I’m not pedantic about this, but I do enjoy shopping local. Of course you’ll find me in H&M and in a Billabong swimsuit, but I find it especially exciting to shop South African brands and designers. Cape Town is a total hotspot for local designers and artisans, so if you’re coming to visit this summer, make sure to bring your credit card.
Here’s a guide to some of my favourite spots to burn my plastic in Cape Town. This also happens to be a handy Christmas shopping guide, FYI.
*I’m wearing a sheer sequinned dress from Mungo & Jemima in the image above.
1. Mungo & Jemima
The perfect place to pick up a little something special to remind you of your trip. Beautiful dresses, colourful blouses, leather sandals, all locally made. Especially good for something like a low-key cocktail dress for NYE.
2. Rowdy Bags
Handmade leather goods produced in Woodstock. Their soft leather bags come in a couple of different shapes and sizes. Deep backpacks with thick straps for added comfort, practical tote bags for lugging around cameras and big duffel bags for weekends away.
Address: 358 Victoria Rd, Salt River, Cape Town
Phone: 0612271919
3. Indigenous
This beautiful space sells locally made homewear and skincare. This is where you’ll find organic skincare range Skoon, which is an all-natural skincare range that is packaged beautifully and smells amazing.
4. Kingdom
All that glitters! Handbags, jewels and clothing made by local artisans. The store is a showpiece of local talent, stocking some of the city’s biggest names alongside international showpieces, vintage collectables and decor items. Expect not to leave with an empty shopping bag. I’m particularly partial to their sparkly items – glittery jackets and sequinned dresses.
5. Espadril
The ubiquitous Spanish holiday shoe is now made in Cape Town. Pop in to their Bree Street store where you can fully customise every detail of your new favourite pair of shoes, or shop the range at the Old Biscuit Mill on Saturday mornings.
Address: 100 Bree Street, Cape Town
Email: [email protected]
6. Pichulik
Designer Kat Pichulik’s bold, colourful pieces are iconic. Inspired by powerful women in many cultures, her pieces are loud and eye-catching. You won’t be able to wear your new jewels out without someone asking you about them.
7. Margot Monlyneux
