Everywhere you look online you’ll see articles on traditional dresses and other forms of clothing, but not a whole lot on the finishing touches. It’s the little things — your makeup, shoes, and jewellery — that really tie things together, so that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Take a look at a few of our ideas, embrace some history and heritage, and find a way to put your own spin on a culture that speaks to the heart. Enjoy!
Zulu Beading
Dive into the world of authentic style that our little corner of the world has to offer and you will soon embark on a journey that goes back centuries. The vibrant choices when it comes to shades and tones are matched only by the eye-catching patterns that make this style of beading everything it is.
The result is a beautiful array of tones and textures that invite you to take a closer look from every angle. Just what you want to hear when it’s time to set the tone in your own signature way.
Go a little further and you’ll be able to learn the specific meanings, legends, and myths behind each pattern you see before you. Precisely what you need when it’s time to truly connect with a culture that gave birth to the world that is now all around us.
Bobble Beaded Necklaces
A close relative, albeit one with a distinctive style, is the bobble bead and the timeless way in which it has been finishing stunning outfits for centuries. While the size and number of the bobbles may vary, there’s one thing that remains constant: attention to detail.
Such a wide range of different styles and handmade finishing touches means that bobble beads are not something unique just to South Africa — you will find them all over the continent. The result is a vibrant, eclectic mix of aesthetics that is never afraid to express itself on a deeper level. Ideal when you want to be able to set the tone for the day ahead by embracing a true touch of the past.
Pendants and Collars
Whether you choose precious metals, natural materials, or traditional beading, the pendant-collar combination is one that will speak to your rich heritage.
This sign of prosperity and spiritual belief is something that has become a statement style choice in recent years, and with good reason. It’s all about showing the world around you that you’re someone who is authentically connected to your roots in a truly meaningful way.
Finding a style of beading or a choice of pattern that means something to you will allow you to tie your latest addition into the wider story of your outfit. It’s how you create a look that means something right the way down to the finest little detail, all while giving yourself the confidence you need to go out there and express yourself.
Metal Artisan Bangles
Think thick, overt, and eye-catching and you’ll be onto something special before you know it. The handmade quality and subtle inclusions make this style of bangle truly part of our culture.
It’s about finding a look that allows you to catch the eye and feel your best, all while paying tribute to the rich heritage that is a core part of who you are as a woman.
And for those who want to be able to stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons, toning down the size of your bangles and turning up the brightness of your dress will make the difference. It’s how you create an elegant yet eye-catching look that will allow you to dominate any room you find yourself in without running the risk of overpowering it.
Keeping it Casual
In a world in which fast fashion seems to have pushed us all in the direction of instant gratification and a never ending stream of fads and trends, there’s more need for tradition than ever before. A humble yet homely pair of open-toed leather sandals is all that’s needed to complete a look that will last for years to come.
You’ll feel free, have the room to move that makes all the difference, and be able to look and feel the part from head to toe. Exactly what’s needed when you want to be able to set the tone in a way that is sure to stay with you right throughout the day. Which means we only have one thing left to consider.
Going Back to Basics
Take a quick look at any western fashion magazine and you will see models adorned with a vibrant array of bold types of makeup. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with this approach, taking things in a more traditional direction is all about having the confidence to finally go back to basics.
The colours and patterns that are on display on your clothing are the keys to standing out here, not the degree to which your makeup catches the eye. Minimalist, natural looks that allow you to feel comfortable in your own skin are what will make all the difference here.
The beauty of diving into the culturally rich world of traditional dress is that it tells us all so much more about who we are. Just as you would go to a mechanic to ask how to fix your car; a doctor to ask how to recover from a short bug; or an online roulette guide to learn the finer points, it pays to come to the right place.
We cannot wait to see what you create now that you’ve come to us. All you have to do now is go out there, start exploring, and get ready to express yourself with a lifetime of history, culture, and heritage by your side.
