Internationally acclaimed fashion designer Sindiso Khumalo has recently unveiled her very first flagship store in Cape Town, marking a significant milestone for the brand and ushering in a new era for her label.
Renowned for her exquisite hand-illustrated prints, meticulously crafted silhouettes, and unwavering dedication to sustainability, Sindiso Khumalo has spent the past ten years establishing a strong global presence. As a finalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize, her work has graced the runways of Milan Fashion Week and has been featured in collaborations with esteemed brands such as & Other Stories, IKEA, and Vans. Now, as the brand embarks on its second decade, Sindiso Khumalo is bringing her stories full circle by returning to her roots.
“Launching the store in Cape Town felt like the natural choice. It’s where my family is, where my heart is,” explains Khumalo. After founding her eponymous label in 2014 following the completion of her Master’s degree in Textile Futures at Central Saint Martins, she took a hiatus to focus on raising her young children before relaunching in 2018. Since then, she has cultivated a loyal following of customers who appreciate her deliberate and thoughtful approach to design.
From its inception, the brand has been a champion of African textile traditions and sustainability, utilizing natural fabrics like African-grown cotton, hemp, and linen. Khumalo is particularly passionate about collaborating with female artisans across various regions, from Cape Town to Jaipur and Burkina Faso, in an effort to preserve age-old techniques such as hand embroidery, hand-block printing, and crochet. This sense of community and craftsmanship is intricately woven into the fabric of the new retail space.
Situated in the vibrant Longkloof precinct, the flagship store serves as a homage to South African creativity. Featuring designs from ARRANGE Studio, Dokter and Misses, and Wunders, and showcasing artwork by Marsi van de Heuvel, the space embodies a harmonious blend of personal touch and purposeful design. “I wanted the space to narrate a tale of South African art and design,” Khumalo remarks. A blush velvet curtain and pink-painted exposed piping juxtapose against the industrial backdrop, while a striking fire-engine red railing meanders through the store with fluidity. “It truly encapsulates my essence. We meticulously curated the space to mirror the brand’s narrative and bring that narrative to life in a tangible form. Every element you encounter in the store— the colors, the textures, the ambiance— is a reflection of the world we’ve cultivated with the brand,” she adds.
Even the materials used hold significance. Repurposed tiles and a sofa by Heath Nash symbolize the brand’s enduring commitment to sustainability, circularity, and conscious design. “I wanted every facet of the space to mirror the ethos of Sindiso Khumalo. We have always repurposed waste in a manner that transforms it into something beautiful, and I wanted that ethos to resonate in the store as well.”
Deeply ingrained in the brand’s DNA is a profound dedication to celebrating women’s narratives. Front and center in the store is the In Full Bloom collection, a vibrant and exuberant series that pays homage to sisterhood and shared heritage. Drawing inspiration from the women who have influenced Khumalo’s life, both past and present, the collection seamlessly melds Cape Town-made embroideries with hand-block prints from Jaipur, seamlessly blending South African and Indian craft traditions. True to Khumalo’s distinctive style, the prints serve as a love letter to color, inspired by her journeys to India and Morocco. The collection, featuring shades of turmeric, rose, and sage, draws inspiration from the rich hues of Marrakech’s souks and the kaleidoscope of spices, pottery, and tapestries.
The collection introduces more accessible pieces such as T-shirts and collar accessories, alongside Khumalo’s signature 60s-inspired silhouettes and bold, painterly prints. “I have always viewed clothing as a form of good luck charm,” she explains. “I want our garments to evoke joy and feel like talismans that accompany you through life.”
Beyond being a mere shopping destination, the store serves as a hub for connection. “We aimed to craft a space that exudes warmth and hospitality, where visitors can immerse themselves in the brand, and feel as though they are stepping into a narrative. I hope they feel at ease,” Khumalo shares.
“The future holds many exciting prospects for Sindiso Khumalo, and the retail space is just the commencement of this journey.”
Experience the new Sindiso Khumalo store at Unit CO1, Longkloof Precinct, 4 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 10h00-17h00
Saturday: 10h00-14h00
With its rich tapestry of culture, craftsmanship, and sustainability, the Sindiso Khumalo flagship store in Cape Town promises a unique and immersive shopping experience like no other.
