Top Cape Town Fashion Brands You Need To Know

Cape Town may not be as influential as New York or London when it comes to fashion, but the city does have a great selection of high-end and daywear brands. Whether you’re looking for a simple cotton t-shirt and jeans, or something more formal, these are the top Cape Town fashion brands you need to know.

1. Issa Leo

Store

Founded in 2011, menswear brand Issa Leo produces a range of stylish leather jackets, t-shirts, outerwear, and accessories for the modern man. With a focus on exceptional quality and attention to detail, the brand is inspired by current European trends and local urban wear. Their recently launched in-store label, Iconic Black, features local pride streetwear in muted tones for both men and women. Stop by their store in Loop Street, or browse select items online.

2. Freedom of Movement

University

Freedom of Movement specializes in premium, handcrafted leather bags, clothing and accessories for men and women. The lifestyle brand was established by two brothers, Roal and Léan Boezaart, at the University of Stellenbosch in 2013, and has since garnered a huge following of devoted fans. All leather products are handcrafted the traditional way, with a blend of modern techniques thrown in to create a high-quality and timeless product. Their stylish bags are available in three deliciously earthy tones – pecan, toffee and classic black – and can be paired with one of their timepieces for a cool urban look.

3. Lara Klawikowski

Inspired by her stylish Russian grandmother and the iconic Jean Paul Gaultier, Lara Klawikowski launched her fashion label in 2010. With a focus on avant garde design, Lara’s imaginative womenswear collections play with shape, asymmetry and color, and often reference fashion through the ages. All Lara Klawikowski designs are expertly crafted and sold from her studio in Woodstock, and can also be found at selected boutiques in Cape Town.

Lara Klawikowski, 59 Roodebloem Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 82 573 6700 (by appointment only)

Lara Klawikowski at Cape Town Fashion Week | © Courtesy of Lara Klawikowski

Found Collection was established by Stellenbosch designers and friends Lisa Carinus and Gitte Muller, who both share a love of fashion, beauty and design. Their timeless collection of ladieswear features exquisite detail, rich colors, and fabrics that can easily take you from day to night. To keep their collection authentic and exclusive, most of the designs are few of a kind, so be sure to snap up your favorite items before they are gone. Found Collection is available online and at selected stockists in South Africa and Namibia.

Available online

4. Margot Molyneux

Store

Margot Molyneux is renowned for her line of versatile and comfortable daywear for women, which is perfect for Cape Town’s easy-going, coastal lifestyle. The brand’s seasonal collections feature a range of simple yet striking separates, made from soft fabrics like linen and cotton, as well as feminine sleepwear and swimwear in classic shapes and neutral colors. You can find Margot Molyneux at their flagship store in the CBD, as well as at various boutiques across the country.

5. SKA

SKA Clothing is a Long Street institution that has been providing festival-goers, hippies and gypsy souls with cool threads for two decades. Inspired by alternative lifestyles and spiritual enlightenment, SKA veers away from fussy fashion by offering alternative and comfortable clothing for men, women and children. From yoga pants to tie-dye shirts and dreamcatchers, you won’t find clothing like this anywhere else in Cape Town. In addition, you can also get your trance party tickets here too.

Various locations

Yoga on the beach | © Courtesy of SKA Clothing

6. August

Popular womenswear label August has a simple design philosophy inspired by the relaxed side of South African lifestyle and the effortless style of resortwear. The brand is known for its unique, handcrafted tunics and dresses in gorgeous prints, such as Moroccan tile, paisley and other exotic patterns. These stylish figure-flattering tunics are perfect for lazy lunches in Camps Bay, or cocktails by the pool.

August, Unit F1, F2 & F3, Watershed, 17 Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa, +27 76 143 5635

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.