Black Renaissance

Wanda Lephoto’s AW21 collection, entitled Black Renaissance, is as much a fashion statement as a research project that dives deeply into the impact British colonialism has had on South Africa’s identity and dress practices. Looking specifically at the years 1850 to 1994, which the designer says “represent years of oppression, suppression and liberation, not only of our people but of dreams”, he seeks to understand how today’s melting pot of aesthetics has come to pass, and how representation can be re-imagined freely in future.

Photography Aart Verrips
Styling Chloe Andrea Welgemoed
Art direction Chloe Andrea Welgemoed & Aart Verrips
Hair Mimi Duma Ncumisa
Make-up Tammi Mbambo
Assistance Oratile Moh and Lebogang Ramfate

Cast
Nebula Thobejane,
Martha Lephoto,
Clement Xaba,
Nkuley Masemola,
Kgothatso Matlala,
Ketia Kalala,
Active Brian,
Gabriel Zenani

Words Helen Jennings