Our May 2025 shopping round-up is all about vintage magic, bold designs, and a dose of creative flair. Wizards Vintage has landed in Parktown North with racks of Gucci, McQueen, and local labels to cast a spell on your wardrobe. South African Fashion Week brings runway inspiration galore – from Xhosa elegance to whimsical silhouettes. KAMERS/Makers returns for a five-day feast of fashion, food, and handmade finds, while antique lovers can treasure-hunt at The Firs and Brooklyn fairs. For cosy power dressing, Romaria’s Shero Cloak is your winter superhero look. And if you're dreaming in two-tone patterns, don’t miss the Something Good Young Designers’ woven wonders.
Denim dreams at Hyde Park Corner
Wizards Vintage works its magic
Rocking the runway: SA Fashion Week S/S 2025
Some designers on our radar this season are pushing boundaries while staying rooted in bold narratives and cultural heritage. Oyama Gonintebe is a rising star in South African fashion, celebrated for blending sleek, contemporary design with the rich visual language of her Xhosa roots. Her name may already ring a bell – she designed Miss South Africa and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi’s traditional Xhosa wedding dress.
Prêt-A-Perfect is all about timeless style with a modern twist. Designed and made at The Faktory in Victoria Yards, this affordable luxury brand pairs everyday essentials with polished flair and statement pieces that stand out.
TADI wa NASHE, the brainchild of designer Tadiwanashe Kaparipari, launched in 2024 with a design philosophy rooted in the belief that all creation flows from a greater source. Her work combines intricate detailing with references to art history and modern influences to create wearable pieces that tell stories and celebrate the body.
James Presents’ upcoming show, Gardens of Soweto, draws inspiration from a childhood rooted in the heart of Soweto, where nature, community, and nostalgia bloom together. Expect bold prints, a lush palette that mirrors Soweto’s gardens, and classic and playful silhouettes reimagined with contemporary flair.
Kamers is calling: KAMERS/Maker is back in Joburg
Double the treasures: Brooklyn Mall and The Firs antique fairs
Discover unique items like jewellery, accessories, ceramics, home décor, and more in a world of treasures at the Brooklyn and The Firs antique fairs. The Brooklyn Antique Fair is held at Brooklyn Mall on the first Saturday of each month; this month's edition takes place on Sat, May 3, 2025. For treasures closer to home, you can head to its sister event, The Firs Antique Fair at The Firs in Rosebank, on the first Sunday of every month. The next iteration takes place on Sun, May 4, 2025. Both fairs have a wide variety of special items that are sure to catch your eye.Botany and 'broidery: The Keiskamma Trust at Kim Sacks Gallery
Stylish steals at Rosebank Sunday Market
On the first and second Sunday of every month, the Rosebank Sunday Market’s Dress for Less sale brings you high-quality, pre-loved clothing and accessories at unbeatable prices. This eco-friendly initiative is perfect for refreshing your wardrobe without breaking the bank. The next sale is on Sun, May 4, 2025. On the last two Sundays of the month, bargain hunters can dive into the flea market-style car boot sale, perfect for those who love antiques and more quirky finds. Plus, every Sunday from 09:00 – 16:00, you can explore unique gifts, discover local fashion, and indulge in delicious market eats.Young, wild, and woven: Meet Something Good's winning young designers
New items are set to arrive from mid-May and into June, but good things take time. Founder Zydia Botes tells us, "It is one thing to draw a digital pattern and quite another to translate it into something tangible and beautiful. We’ve been working side-by-side with each of the winning designers during all phases of the cycle." Through this competition, Something Good Studio gives emerging designers a meaningful platform to showcase their work. "In return, we’ve had the opportunity to make a whole new, meaningful collection. That is why we will keep going," Botes says. "It is a beautiful full circle."
First Sunday fun at Victoria Yards
Head to First Sunday at Victoria Yards in Lorentzville on Sun, May 4, 2025, for a day filled with creativity, shopping, and fun. Get hands-on with a crocheting workshop or let the kids get gloriously messy at tie-dye and handprint classes. Stock up on fresh veggies and organic goods, and elevate your wardrobe at the thrift studio. Then, wrap up your day by grooving at Bond Society’s Dance & Bond event.Wrap yourself in power: Romaria's Shero Cloak
SHEINxCindy Mahlangu
SHEIN has teamed up with South African actress and style star Cindy Mahlangu for an Autumn/Winter lookbook, and it’s serving chic on every corner. Shot on the streets of Joburg, the SheinXCindyMahlangu collab delivers 21 must-have outfits across sexy, street, and sleek themes. From faux fur coats, boots, and more – want to channel Cindy’s cool style? Just search her name on the SHEIN app and snag your faves. Bonus: use code CindySA for 15% off.
SHEIN remains a controversial giant in the fast fashion world, often called out for its role in labour exploitation and unsustainable practices. We hope this collab and others like it are just the tip of the iceberg, signalling a move from fashion as a consumable to a more meaningful contribution to local industries, and people- and environmentally-friendly practices.
African heritage meets international style at Mall of Africa
Recently crowned “Coolest Mall” for the seventh year running by the Sunday Times Generation Next Awards, Mall of Africa is doubling down on style with a bold new campaign that blends global luxury like Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Jo Malone with homegrown icons like Maxhosa AFRICA and Era by DJ Zinhle. The ever-evolving SOOK space keeps things fresh as a flexible, digitally-powered pop-up space that helps bring your brand to life, while local legends Bathu sneakers and Hair Majesty hair boutique and salon bring South African craftsmanship to the forefront. Whether you’re after a statement piece or a regal hair transformation, this is the place to be.
Art to see and wear: Design Showcase at RMB Latitudes
The Design Showcase is bringing serious style to the RMB Latitudes Art Fair from Fri, May 23 – Sun, May 25, 2025, and it’s not just about pretty pictures on walls. Thanks to a fabulous collab between Design Week South Africa and RMB Latitudes, art lovers can now shop top-tier African design too. Expect five swoon-worthy spaces, over 20 standout brands, and stylish pop-ups from the likes of Pichulik and Good Good Good, all set in the lush surrounds of Shepstone Gardens.Customisable and colourful: USM Haller Range
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