ELEANOR DOUGLAS-MEYERS
Leading up to the Eastern Cape Fashion Week (ECFW), 041online is proud to showcase more talented designers participating in ECFW. This week, we feature the innovative works of Tazleigh Swartz, Jan-Hendrik Van Zyl, and Annabelle Hift.
Tazleigh Swartz – Handmade by Tazleigh Swartz
Tazleigh Shania Swartz, the creative force behind Handmade by Tazleigh Swartz, focuses on slow fashion and sustainable production. Her goal is to create bespoke slow-fashion clothing items with a low environmental impact and to teach production techniques that enable designers from all financial backgrounds to express their creativity through eco-printing and recycling. At ECFW, Tazleigh’s collection, inspired by the South African flag, will highlight the evolution of sustainable fashion and address fabric waste. By reusing fabric cut-off waste, she aims to show that sustainable production is both vital and beautiful, optimizing material use while creating new textile prints.
Jan-Hendrik Van Zyl – Van Zyl Apparel
Jan-Hendrik Van Zyl, the visionary behind Van Zyl Apparel, began his brand with a commitment to sustainability, transforming recycled denim into stylish bomber jackets. His passion for fashion has driven him to explore various facets of the craft, with a strong focus on genderless fashion. Van Zyl Apparel blends contemporary design with sustainability and inclusivity, creating versatile and empowering pieces. For ECFW, Jan-Hendrik’s collection, “Democracy: A Journey of Gender Neutrality,” will merge cultural heritage with modern fashion sensibilities. Inspired by the “Rainbow Nation,” the collection features intricate African beading and a rich colour palette symbolizing unity and inclusivity, promoting a future of fashion that embraces diversity and empowers individuality.
Annabelle Hift – Whimsical Child Clothing
Annabelle Hift of Whimsical Child Clothing reimagines adult attire through the playful lens of children’s clothing. Her brand features vibrant colours, whimsical patterns, and playful silhouettes that capture the joy and creativity of childhood while maintaining a sophisticated adult style. Annabelle’s ECFW collection, “The Threads That Bind Us Together,” celebrates South Africa’s cultural tapestry. It fuses bold, colourful abstract prints inspired by African motifs with modern silhouettes, blending structured designs with flowy, elegant forms. The collection’s diverse visual narrative reflects the unity and vibrancy of South African cultures, offering a striking contrast between traditional streetwear aesthetics and timeless elegant gowns.
We did our first batch of designers last week. Stay tuned for more designer showcases as we lead up to the Eastern Cape Fashion Week, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and evolving fashion landscape of South Africa.
Leave a Reply