Spotlight on Menswear ahead of SA Fashion Week SS18

South African Fashion Week SS18 is upon us, and the event promises to be its usual explosion of runway and street style.

In anticipation of the event, taking place at Sandton City from 10 – 14 April, we profile five menswear designers to look out for.

The Watermelon Social Club 

“When life gives you lemons, you ask for watermelons.” The Watermelon Social Club‘s main influence is culture, and the result is a street-savvy display of creativity. The clothes are simple but striking unisex items that would work well as individual statement pieces, or as a matching set for a stronger look.

The Uniconz

Basically the Kings of Braam, The Uniconz have steadily been making a name for themselves as the coolest streetwear brand in the business. A part of the Playground store on De Beer street, the brand is front and centre in all things culture. Their staple is bold colours and classic streetwear silhouettes, excelling in matching two piece sets that are both comfy and cutting-edge in terms of style. Look out for what they’ve got coming up next.

Rich Mnisi

Rich Mnisi has been consistently killing the game since he graduated from LISOF, appearing in international publications such as DAZED, King Kong and Pansy as well as featuring in i-D and Mykki Blanco’s Out of this World documentary. His work is beautiful, unique and often a little nostalgic.

Young and Lazy

Young and Lazy is one of the country’s fave streetwear brands, and a quick look through their past work tells us why. Originally a streetwear brand, the aesthetic has grown and the brand now offers womenswear, accessories and skate wear. The branches come to symbolise the youth culture of South Africa — and especially Cape Town — with personalities like DJ K-$ serving as inspiration for the designers.

Bayanda Khathini

Bayanda Khathini defines itself as an “African luxury clothing brand”, and it’s easy to see why. With strong, structural designs carried out in bold prints, the designs are hard to look away from, and feel a bit like sculptures. The clothes are designed with fit in mind, and all of them are tailored to a T.