Your cultural heritage can be embraced in everyday fashion. These 5 fashion-forward icons show us that celebrating their roots can be stylish, empowering and easy.
When it comes to fashion trends, celebrities are our go-to source for inspiration. However, in a time where trends come and go, it’s refreshing when they aren’t afraid to rock their traditional attire, year-round. There’s no better source of inspiration for their mixture of heritage and contemporary than these local stars.
1. LIESL LAURIE MTHOMBENI
Former Miss SA (2015), radio and tv presenter Liesl Laurie Mthombeni elegantly incorporates a turban, or doek, into her outfits. This style is not only perfect as a protective hairstyle, but also an ode to the traditional origins of headwraps worn throughout African and Islamic culture where it symbolises strength and identity. Her incorporation of a doek into her contemporary wardrobe proves that cultural heritage can seamlessly blend with everyday fashion. Whether she's dressing for an occasion or simply a day running errands, Liesl shows how a doek is a chic statement.
2. SOMIZI MHLONGO
Somizi is known for being a prominent South African media personality, entertainer and gracing social media with his eclectic style. The icon often incorporates vibrant African prints into his custom pieces, as well as blurring the boundaries of gendered fashion with a cultural twist. His style calls on iconic pieces many South Africans are familiar with, such as a traditional Tsonga Xibelani skirt, redefining it through his unique and modern take.
3. MSAKI
Asanda Lusaseni Mvana, known professionaly as Msaki, is an East London born composer, singer and songwriter. Her bold sense of style displays a perfect balance between heritage and modernity, effortlessly blending traditional prints and intricate beadwork into her outfits on album covers and day-to-day statement outfits. Msaki’s bold sense of style displays a perfect balance between heritage and modernity. She’s often seen incorporating African prints into her skirts, dresses and blouses showcasing the beauty and diversity of what it means to be an African artist, proving traditional wear is a canvas for creativity.
4. SHUDUFHADZO MUSIDA
Shudufhadzo Musida, is synonymous with empowerment and representation. The former Miss South Africa (2020), published author, mental health advocate and TV host has sported her bold, afro-modern fashion many times. Her wardrobe features bold pops of colour and intricate prints with statement headwraps. She reflects her identity through her style choices, a show of pride in her roots. Shudufhadzo is a role model, fashion icon and reminder that traditional wear is a nod to our history as we look towards the future.
5. THEMBINKOSI MTHEMBU
Thembinkosi Mthembu is best known for his role in the popular Showmax series The River and recently portraying Godongwana Dingiswayo Mthethwa in Shaka iLembe. Thembinkosi’s regular style includes the umqhele, a headband proudly worn throughout history by Zulu warriors and elites. Today, Godongwana wears his umqhele with pride, showing his heritage with confidence and trendy flair. His fashion statement pulls inspiration from a deep connection to his ancestry.
LOCAL CELEBS WHO EMBRACE TRADITIONAL WEAR
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
September 21, 2023
Rating:
Reviewed by Amaarah
on
September 21, 2023
Rating:
