At The Zone @ Rosebank, you can shop a selection of fashion, accessories, and unique designs from South African stores and labels. Here's your guide:
1. Big Blue
Big Blue is the go-to spot for quirky, fun fashion, accessories, and gifts – all proudly made in South Africa. Their collection blends comedy and nostalgia, from iconic Zambuk and Lion Matches T-shirts to notebooks that take playful jabs at politicians. It doesn’t get more “local is lekker” than giant Lucky Star Pilchards and Marmite stools, perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any home. Plus, the MYNE crochet bags – available in monochrome and bold colour combos – are guaranteed to bring a wow factor to any outfit.
2. Dr. Pachanga
Dr. Pachanga is a fashion label all about celebrating every body with bold, bright, and unapologetically vibrant fashion. Prioritising comfort and quality, the brand weaves South African stories into each unique piece. We love their striking use of print, especially on their statement handbags named after famous women like Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. The Yolanda bag in a pretty pink colourway truly caught our eye.
3. Holmes Brothers
Founded in Durban in 1994 by Laurie and Gary Holmes, Holmes Brothers started with a simple mission – crafting custom surfboards. Fast forward, and they’ve brought their laid-back coastal cool to Joburg, expanding into a full lifestyle brand with shirts, board shorts, dresses, jumpsuits, jackets, and accessories. Committed to blending local design with international quality, most of their pieces are proudly made in South Africa. With the chill creeping in, we’re eyeing their Big H jersey – a cool, classic statement piece perfect for transitional weather.
4. Nap Living
Nap Living was born out of a love for all shades of black and white and a deep appreciation for simple, honest materials. Their collection spans fragrance oils, candles, bags, baskets, mats, towels, and more – everything you need to turn everyday moments into a spa-like experience. Their Nap Oudh fragrance oil is a standout, instantly elevating a room with its rich scent, while the scented Buddha candle caught our eye for its blend of aromatic scent and decorative charm. With raw textures and natural tones at the heart of their designs, Nap Living brings peace, ease, and an effortless sense of flow to any space.
5. The Space
Home to a variety of local design brands, The Space was started by a group of local designers who wanted to create a place where they could showcase African design. They feature hand-picked designers who create cutting-edge designs that display quality, creativity, and originality. Most of all, they are committed to encouraging innovative approaches to African forms, colours, textures, and patterns.
Among the designers featured are Colleen Eitzen, Amanda Laird Cherry, and Dr. Pachanga – whose tiered skirt in icy blue caught our eye (though it’s equally bold in vibrant orange and versatile cream). The Space is also home to standout jewellery and accessories labels like Buyiswa, known for its art-inspired, lightweight statement pieces. We particularly loved the Buyiswa heritage necklace range, which is available in gold with the empowering "I am" inscription in various official languages, from siSwati to isiXhosa and seTswana.
6. We Are EGG
"Redefining and redesigning retail," We Are EGG is a next-generation department store that curates the best of local and international creators. More than just a shopping destination, it's an experience-driven space where customer engagement is as much a focus as the products themselves. Founded by retail visionaries Paul Simon (the mastermind behind YDE) and Arie Fabian (of Fabiani fame), We Are EGG is all about incubating small and local brands – true to its name.
With over 180 brands spanning fashion, beauty, sneakers, jewellery, food, wellness, homeware, and gifting (plus customisation services), it’s a one-stop shop for the style-savvy. We made a beeline for their beauty section, which stocks local cult-favourite Swiitchbeauty, founded in 2015 by Rabia Ghoor. Their makeup brushes, lipliners, and blush and highlighter palettes are beauty essentials we couldn’t resist.
7. Workshop Modesty
A popular concept store, Workshop Modesty offers an immersive shopping experience that goes beyond its carefully curated selection of designer wear and lifestyle products. True to its name, the store specialises in modest fashion for women and children, showcasing both local and international designers. Their pieces strike the perfect balance – elegant and sophisticated without ever feeling frumpy. By far the most versatile finds were the scarves, available in a stunning array of colours to suit any mood or style. We especially loved the quality of scarves from The Infiniti Collection and Rif Wrapped Scarves.
Comments