10 South African Entrepreneurs Innovating In Textiles
10 South African Entrepreneurs Innovating In Textiles. These entrepreneurs are leveraging their creativity and cultural heritage to innovate and transform the textile industry in South Africa, gaining both local and international recognition for their work. Here are some notable South African entrepreneurs who are making significant contributions in the textile industry:
Laduma Ngxokolo
Laduma Ngxokolo is the founder and designer behind MAXHOSA AFRICA, a luxury knitwear brand inspired by traditional Xhosa beadwork. His work blends contemporary and traditional designs, making it popular both locally and internationally. Ngxokolo has received numerous accolades for his innovative designs and has showcased his collections globally, promoting South African culture through textiles.
Sindiso Khumalo
Sindiso Khumalo is a fashion and textile designer who founded her eponymous label. Her work focuses on sustainable textiles and socially responsible design practices, often incorporating African heritage into her prints and textiles. Khumalo has received international recognition and awards for her sustainable approach and has collaborated with global brands to promote ethical fashion.
Nobukhosi Nkosi
Nobukhosi Nkosi is a fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her vibrant and elegant designs. Her brand, Khosi Nkosi, is well-known for incorporating traditional African prints and textiles into contemporary fashion. Her designs have been showcased at various fashion weeks and are popular among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts in South Africa.
Palesa Mokubung
Palesa Mokubung is the founder of Mantsho, a brand that celebrates African aesthetics through its unique textile designs and fashion. Mantsho, which means “Black is Beautiful,” has gained international acclaim. Mokubung made history by being the first African designer to collaborate with global retail giant H&M, showcasing her textiles and designs to a global audience.
Tamlyn Sadie
Tamlyn Sadie is the founder of Tame Custom Apparel. Tame Custom Apparel designs and manufactures clothing and accessories that are tailored to your unique image, from promotional to corporate wear. At the age of 23, with no business, fashion design or manufacturing experience, Tamlyn Sadie decided she wants to make clothes for a living. Ten years later, she is producing anything from custom-made jackets and dresses to bottle covers.
David Tlale
David Tlale is a renowned fashion designer who integrates African textiles and prints into his high-fashion creations. His brand is synonymous with bold and dramatic designs.Impact: Tlale’s work has been showcased on prestigious platforms like New York Fashion Week, and he has been a pivotal figure in promoting African textiles in the global fashion industry.
Zinhle Khumalo
Zinhle Khumalo is the founder of Ikhethelo Textiles. Ikhethelo Clothing and Textiles is a 100% black woman owned CMT Factory. The company is dedicated to the manufacture and supply of quality fabric-based products to individuals, government and private institutions. It is committed to meeting the requirements of its clients in a professional manner, always providing a product of the highest quality, at affordable prices. With the experience in the manufacturing and printing of fabric products and with extensive knowledge in dealing with government, parastatal and private institutions, Ikhethelo shareholders are committed to job creation, education and skills development in this specialised sector of employment.
Amber Penney
Amber Penney is the co-founder & Chief Operating Officer of FARO Africa. The company offers affordable fashion through re-commerce, partnering with fashion businesses to reduce textile waste and dumping at a production and consumption level.
Thebe Magugu
Thebe Magugu is the founder of THEBE MAGUGU, a luxury South African fashion brand. The company offers ready-to-wear collections while exploring parallel concepts through multidisciplinary capsule projects. Between pillar practices of cultural honour, novelty and uncompromising quality, the company is establishing an identity marked by self-evolving timelessness.
