As mid-winter sets in, we are thinking of layered, African luxury clothing, beautiful ceramics on which to serve cosy dinners, and funky accessories to brighten us up on grey days.
Antique fairs
Every month, head to Pretoria on the first Saturday, and Nelson Mandela Square on the first Sunday, for a superb collection of high-quality vintage pieces to shop, ranging from period jewellery to beautiful tableware, collectable ceramics and unusual treasures from yesteryear such as antique snuffboxes, old-fashioned cameras and even gramophones. Brooklyn's Antiques Fair will take place on Sat, Jul 1 from 09:00 and Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair on Sun, Jul 2 from 10:00.
Shoes galore at Blu Betty's Pretoria pop-up
The online-only footwear label Blu Betty is headed to Pretoria for a two-day pop-up at Vintage on Main on Fri, Jun 30 from 08:30 – 19:00, and Sat, Jul 1 from 08:30 – 16:00. Blu Betty's pop-up events are always a festive occasion, with dedicated fans of the proudly South African brand's handmade leather footwear (from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal) eagerly lining up to get their hands on the latest collections. Shoppers can look forward to a brilliant range of Blu Betty classics in a huge array of colours as well as brand-new styles making their debut. For thrifty shoppers, the selection of 'Perfectly Imperfect' factory flaws is always a favourite. Regular Blu Betty pop-up shoppers will tell you that the early birds snap up the best deals, and as Blu Betty regulars ourselves, we are going to tell you the same!
Cool Doos Wine
Wine in a box? Gosh haven’t tried that since our university days and the memories, while blurry, are not very good! But as Doos says, they put "proper wine in a box". High-quality, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable and easy to travel with, this Johannesburg-based wine company will make you the belle of the braai. Enjoy a glass or even a paper cup of this delicious wine while soaking in the warmth of our winter sun or next to a roaring fire.
Fashionable flashbacks with Frolic&Moon
If you don’t have a moonbag you are missing out. This fashion accessory that harks back to the 90s has had a major style upgrade, with bright, fun prints and colourful leather straps. Frolic&Moon produce one-of-a-kind bags made of locally sourced fabrics. Big enough to fit your phone and lipstick, worn on the waist or across the shoulder, this is the perfect bag for dancing the night away while looking fantastic. Available at lifestyle store Tapenade & Friends at Rand Steam, corner of Barry Hertzog Avenue and Napier Road in Richmond, and online here.
Liebermann Pottery
A Johannesburg institution, Liebermann Pottery was established in 1956. The pottery is bright and fun and the huge range includes planters to platters. Situated at the Old Gasworks at 1 Annet Road, Cottesloe, we recommend spending a morning going through the exciting inventory here. We have our eye on the tall coffee mocha pots and flat-bottomed pasta bowls for long-weekend lunches of pasta al limone and steaming, hot brews. Bliss.
Crochet creations by Mama's Boy
Made in Soweto by Jacqueline Hadebe with creative direction by her son Simphiwe Khumalo, Mama's Boy offers a range of handmade crochet hats, infused with vibrant shades that spark pure joy. Skilfully crafted by Hadebe using premium wool, each hat is a one-of-a-kind piece, combining different stitching methods and a whole lot of creativity.
Their journey began in Cape Town when a crocheted hat caught Khumalo's eye. Motivated by her son's latest addition, Hadebe took on the challenge of replicating a hat similar to Khumalo's. She kept working on her passion project, and four months later their creations caught the attention from creatives in Johannesburg’s fashion scene. Mama's Boy is available on Instagram through Studio Bananaaa.
Masonwabe
Artist, designer and illustrator Masonwabe Ntloko has launched a unisex knitwear collection titled Ameva Ayabangulana. The collection draws on inspiration from the experience of African childhood in a colourful and modern way. Pieces from Ntloko's latest collection are availabe for pre-order through his website here. Discover the city through Masonwabe Ntloko's eyes with his #MyJoburg here.
We interviewed the duo behind Me&B
Since opening their store at 44 Stanley, this Cape Town-based label has become a firm favourite among the Johannesburg In Your Pocket team. Embracing inclusivity and diversity as a driving force, the dynamic mother and daughter duo behind the brand – Betina Swart and Kelly-Grace Gibberd – have crafted a clothing brand that transcends boundaries of age and size, delivering stylish and often exhilarating garments that leave a lasting impression.
Amidst a sea of often mundane fashion, Me&B embodies a vibrant South African spirit and stands out in its price range. Me&B has committed itself to ensuring that no one is left out, catering to a wide range of sizes from 32 to 46. Swart and Gibberd's shared vision for shaking up the fashion industry is manifested in collections bursting with eye-catching colours, captivating prints and daring silhouettes, read the interview here.
Upgrade your look at Mo Piiercings
A one-stop shop for thrift, ink, tooth gems and more, Mo Piiercings is owned by piercing artist and thrift enthusiast, Moagi Mengo, and has become a destination for those seeking unique body modification experiences.
Since opening in 2018, Mo Piiercings has gained recognition for its experienced team specialising in piercings, tattoos, tooth gems, and nail art. In 2022, Mo Piiercings opened its store on Smit Street in Braamfontein, and this revamped space serves offers a welcoming environment where clients can feel comfortable expressing their individuality.
So, whether you're itching to get some wicked new piercings, thrift clothing and jewellery from Backdoor Thrift, get inked by the talented Inkmoe Tattoos, add some sparkle with tooth gems by the fabulous Fangtastic, or get some nail art done by Nailed Ntswembu, Mo Piiercings has got you covered.
Carefully crafted garments by Project Inflamed Official
This “Soweto born, Maboneng crafted” local clothing company has us swooning at their Johannesburg men’s style range. Project Inflamed's tailored cuts, prints and colours remind you that Jozi style may just be the coolest on the globe. Visit them at Arts on Main in Maboneng or shop online through their Instagram page here.
Kalahari Books reopens
We have good news for Joburg's bibliophiles and second-hand book aficionados. After temporarily closing due to Covid-19 lockdowns, beloved Orange Grove bookstore Kalahari Books reopened in May. The extensive shelves of this enchanting bookshop are a treat to browse, with plenty of well-priced literary gems.
Learn more about the Kwa Mai Mai market
At Kwa Mai Mai prayer, culture, medicine, resistance, performance, entrepreneurship, woodwork and healing take place daily, side by side. Kwa Mai Mai is emblematic of Joburg's history, a place of contrasts, and home to a migrant working class who have found a home away from home in this part of the city. It's not without its immense burdens and hardships – but as Sithole unfolds the story, you get a sense of the depth of cultural pride that marks out Kwa Mai Mai's community. Throughout, Sithole emphasises how little is known about this place and its significance in Joburg, so we thought it's important to document some of his findings. We put together a list of 10 things you should know about Kwa Mai Mai. The 11th is that you should definitely read the book if you have an interest at all in Johannesburg.
Rialheim finds a new home in Parkhurst
One of our favourite South African décor design brands, Rialheim, specialises in quirky and functional ceramic design items that are uniquely South African, with an updated retro, humorous feel. Formerly in Linden and at Rand Steam, the studio has now moved its flagship brand store to Parkhurst.
10 designer labels that you need to know
Johannesburg is where style meets sophistication and creativity knows no bounds. It's a city where fashion enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with an array of designers and brands that embody the unique spirit of the place, as easily at home in street wear, elegant day wear or couture.
Navigating the city's fashion landscape can be overwhelming, but our list of 10 designers and brands that you need to know will cut right to the point. From reimagined clothing with urban flair to elaborate, avant-garde creations, and not forgetting designers making us proud across the globe, we feature 10 of our favourite local fashion labels.
If you're fashionably late to reading our previous shopping guides, be sure to check them out this season:
Where to shop in Joburg – May 2023
Where to shop in Joburg – your Joburg shopping update April 2023
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