion, look no further than home, because these proudly South African designers are the future of fashion. Frankly, if you do not know of any of these designs, can you even call yourself a lover of fashion? We would advise that you take your time to get to know their work, you will end up just as obsessed as we are.