Crystal Birch – Milliner

Instagram: @therealcrystalbirch | LinkedIn: Crystal Birch | Website: Crystal Birch

Milliner Extraordinaire, Crystal Birch, is a leading lady in the sartorial landscape of South Africa. When it comes to hats or anything adorning the head, she is the go-to for the countries’ most creative characters.

You see – for a while there, it looked like hats were making a dramatic exit-stage-left, with elegant pillboxes, bowler hats and the like fading into obscurity as mere archival memories in the back of ouma’s closet.

For a brief moment it seemed like all we were left with was the beanie or peak cap – that is, until in a move of sheer vision, Crystal was called to turn her degree from Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion right on its head by preserving the art of millinery; while simultaneously re-introducing us to the inherent power that only the hat can hold for completing a look.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Crystal studied under milliner maestro’s, Piers Atkinson and Noel Stewart, in London – advancing her skills with impeccable craftsmanship.

In 2018, Crystal trained under her mentor Harry Faktor of Parisian Milliners – a hat manufacturer established in 1936 – eventually acquiring the heritage company and transforming it into The Hat Factory.

Although Crystal remains a guardian of millinery tradition, her power lies in her rare ability to elevate hat-making as effortlessly chic and totally relevant for the 21st century. Under Crystal’s watchful eye, every hat is designed and imbued with its own unique essence by an incredible in-house team; championing local production for global locations.

Lezanne Viviers – Fashion Designer

Instagram: @viviers.studio | LinkedIn: VIVIERS | Website: VIVIERS JOHANNESBURG

VIVIERS was founded by Lezanne Viviers in April 2019 . Cradled amongst the gold mined caverns of ‘The Origins of Humankind,’ Johannesburg.

We originate artistic, conceptual and Earth-conscious clothing that is homegrown in a series of Limited Edition experiments, made in South Africa. Our garments are a result and celebration of the most luxurious, South African raw materials, reimagined by the gifted hands of our local craftsmen.

VIVIERS hosts a sensual wardrobe-building experience, allowing the collector to explore their radical selves, by expressing their inner duality within their identity. The experience allows the wearer to co-create, explore and express their individuality through experimentation with our studio, while co-creating a lasting capsule wardrobe that is tailored to the individual’s lifestyle and personality.

Clients can also choose to acquire pieces from our bi-annual exhibitions or easy-wear from our Limited Edition, Ready-to-Wear, signature capsule.

Stephen van Eeden – Occasionwear and Bridal Designer

Instagram: @stephen_van_eeden | Website: Stephen van Eeden Atelier

Stephen grew up in Kathu, a small town situated in the heart of the Northern Cape, bordering the enigmatic Kalahari. His career objective from early childhood was to become a dentist, but as the years progressed fashion as a vocation resonated with him and this elicited a creative spark of realisation that fashioning a woman in luxurious fabrics and effortlessly styling her in a manner reminiscent of a mythical deity would leave both designer and muse with a contented smile.

Stephen studied at Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion in Stellenbosch. After graduating top of his class in 2007 and receiving several awards as a young design student, he was determined to leave his mark in the South African fashion industry.

Shortly after graduation, he was appointed as designer, product developer and PR-liaison at the Cape Tovm based accessory leathercraft company, Cape Cobra, which specialises in the design and manufacture of exquisite exotic leather goods for local and international clientele. Within this well­ established luxury company a stable platform unveiled for this young designer. Stephen had the privilege of working with top International brands in the pursuit of developing their exotic leather accessory collections, whilst absorbing the creative energy and knowledge of these global icons. He kept his passion for bespoke couture alive after-hours, by creating gorgeous gowns for his private clients, mostly brides, and frequently participated as a young designer at fashion events and design competitions.

A chance meeting in 2010 with Teresa Joubert, close friend and fellow designer, culminated in a 2-year business partnership and the founding of the Gelieft Brand – mainly specialising in bridal wear. As a formidable design duo they were dedicated to perfection and the achievement of the highest aesthetic ideal in their elegant creations.

At the beginning of 2012, Stephen relocated to the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town and joined the eminent house of couture and prêt-a-porter, Rosenwerth – one of the most acclaimed names in the South African fashion industry. Under the creative leadership of both Elzbieta and Gabi Rosenwerth, Stephen cultivated a profound understanding of the modern woman’s style and a discerning eye for luxury fashion.

In 2014 he took up the position of studio manager and assistant designer at Gavin Rajah – a fashion house that is synonymous with fine craftsmanship, luxurious finishes and fine fabrication. This Cape Town based atelier is famed for producing couture garments for their loyal clients around the world. The success of the brand has been built on a consistent standard of workmanship and creative excellence.

6 July 2016, was a significant milestone in Stephen’s life as it marked not only his 30th Birthday, but also the fulfilment of a lifelong pursuit to establish and launch his own brand within the fashion industry. He has attained the ability to connect knowledge, past experiences and creativity to successfully drive his brand. His bespoke gowns are described as “Unique pieces that are not aimed at camouflaging a woman, but dressing and enhancing her feminine character.”

Daisie Jo – Fashion Designer and Artist

Instagram: @daisiejo | Website: Daisie Jo

Honesty over perfection / at DAISIE JO we embrace our imperfections and humanness / it surfaces in the fabrics we source and the textile development of our garments / Our studio is a space where our craft is passed on from generations / it is important for us to use fashion to create new opportunities & train new generations / skill transferring / investing in quality / wearable & useful art /

We focus on EMBROIDERY and fabric manipulation. We use various techniques to have a no waste process in studio, every garment is hand cut & each detail carefully considered. Mindful creation, mindful consumption.

Slow Living / Wearable & Useful Art / Limited Edition Pieces / Our garments are once off pieces / Hand Crafted / Slow Fashion / Locally Produced / Mindful Consumption / Playful / Sophisticated / Striving towards sustainability / Seasonless / Small Batch Collections / In House Production / No Over Production / Artisan Obsessed / Handmade Textiles / Once-Off Pieces / Ethical & Sustainable Practices / Hand Made in South Africa

Cyla Gonsolves – Fashion Designer

Instagram: @cylagonsolves_sa | LinkedIn: Cyla Gonsolves | Website: By Cyla Gonsolves

Award winning Luxury brand Cyla Gonsolves, specialise in Luxury Ready To Wear women’s clothing and Knitwear.

We focus on achieving impeccable quality and delivering timeless and elegant clothing and accessories. We incorporate hand craft elements and are proudly made in South Africa.

Cyla, the founder of the brand is very passionate about fashion with a cause and strives to make a difference in the fashion industry. We are an ethical brand that empowers woman in a work place and makes sure that every step of the supply chain is ethical.

Our women is feminists that believe in the time of women empowerment but wants to look and feel beautiful at the same time.

Our target market – is a career driven woman that wants to feel good and look good. She won’t think twice to buy something that makes her feel beautiful. She likes to draw attention with what she wears. She likes to feel unique in sense of style. She is a feminist that lives in the time of women empowerment.

Our Vision – Striving to become a top preforming international resort wear brand.

Our Mission – To add value to our customers lives by making sure we produce high quality garments and accessories and making them feel good.

Our Values – Everything that we do will be done with passion. We want to be a trust worthy brand to our customers. We want to empower our women in a workplace and create jobs in South Africa.

Janu Steyn – Product Operations and Creative Director

Instagram: @rookie.baby | LinkedIn: Janu Steyn

Janu’s story begins in the small town of Beaufort West in the Karoo, where he grew up before moving to Cape Town to pursue his passion for fashion. His early interest in sustainable and functional designs laid the foundation for a remarkable career in the fashion industry.

In 2016, Janu graduated from the prestigious Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design. Even as a student, he demonstrated entrepreneurial flair by launching his own evening-wear label during his first year of studies. Over the years, he built a successful brand, gaining valuable experience and recognition.

In 2019, Janu embarked on an exciting new chapter by joining a European baby products brand, ROOKIE. He was tasked with setting up Product Development in South Africa, a role that allowed him to expand his expertise in product management. In 2022 he was appointed As Product and Creative Director at Rookie, Janu now designs as well oversees multiple product portfolios, including baby carriers, baby fashion goods, and backpacks. His work is prominently featured on the Rookie website.

Janu’s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices is central to his work. He travels globally to source the best materials from international trade shows and ensures that every product is made with sustainable, organic content or recycled alternatives. His dedication to fair production practices extends to ensuring that factory workers receive fair wages and that the production processes have minimal environmental impact. Janu’s approach to fashion is truly circular, with a focus on creating products that can be recycled and made from either organic or recycled materials.

His work at Rookie is a testament to his vision for a greener fashion future. As Product and Creative Director, he remains hands-on at every stage of the product lifecycle, from development and production to logistics and customer service, ensuring that his values are reflected in every aspect of the brand.

Megan Miller – Intimates Designer and Founder of Nette Rose

Instagram: @nette_rose Website: Nette Rose

Hi beautiful babes, Meg here!

Nette Rose aka my absolute baby, was created during my first year of fashion studies, she was just a concept then and I was (and I am) still learning my way around the world of design – having a passion for textiles, dresses and vintage finds.

Nette Rose materialised during my final year after I sold all of my vintage clothing at markets for ‘seed money’ I knew Nette Rose was first and foremost going to always be designed for the babes who know and are learning the power of dressing for themselves.

Hence our mantra was born.

She is a wild one. With a gentle soul.

Who sways to her own rhythm and dresses for herself.

Ethical production is at the top of our list. We keep the good tunes rolling in studio, we have flexible hours and we know when a day off is needed. We have a “speak your mind” policy within our studio space, which is full of cheek, laughs and a little sass.

We keep things professional but also think of ourselves as the brand version of that one friend you can call up anytime have a splash of wine and chat all things fabulous.

We do sustainability; we think it’s not only damn cool but a necessity. Does eating vegan and saying hell no to single use plastics in studio count? Perhaps not.

Ruan Goosen – Fashion Designer

Instagram: @byruangoosen Website: Ruan Goosen

Ruan Goosen is a Cape Town-based fashion designer and creative director known for his emotionally expressive, narrative-driven approach to design. A proud alumnus of both Stellenbosch University (BCom in Financial Management and Marketing, 2017) and the Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion (BA in Fashion Design, 2020), Ruan bridges the worlds of business and art with a signature blend of refined tailoring, quiet drama, and modern romanticism.

Since launching his eponymous label, Ruan Goosen, he has built a brand grounded in intentional craftsmanship, local sustainability, and evocative storytelling — spanning menswear, womenswear, and bridal. His collections have been featured on prominent runways, in editorial features, and through bespoke work for private clients.

With a deep appreciation for South African heritage and a vision for globally resonant fashion, Ruan continues to explore the intersection of fashion, identity, and self-expression — empowering others through garments that are as emotionally rich as they are aesthetically striking.

Victoria Ongansie – Fashion Designer

Instagram: @victori_za LinkedIn: Victoria Ongansie

Victori by Victoria Ongansie. The brand was born to inspire others to be victorious in all they do. “The challenges we face do not have to define or discourage us”.

Victoria’s love for fashion was initiated by her mother’s work as a part-time seamstress – this was one of her many “side hustles”. Fashion to Victoria is not just about making clothing, it is an avenue for survival, to provide for oneself or your family. Which was very much the case for Victoria’s single mother, who raised Victoria and her younger siblings. “To me this it the true meaning of victory.”

Victori is a proudly South African luxury clothing brand that experiments with using unconventional fabrications in unconventional silhouettes. Silhouettes are often exaggerated, oversized and bold. Sustainability is considered by a made-to-measure order system and by creating a minimum of five units per style for a collection launch. When you wear a Victori piece, you will feel confident and empowered.