In Conversation with Sindiso Khumalo

In Conversation with Sindiso Khumalo

Publié dans Design

Sindiso Khumalo is a Botswanan fashion designer raised in Durban, South-Africa and based in London, UK. Drawing on her Zulu origin, she creates and translates traditional Ndebele patterns into her contemporary fashion collections. In her exploration of these patterns, Khumalo has developed her own graphic language designed with colorful symbols. These symbols have become the standout feature of her clothing line, reinforcing the principles of empowerment and sustainability which lie at the heart of her label.

As years go by, her cultural heritage has significantly influenced her work: "For me, the work that I produce is a love letter between myself and my ancestry, and looking at the inheritance that they’ve given me. It’s a past, future and present conversation that I’m constantly having." Her sustainable textiles play an important role in uncovering the artistry of African prints through a contemporary design. In parallel, the clothing is also appreciated as art by various institutions such as the Smithsonian Museum of African Art in Washington.

Sindiso Khumalo studied architecture at the University of Cape Town before moving to London, where she completed her study in textile design. She founded her eponymous label in 2012, focusing on the creation of sustainable textiles with a strong emphasis on African storytelling. The textiles of her collections are designed by hand through watercolors and collage. Over the years, she has developed a unique visual voice, which draws upon her Zulu and Ndebele heritage.

 

Publié dans Design  |  novembre 23, 2019