They are the minds behind the beautiful prints and good-quality fabrics that most of us enjoy.

For years,African fashionhas earned popularity in most western countries and beyond.

This is a result of how unique the prints and fabrics of the clothes are.

South African fashion designers

Photo: canva.com (modified by author)Source: UGC

This is one of the reasons that has kept African culture alive.

These are the bestSouth Africandesigners setting the pace in the industry.

South African fashion designers

Who is the best fashion designer in South Africa?

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If you are a fashion fanatic, these are the icons that you should have your eyes focused on.

These best fashion designers in South Africa are listed in no particular order.

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local fashion designers in Johannesburg

Anisa Mpungwe backstage at the Arise Magazine African Collective Fall 2010 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Tent in New York City. Photo: Jason KempinSource: Getty Images

As young as 19, she was already upbuilding her career.

She started working for various fashion magazines, houses, and factories.

This helped her groom her skills.

best fashion designers in south africa

Nkhensani Nkosi, a celebrated fashion designer, talks to clients on her mobile phone in her studios in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Per-Anders PetterssonSource: Getty Images

Nkhensani Nkosi

Nkhensani became a household name because of her flourishing career in the arts.

She is a coveted designer and anaccomplished actressand TV personnel.

Her first visit to Malawi greatly influenced her style.

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She expresses her love for Africanfashion in uniqueand high-quality fabric feminine clothing.

She has also done a couple of male pieces, even though her primary focus is on feminine outfits.

Linda’s style incorporates a striking array of brightly-coloured fabrics that bring out African feminine beauty.

South African fashion designers

Two models in Linda Gale’s fashion designs. Photo: @SouthAfricanFashionDesignersSource: UGC

She runs her business from her workshop inLeopard FrockSaxonwold, Johannesburg.

David Tlale

David Tlale is another big name in thelist of fashiondesigners in South Africa.

His brand grew amidst the challenges and uncertainties in the industry thanks to his elegance regarding style.

local designers

The Jacques van der Watt fashion designs. Photo: @blackcoffeefashionza (modified by author)Source: UGC

David Tlale is one of the exceptionally bold styles in the country.

Mzukisi Mbane

Mzukisi Mbane is another icon-setting trend in Cape Town’s industry.

Wandile Zondo

Wandile Zondo hails from Soweto and got into the world of fashion as an entrepreneur.

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He co-founded a brand called Thesis Lifestyle.

His aim in joining the industry in 2005 was to change the clothing retail in the shops in Soweto.

The two have since then not looked back.

top designers in south africa

Marianne Fassler at the Africa Fashion International - Joburg Fashion Week in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Gallo ImagesSource: Getty Images

Thula Sindi

Thula Sindi has a fashion background as an alumnus of the London International School of Fashion.

Bongiwe Walaza

Bongiwe Walaza learnt fashion skills from her mother, who was a seamstress.

She perfected it and became the international designer she is.

local designers

South African fashion designer David Tlale poses in his studio in Maboneng, Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: Miora RajaonarySource: Getty Images

She has worked with textile companies like Da Gama textiles, which is notable for producing shweshwe fabric.

Cari Stephenson

Cari Stephenson isanother designerbased in Cape Town and the brains behindTart designs.

Her style differs slightly from the rest as she expresses her creativity through ethnic prints and classic silhouettes.

leigh schubert

Palesa Mantsho Mokubung at the SA Fashion Week SS21 Digital Collections at the Mall of Africa in Midrand, South Africa. Photo: Oupa BopapeSource: Getty Images

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The best term that could be used to describe her style is simple but sophisticated.

The other thing that makes the line stand out is its eclectic colour scheme.

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His style is distinct as it comes out in abstract patterns in his knitwear.

Michelle Ludek

Michelle Ludek is another icon in the list of thebest fashion designersin South Africa.

She has a history in North America, where she earned her skill in commercial fashion design.

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Her style stands out, from netty sweaters to lazy shift dresses.

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Leigh Schubert

Leigh Schubert was born and raised in Durban before moving to Johannesburg in her teens.

famous designers

Thula Sindi during the Africa Rise Retail Concept Store launch at the Sandton City mall in Sandton, South Africa. Photo: Oupa BopapeSource: Getty Images

She creates one-of-a-kind yet timeless smart and casual wear with bold colours and modern solid lines.

Thebe Magugu

Thebe is among the famous localfashion designersin Johannesburg who was born in Kimberley.

He rose to prominence as the 2019 LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize winner.

famous designers

Models showcasing various Bongiwe’s designs. Photo: @bongiwewalaza (modified by author)Source: UGC

Magugu has collaborated on several capsule collections with international brands such as Dior, Adidas, and AZ Factory.

Gert Johan Coetzee

Gert’s fashion atelier is located in Linden, Johannesburg, Gauteng.

He is known for his couture red carpet gowns, but he also designs a ready-to-wear collection.

top designers in South Africa

Models showcasing Cari Stephenson’s fashions. Photo: @tart_clothing (modified by author)Source: UGC

He also dedicates each collection to a particular social cause to draw attention to social problems.

Who is Vele Manenje?

Fashion design is a fantastic career that exposes students to a world beyond fashion.

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Some have worked on hippie clothing in South Africa, whereas others have let comfort dictate their style.

READ ALSO:Top 20 most famous South Africans of all time: who are they?

Briefly.co.za recently published an article highlighting the top 20 mostfamous South Africansof all time.

best fashion designers in south africa

Laduma Ngxokolo during the 3rd Annual GQ Men Of The Year Awards at Four Seasons Hotel in Johannesburg, South Arica. Photo: Oupa BopapeSource: Getty Images

Many icons have left an indelible mark on South Africa and its people.

She graduated from Meru University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering in 2019.

In 2023, Priscillah finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.

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She has been writing articles on Briefly.co.za since 2019.

She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media.

Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020.

best fashion designers in South Africa

Models in Leigh Schubert’s fashion designs. Photo: @leighschubert (modified by author)Source: UGC

In 2023, Adrianna finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.

you’ve got the option to reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com

local fashion designers in johannesburg

Thebe Magugu attends the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize 2022 Awards Ceremony at The National Museum of Qatar in Doha, Qatar. Photo: David M. BenettSource: Getty Images

top designers in south africa

Gert Johan Coetzee during the Gert Johan Coetzee 2021 collection viewing in Johannesburg, South Africa.Photo: Oupa BopapeSource: Getty Images

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