From The Straits Times    |

Credit: & Other Stories

Scandinavian retailer & Other Stories is back with another Co-lab collection, and this time they’re shining the spotlight on South African brand Sindiso Khumalo. Known for creating modern sustainable textiles with a strong emphasis on South African history, the eponymous label’s prints are based on Khumalo’s hand-painted watercolours and collages.

While Kumalo’s namesake brand is not familiar to most on this side of the world, the designer is in good company, joining the likes of other Co-lab alumni such as Minju Kim, Rejina Pyo, Natalia Alaverdian of A.W.A.K.E Mode, and was also one of the 2020 joint winners of the prestigious LVMH prize.

“My hopes and wishes for this co-lab with & Other Stories are to shine a light on African design and the magical nature of our enigmatic continent. Another goal is to communicate to the customer the importance of the materials when building your wardrobe, showing that clothing made from materials sourced more sustainably can be bold and playful. We want to open up a sustainability conversation with more people,” says Sindiso Khumalo. 

South African designer Sindiso Khumalo in the Pepper Red Smock Dress with White Collar. Credit: & Other Stories

The Sindiso Khumalo collection will feature 17 pieces across different categories such as ready-to-wear, swimwear and accessories. Vibrant with lots of colours and prints, expect a collection that will be stylishly playful – both in spirit and design.

“We have so much love for Sindiso Khumalo’s evocative designs and storytelling about Africa. But we also admire the brand’s focus on sustainability and dedication to social equality and female empowerment. I don’t want to give away too much right now, but I’m sure the collection will bring a bit of happiness to women around the world – and their wardrobes,” says Karolina Ekman, Co-Lab Manager, & Other Stories.

We speak to Sindiso Khumalo, Founder of Sindiso Khumalo and Karolina Ekman, Head of co-labs at & Other Stories on South African style, what to expect from this collection, and some of their favourite pieces.

How do you select the designers you plan to partner with for co-lab? And how did you decide on working with Sindiso for this particular collection?

Karolina Ekman (KE): We always aim to work with creative women who inspire us and align with our values as a brand. We’d had our eye on Sindiso for a while. We adore her prints, her use of colour, and the way she weaves in her African heritage; her commitment to sustainability and empowering women is truly inspiring. Her collections are relevant and modern and easy to wear for many women. An esthetic we strongly felt our customer could identify herself with. 

The White Sleeveless Dress with Collar on the left is one of Sindiso’s favourites. Credit: & Other Stories

How did you come up with the distinct patterns and fabrications for your co-lab collection? And how did your South African culture and heritage translate into the collection?

Sindiso Khumalo (SK): My hopes and wishes for this co-lab with & Other Stories are to shine a light on African design and the magical nature of our enigmatic continent. I worked with the & Other Stories team to create an upbeat collection with lots of colours and prints that express the South African cultural and natural landscape. 

They link to South African vistas – one features Protea, a South African indigenous plant, and another Nguni cattle, which are seen in the landscapes of Kwazulu Natal and the Eastern Cape. There’s also a pepper red colour, taken from the traditional Zulu Nkehli, which is adorned on a Zulu bride on her wedding day. And the cowrie shell, seen in print and the accessories which represent prosperity, wealth and good fortune in both African and Afro-Caribbean cultures.  

What is something about South African style that people don’t know enough about?

SK: It is hard to pick one particular thing. South African style is such a glorious, eccentric blend of vibrant colour and cultures – but right now it is very much inspired by the influence of electronic and house music. 

What are some of your favourite pieces from the collection?

SK: My favourite pieces are the white sleeveless dress and the pepper red smock with white collar. Both are quite different but express colour in very different ways. I really believe in colour therapy, it’s part of the continual conversation about how clothing is a form of self-care and self-expression. The colours that you wear can make you feel a certain way. They’ll make you show up differently. And I love that!

Karolina, head of co-labs at & Other Stories’ favourite pieces. Left: Cowrie Shell Necklace and Earrings in Recycled Brass, Right: Blouse with big Collar and Black & White Printed Skirt

KE: My favourites are the cowrie shell necklace and earrings in recycled brass and the black & white printed skirt and blouse with a big collar in organic cotton blend – preferably worn together. I love the look of the monochrome patterns together, with the golden jewellery that is clean and chic, but also has a relaxed beachy vibe. A perfect modern summer look.

The Sindiso Khumalo & Other Stories Co-lab collection will be available in stores at ION Orchard and Raffles City in April 2023.