Sindiso Khumalo opens flagship store in Cape Town, celebrating African creativity

Cape Town has a new fashion landmark as internationally celebrated designer Sindiso Khumalo opens her first flagship store, marking a major career milestone and a meaningful return to her roots.

Khumalo, known for her hand-illustrated prints, carefully considered silhouettes, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, has spent the past decade carving out a respected global presence. 

A finalist for the prestigious LVMH Prize, her work has graced runways at Milan Fashion Week and appeared in collaborations with & Other Stories, IKEA and Vans. Now, with the launch of her flagship store, she brings her journey full circle.

“Opening the store in Cape Town just made sense. It’s where my family is, where my home is,” says Khumalo.

The designer launched her namesake label in 2014 after completing her Master’s in Textile Futures at Central Saint Martins. 

Following a short break to raise her young children, she relaunched in 2018 and has since built a loyal following drawn to her slow, intentional approach to fashion.

From the start, Khumalo has championed African textile traditions and sustainability.

Her collections make use of natural fabrics like African-grown cotton, hemp and linen, while also creating opportunities for women artisans in Cape Town, Jaipur and Burkina Faso. 

Techniques such as hand embroidery, hand-block printing and crochet form the backbone of her work. These practices are equally reflected in her new retail space.

The flagship, located in the lively Longkloof precinct, is a celebration of South African creativity. Inside, the store showcases design pieces from ARRANGE Studio, Dokter and Misses, and Wunders, alongside artwork by Marsi van de Heuvel. 

A blush velvet curtain, pink-painted piping and a striking fire-engine red railing bring warmth and personality to the industrial bones of the space.

“I really wanted the space to tell a story of South African art and design,” Khumalo explains.

“It really feels like me. We took a lot of care into curating the space to reflect the story of the brand and to bring that story to life in a physical form. Everything you see in the store, the colours, the textures, the energy, is part of the world we’ve built with the brand.”

Even the materials echo the label’s ethos. Surplus tiles and a repurposed sofa by Heath Nash continue the brand’s commitment to sustainability and circular design. 

“I wanted every aspect of the space to be reflective of the work we do at SindisoKhumalo. We’ve always worked with waste in a way that reimagines it as something beautiful, and I wanted that to be part of the store too.”

At the heart of the shop floor is In Full Bloom, Khumalo’s latest collection.

Inspired by the women in her life and the sisterhoods that shape her, the collection blends Cape Town-made embroidery with Jaipur’s hand-block prints, fusing South African and Indian craft traditions.

The pieces are alive with colour, including turmeric, rose and sage, which echo the vibrant souks, spices and tapestries of Marrakech.

Alongside her signature bold prints and 60s-inspired silhouettes, the collection introduces more accessible items like T-shirts and collar accessories.

“I’ve always thought of clothing as a kind of good luck charm,” she says. “I want our garments to bring joy and feel like little talismans that move with you through your life.”

For Khumalo, the flagship is not just a shop, but a space for connection. “We really wanted to create something that felt warm and welcoming, where people could come in, discover the brand, and feel like they’re stepping into a story. I hope they feel at home,” she shares.

Looking ahead, the designer hints at more growth and exciting ventures. “There’s a lot ahead for the future of Sindiso Khumalo, and the retail space is just the beginning of this journey.”

IOL Lifestyle

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.