December in the city means markets galore – and we've rounded up some great ones. Change-makers in sustainable fashion get a well-deserved nod, and a fresh designer collab has your sporty summer looks sorted. Find out where to snag the best Black Friday deals and unique local gifts ahead of the holiday rush. Plus, an exhibition at Museum Africa offers food for thought when it comes to the historical and cultural significance of what we wear.
Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2024: Celebrating green fashion
The Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards 2024 celebrate eco-conscious design and innovation, highlighting a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future in South African fashion. Founded by Jackie May, this trailblazing event honoured fashion rooted in sustainability across 10 categories, with the prestigious Changemaker Award coming with a R100,000 prize. This year’s winners, announced on Wed, 20 Nov, 2024, included Mother of Gao (Emerging Designer Award), 44 Stanley (Best Retail Award), Viviers Studio (Changemaker Award), and Athena A (Accessory Award).
Freedom Of Movement reopens at The Zone @ Rosebank
Just in time for the festive season, Freedom Of Movement reopened its newly renovated store on Fri, Nov 15, 2024, at The Zone @ Rosebank, and it's now twice the size. The store features premium leather products, including clothing, accessories, briefcases, and backpacks, and has up to 50% off on selected items for Black Friday. Founded by two brothers in 2013, the brand hinges on durable, high-quality lifestyle pieces that celebrate South African craftsmanship.
Looking to give the gift of choice? While you're in the vicinity, stop by the info desk in the upstairs food court to grab a holiday gift card. Valid for three years, with a maximum load of R5,000, it’s a perfect present and can be used at all stores at The Zone @ Rosebank.
Festive Forty Four: A holiday haven at 44 Stanley
From Sat, Nov 23 – Sun, Dec 22, 2024, 44 Stanley transforms into a festive haven every weekend with Festive Forty Four, packed with family-friendly fun, artisanal markets, and seasonal cheer. Explore unique vendors, sip wine at Vinosity, and enjoy workshops such as coffee cupping, floral arranging, and tote bag painting. With magical performances, art sessions, and a Chommies pop-up, there’s something for everyone. Find out more here.
Craft, culture, and creativity at Capitec's handmadeAFRICA festive market
On Fri, Nov 29 and Sat, Nov 30, 2024, Capitec handmadeAFRICA returns with more than 50 of the continent’s top designers, showcasing unique handmade creations, from fashion to home décor, at Oxford Parks. Enjoy South Africa’s finest street food from local favourites, live DJs, choirs, comedy, and hands-on workshops. Plus, kids can join in the fun with their own creative activities.
Black Friday bliss: Unbeatable deals at Sandton City
For the ultimate Black Friday shopping experience in Joburg, head to Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square on Fri, Nov 29, 2024. Enjoy free parking, extended shopping hours (09:00 – 20:00), and amazing deals on fashion, beauty, tech, and homeware. Participating brands include Adidas, Nicci, and Palazzo Pitti, to name but a few.
Tiny art, big impact at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub
Add a touch of mini magic to your space with the new collection of miniature artworks at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. Created by the dynamic sisters Sarah Grace and Jo Holloway, Sister Sibling offers tiny, one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by classic art movements such as surrealism, impressionism, and neoclassicism. Each 4cm x 4cm painting is hand-painted on square Fabriano paper, making these miniature masterpieces a charming nod to a bygone era.
Swiss style meets smart storage with USM's Inos boxes
Whether you're sprucing up your home or organising your office, the sleek and versatile USM Inos storage boxes offer a stylish solution. Renowned Swiss modular furniture brand USM, celebrated for more than 50 years of timeless design and unmatched functionality, has partnered with Magicode to make its exceptional products accessible to those of us in Joburg.
For a little gift that keeps on giving, you'll find USM's clever storage boxes at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub. Both practical and playful, the steel 5-drawer trays are available in 12 colours, while the Inos boxes in light grey and anthracite felt come in four sizes.
Pure luxury: Avenue 2A at Hyde Park Corner
Don't let the high-end labels deter you: Avenue 2A's gorgeous new store at Hyde Park Corner is dripping in luxury, no doubt, but the atmosphere is welcoming. Playful ceramic traffic cones by Kilnhouse beckon you to come inside, and what a pleasant surprise: a narrow entranceway opens up into a bright, two-storey store that transports you into a Parisian boutique. What's more, there's a secret café tucked into a cosy space upstairs that serves killer pastries and good coffee.
Look out for books of astonishing beauty by Assouline (gloves aren't optional when handling these), and the best in designer wear from Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, Valentino, Brunello Cucinelli, and more. Good news: if your wallet’s not able to keep up with your eye’s desires, the lovely staff might tempt you with a R50 bar of soap that smells so posh it’ll distract you from everything else you can’t afford.
Christmas collectables at antique fairs
Get into the festive spirit with a touch of vintage charm. Brooklyn's Antique Fair at Brooklyn Mall returns on Sat, Nov 30, 2024, offering unique treasures perfect for thoughtful Christmas gifts – think jewellery, ceramics, home décor, and more. For Joburgers, the Nelson Mandela Square Antique Fair on Sun, Dec 1, 2024, is your chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Both fairs are packed with collectables and trinkets that’ll bring a little nostalgia and sparkle to your holiday season.
First Sunday at Victoria Yards
At the last First Sunday market of the year at Victoria Yards on Sun, Dec 1, 2024, try your hand at crochet, join a honey-tasting affair, let the kids dive into tie-dye fun, and meet talented local artists like Dario Manjate. With free entry, more than 40 creative vendors, and plenty to explore, it’s a great way to kick off December. Find out more here.
Uncover fashion's untold stories at Museum Africa
Discover the untold stories of black South African fashion at Fashion Accounts at Museum Africa, from Fri, Nov 15, 2024 – Fri, Feb 28, 2025. Co-curated by designer Wanda Lephoto, Erica de Greef, and Alison Moloney, the exhibition challenges colonial legacies and celebrates resistance, beauty, and memory in dress. Featuring items from the monumental Bernberg Collection alongside contemporary designs by significant figures in the local fashion world, including the likes of Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo, it’s a must-see exploration of fashion’s role in shaping the past and present.
Shopping and seasonal entertainment: Festive fun at the malls
While you're ticking off your holiday shopping list, there's plenty of festive fun to keep the whole family entertained at various malls across the city. Melrose Arch's Destination Christmas, from Fri, 15 Nov – Sat, 9 Jan, 2025, dazzles with spectacular lights, a cosy pop-up chalet, and a festive market with more than 40 stalls.
Fourways Mall's Santa Land Adventure, from Wed, 4 Dec – Mon, 23 Dec, 2024, offers interactive fun, photos with Santa, and live music; while Sandton City's Momo's Magical Adventure, from Thu, 5 Dec – Sun, 5 Jan, 2025, promises cosmic performances for all ages.
At Mall of Africa, Find the Fun, from Wed, 11 Dec – Tue, 24 Dec, 2024, is packed with DreamWorks character meet-and-greets, mini trampolines, and a treasure hunt. Plus, check out AWBrand&Co's pop-up celebrating local women entrepreneurs – open from Fri, 29 Nov – Tue, 31 Dec, 2024.
Summer style sorted with Mr Price x SinCHUI Collection
Score big on summer style with the Mr Price x SinCHUI collection, a bold collaboration with designer Robyn Agulhas of SinCHUI (pronounced sin-chewy), the winner of SA Fashion Week’s 2023 Scouting Menswear competition. Inspired by her childhood and memories full of football (her dad was a football player), the collection blends comfort and nostalgia with standout pieces like breathable knit tees, sporty long-sleeve golfers, and denim jorts. It’s a fun and easy line-up for sunny, laid-back days.
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