The inspiration behind the collection is titled Shiya Ngani, a Zulu phrase that refers to Tsonga people.
I recall the time when I asked my mother why it is considered offensive to call Tsonga people Ama Shangani.
She explained; ” During the era of Shaka Zulu, some Zulu tribes fled from Kwa Zulu Nata in efforts to escape the imperialism of uShaka. When they escaped, some of the people left their families and children behind and took residence upper north of South Africa, now known as Limpopo, where one can find the Tsonga tribe today. As a result, the Tsonga people were named amaShangani a phrase translated in English as “The ones who left their children.”
The design process
- When designing the print we wanted the print to capture the Zulu Women’s attire prior to the departure of uShaka’s land.
- The tribal dots represent “ukhuqaba”. The lines drawn on her face is a sign of the endless beauty of women. These were further emphasised through beadwork that can be found on the face of the women’s on the garments.
- The side profile represents the fleeing Zulu tribe focused on the journey ahead.
- The flowing blobs found on the womans’ on head represent the mountainous valleys. While the blobs found on her cheekbones down to her neck represents the rivers the tribe had to pass while travelling from KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo.
- The dark colours in the beginning of the collection capture the feeling of abandonment.
- The bright colours in the end of the collection, capture the feelings of hope and love associated with a new beginning.
- The Xibelani colours, in looks 5-6, were chosen to carry the positive sentiment and love of this new place of safety that they have newly found in Limpopo.
- The finally garment represents a traditional Tsonga wedding dress, to celebrate the marring of both cultures.
LOOK 1 _ Nombakazi Jumpsuit
The tribal dots represent “ukhuqaba”. The lines drawn on her face is a sign of the endless beauty of women. These were further emphasised through beadwork that can be found on the face of the women’s on the garments. The dot’s where brought to life with beadwork and tapestry on the flowing blobs found on the woman’s’ on head.
The model was accessorised using a crotched crossbody bag and Zulu mat to bring out the story of the Zulu people fleeing KZN to Limpopo.
Fabric – Airflow linen, GOTS Certified cotton, glass beads & woven wool
LOOK 2 _ Nombakazi Dress
The side profile represents the fleeing Zulu tribe focused on the journey ahead. The tribal dots represent “ukhuqaba”. The lines drawn on her face is a sign of the endless beauty of women. These were further emphasised through beadwork that can be found on the face of the women’s on the garments. The dot’s where brought to life with beadwork and tapestry on the flowing blobs found on the womans’ on head. T
The model was accessorised using a crotched handbag and Zulu broom to bring out the story of the Zulu people fleeing KZN to Limpopo.
Fabric – Airflow linen, GOTS Certified cotton, glass beads & woven wool
LOOK 3 _ Nombakazi cardigan & Shiya Ngani Mini Skirt
The dark colours in the beginning of the collection capture the feeling of abandonment. The bright colours in the end of the collection, capture the feelings of hope and love associated with a new beginning.
Fabric – Airflow linen, GOTS Certified cotton, glass beads & woven wool
LOOK 4 _ uBuhlalu Trench Coat & Pencil Skirt
At this point the Zulu people are starting to be confident and creating their own cultural identity, but have kept the beadwork detail of the Zulu tribe.
Fabric – GOTS Certified cotton & glass beads
LOOK 5 _ Shiya Ngane Dress
The inspiration behind the collection is titled Shiya Ngani, a Zulu phrase that refers to Tsonga people.This print is a combination of Zulu women’s face and the Tsonga colours, the print is a true representation of the culture mixture in modern day women.
Fabric – Airflow linen and glass beads
LOOK 6 _ Xebelani Mini
The bright colours capture the feelings of hope and love associated with a new beginning. We now introduce the Xibelani print, to model in the Tsonga Xibelani traditional attire.
Fabric – GOTS Certified cotton, airflow linen and glass beads
LOOK 7 _ Xebelani Dress
The bright colours capture the feelings of hope and love associated with a new beginning. The finally garment represents a traditional Tsonga wedding dress, to celebrate the marring of both cultures. We model in theTsonga Xibelani traditional attire.
Fabric – GOTS Certified cotton, airflow linen and glass beads
Here’s how to care for our collection.
The collection is made out of sustainable fabrics (airflow linen, GOTS Certified cotton, glass beads & woven wool).
1. Airflow Linen
- As a general rule, linen should be washed at a low temperature – either cold or lukewarm. Washing linen above 40° may cause your linen to shrink.
- Use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent to avoid damaging the fibers.
- Ensure not to pack your machine too tightly. This will allow for the linen to move more freely.
- Always wash with similar colours.
- Do not bleach.
- Turn inside out if line drying
- Use a medium-hot iron and select the steam setting.
2. GOTS Certified Cotton
- Use a mild laundry detergent
- Ensure that the garment is turned inside out & machine wash GOTS certified organic cotton garment in cold water (30 degrees).
- Do not bleach or iron directly on printed areas of clothing
- Use a warm iron on the reverse side of the garment
- Wash with like colours and line dry
3. Glass Beads
- DO NOT cut thread.
- DO NOT wear in the water
- Store away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause glass seed bead colors to fade.
- Ensure that you handwash the garment.
- The fewer times your garment is cleaned by washing or dry cleaning, the longer the accents will last.
- Never place it in a hot dryer, which can damage the finish or melt decorations and loosen the glue.
4. Woven wool
- Wash in lukewarm or cold water using a mild soap or liquid detergent (which contains no bleach)
- Soak for 3-5 minutes, gently squeezing suds through without twisting or wringing the garment.
- Rinse twice in clean water that is the same temperature as the wash water.
- Gently squeeze out excess water and roll the garment in a towel to absorb excess water.
- Dry away from sunlight and direct heat.