A South African ‘Shop Till You Drop’ Guide

Heavy bags. Light wallet.

If South Africa is your destination of choice, then shopping might not be the first thing on your priority list. After all, we are most noted for our wildlife, beautiful coastline and one impressively flat mountain. However, the minute you take a closer look inside the fashion savvy cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, you might just find yourself leaving with heavier luggage and a much lighter wallet.

The South African fashion industry is the fifth largest employment sector in the country, so you can  imagine the variety of local couture and ready to wear designers we are filling our wardrobes with on a regular basis. Where do you think Mandela finds all those funky shirts? So if shopping is up your high street, then bring your credit card – with the current exchange rate, South Africa is a great place to shop.

Internationally known for her appearance on season two of Bravo’s hit show Project Runway, Kara Janx has led the way in taking South African fashion across the border. Born in Johannesburg, she moved to New York City to work on her first collection in 2005. After being eliminated on Episode 11 of this Heidi Klum-hosted hit, Janx put television aside to focus on her range.

Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit, however, have become one of the most exclusive fashion houses in the country, currently with their joint label ‘KLuK CGDT’. Located in Cape Town’s CBD, the duo design couture and ready to wear looks for both international and local clientele.

Alongside ‘KLuK CGDT’ are two other fashion front-runners that are leading the way in South Africa’s fashion retail sector. Gavin Rajah and Errol Arends both specialise in couture design and have, along with ‘KLuK CGDT’, showed at both Johannesburg and Cape Town fashion weeks. With stores in Cape Town and Joburg, their exclusive designs are ‘tailor-made’ to meet all your fashion requirements, all year round.

If one of a kind couture pieces aren’t for you, not to worry. South Africa also has designers that specialise in local ready to wear looks. The Old Biscuit Mill has become somewhat of a stomping ground for Cape Town’s trendy fashion and food enthusiasts. Combining the two, it creates a platform for up and coming designers to feature their latest collections. One of those designers is Kat van Duinen whose African-inspired designs have already been featured in Elle Magazine and have even caught the eye of Senior Fashion Editor, Poppy Evans, who referred to van Duinen’s line as a good mix of traditional heritage with a modern edge.

So, if African inspired contemporary wear is what you’re looking to take back home with you, head to The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock every Saturday between 9am and 2pm.
Long Street in Cape Town is a definite must see if you’re looking for a non-stop alternative shopping experience. With boutiques like A-List, Bonafide and David West all stocking rare, vintage gems and vibrant Bohemian colours, this amazing African infused environment will leave you feeling like a real South African – and encourage you to eat like one too, with an array of restaurants and bars open till late. Focusing more on a younger market, just a walk down Long Street is guaranteed to tick a few boxes on any young fashionista’s wish list.

If mainstream fashion is more your style, try visiting some of the country’s top retail centres. In the Mother City, the V&A Waterfront will curb both your tourism and fashion cravings. Open 9am – 9pm, this Tourist Mecca boasts some of the country’s top international fashion retailers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Burberry as well as chains such as Zara, Levi‘s and Guess. If Johannesburg is your destination of choice, then Sandton City is your one stop shop. Forever New, Diesel, Superdry, Thomas Pink, Tiger of Sweden and Cotton On are just a few of the internationally recognised brands that can be found in what can only be described as a shopping experience for the experienced shopper.

Whether you’re experienced or not, making a fashion pit-stop during your trip to South Africa is a great way to get your retail fix while also immersing yourself in the country’s rich culture and colour. So, if you thought shopping was going to be last on your list, here’s a tip; bring extra luggage, you’re going to need it!

To start planning your  South African shopping experience and more, contact one of our travel experts for a tailor-made itinerary.