Fashion is one of the industries that South Africans considers a universal language. We love to dress up and look good, but it's always difficult when you suddenly have to go to a gala event and excess your daily fashion statement. So, we have decided to collect some of the city's top notch designer spots to get you red carpet ready.

From Cajj To Glam

It's great looking good every single day, but even those who put on their best get a bit lost when they suddenly have to attend the most unexpected (and extravagant) event. We not talking just any event: red carpet vibes, darling.

The jaw drops and you are ready to panic, but wait. We have the perfect place for you get kitted out. The Zone @ Rosebank has all the designer goods you need.

Burgundy Fly

Burgundy Fly is all about bringing together the glam African fusion and make some of the best garments for the ladies.

They have clothes for petite and curvy ladies who just love to look good. If unique and something different from the conventional red carpet route is what you're after, Burgundy Fly will help you stand out without  a doubt. With the option of choosing between their vintage and urban cuts - you will find something you'll love.

REPUBLIK

Gentlemen, if you are looking for a place that will give you a stylish look, then you have found it in REPUBLIK. They have everything from casual to formal.

Back on the railway, if you are looking for that red carpet do, then these guys are the best to consult - from head-to-toe. They got you covered. Shoes, they have a lot of different designs to choose from.

JJ Schoeman

It's glam time, darling. And JJ Schoeman knows all about the fit, cut and style.

You can choose from ready-made garments or just have something new created for that extra personal touch. JJ has dresses many big names in the TV and political industry, and has certainly built a rep.

JJ Schoeman makes fashion-forward clothing for both men and women, so ladies and gentlemen, it's time to get glammed up.

Thula Sindi

Thula Sindi has been in the fashion industry for years, and two things that stand out with his garments are detail and simplicity.

If your look is always detail-oriented or you just love a simple outfit with a wow factor - Thula Sindi is who you need to know. Having dressed some talented people in the country and walking the catwalk at Fashion Weeks, he is know for his signature look that brings together something old and new.

Fashion Statement

Following trends can be the easy to do but what's even easier; is defining your personal style. All you need to do is wear that confidence and the effortless pizzazz will shine through.

These designer stores are full of diversity, so you will certainly find something to mix and match, custom-make or even switch up all together.

Tshepo The JeanMaker

Guys! If you have not seen the jeans that are made by Tshepo The Jeanmaker, then you have not lived long enough to witness a work of art, creativity and pure craftsmanship. Tshepo's jean pieces cannot just be limited to pants (so we can wipe that stereotype out of out heads), the name says it all.

He makes jackets, shirts, dungarees and more, Tshepo has dressed some of the most well known artists in the industry, making his work recognised by many. His flair for creativity is inspiring, one of my favourites has to be the dungaree with multiple coloured splats, if you want to see more of his work - you can find them at Victoria Yards. It's time to get jean'd up.

DryBone Co.

Trust me when I say that there is nothing dry about Oscar's Clothing, you might remember him from the brand Vintage Zionist. Well! this guy is the real deal and has managed to change the game with his fashion and his eco-consciousness mentality. DryBone is all about recycling and redesigning clothing, bringing you the best of what could be worn at a red carpet event or even as street wear.

Oscar's signature is black and leather (atleast from what i've seen over the years) and trust me, it works - show me someone who doesn't know how to match black. His pieces are to die for, some of his best work has been showcased on the SA Fashion Week stage, bringing edgy on another level.

Imprint ZA

If you want something that screams "Africa, the motherland"  the honey you have just found your treasure, Imprint ZA. Mzukisi Mbane has completely altered the whatever traditions that people live by when it comes to prints, African prints to be more exact.

His ethos is "Leave a mark" and how can it not, this African luxury brand has turned fashion into a painting that people want to wear. The cut is everything with piece, with detail that makes it stand out. Mzukisi is definitely one of the fashion designers to watch.

Loin Cloth & Ashes 

Heart & Heritage

Detail, detail, detail! Heart & Heritage is about detail and craftsmanship. The garments that they make and have showcased on stage are the most unique stuff we have seen. It is inspired by a combination of simplicity and detail.

The touches are so simple yet so effective, some of the most inspiring work we've seen and we are not surprised the live by the saying, "In our work, we often hand paint our garments, making them one of a kind pieces."

So now that we have looked at some not so familiar but very influential brands, let's check out their works of art and make that fashion statement boo!

By Mary-Ann Nyandeni

Carfax, located in Newtown, is a cultural studio and event hub. The venue was founded in 1985 and the industrial space was revamped by creatives. It is now one of Johannesburg's most loved venues.

The venue is available for booking and hosts many performing artists, fine artists, DJs, musicians, fashion designers, and countless causes. Visit their website here!

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