In this week’s blog, we’re applauding 4 extraordinary South African brands for basically existing!

Sitting Pretty

The amazing, female-owned brand, Sitting Pretty, was founded by Emma, a fashion enthusiast, who was born in Zimbabwe. Exposed to style, culture & colours through her childhood in Africa, Emma developed a love for fashion and fabric that inspired

her to create pieces for herself and her friends until she finally decided to launch her own label in 2009.

her to create pieces for herself and her friends until she finally decided to launch her own label in 2009.

Why We Love Them

Sitting Pretty is very particular about sourcing natural and environmentally friendly fabrics such as organic cotton and hemp to create their looks. They create the most beautiful, simple and relaxed silhouettes, categorized by soft tones and loose cuts. Their overall style combines bohemian chic with urban sophistication, moulded together to create ethnic silhouettes, masculine tailoring with a hint of romantic aesthetics. (Hello, dream outfit!) We absolutely adore brands who are environmentally aware, practice ethical trade and still make super chic pieces! You go girls!

UG-LEE Handbags

Ug-Lee Handbags was founded in 2011 by yet another ridiculously talented female, specialising in designer bags, jewellery and other accessories. 

Why We Love Them

Each one of their handbags is completely handmade, one at a time by a talented trust of women that are all given fair, livable wages. We believe in the ethos of slow fashion, slow consumption and celebrating life with luxurious findings that are original instead of mass-produced. Their handbags are honestly so original and beautifully crafted, and they offer such a diverse range that it’s so difficult to choose just one style!

Pichulik

Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, womenswear and other unique accessories brand and was founded by Katherine-Mary Pichulik in 2013.  All of their unique pieces are handcrafted in Cape Town, South Africa. 

Why We Love Them

They combine mythology, craft and magic when creating their pieces and the end products are honestly to die for! Their use of storytelling and experimental materials will leave you with heart-eyes! Their brand is fun, abstract and most importantly, celebrates all things feminine and we’re definitely here for it!

Mia Melange

Mélange means mixture/blend in French. It is also a type of yarn that is used in the textile and fashion industry. This home-grown brand creates high quality, handcrafted products by using only the best local materials.

Why We Love Them

Mia Melange is all about empowering women. They show their passion for their community by creating jobs for women in the area. They take these women in and train them, providing them with not only an income but also with life skills. Their handmade baskets and trinkets will honestly make you wanna redesign your home around these fabulous, minimal pieces! 

Their ethos, quality over quantity is one of our favourite mantras! (Say it again for the aunties in the back!)

At Matsidiso we aim to not only make a difference with the sustainably sourced materials we use but also by building our community. We adore these female-owned brands who are making a difference in our community and we applaud them for being awesome and for doing the things that they do!