Other than all the incredible restaurants and cafés 4th Avenue has to offer, there's also a plethora of interesting shops to visit if you feel like a little bit of a retail spoil. From antiques and exclusive fashion, Parkhurst offers an unique retail experience like no other suburb. Keep reading to find out more.
What Are You Looking For?
4th Avenue
There is only one place to start your shopping spree in Parkhurst, and that's 4th Avenue! From unique yet trendy couture to interesting eateries and lots of art and design in between, 4th Avenue is a lovely place to visit over the weekend if you're looking for something slower and different to the usual bustling malls and crowds. Here are a few stores you'll be able to browse through when you visit 4th Avenue.
Desray
For unique and beautiful high-end fashion for ladies, Desray Designs is just the store you should visit while strolling down 4th Avenue in Parkhurst. Here, they make their own clothing patterns, do their own cutting and sew together 95% of their ranges themselves. All of Desray's items of clothing are made with love and attention to detail, as they believe in giving ladies variety and exclusivity, along with amazing quality. You can either visit their store on 4th Avenue to see what ranges and clothing they have in-store or you can shop online. There's sure to be something stunning to suit your style and preference.
Ri.Ch Factory
Looking for vibrant and oh-so beautiful African contemporary fashion to add a splash of colour to your wardrobe? Then be sure to visit Ri.Ch Factory, founded by Rina Chunga Kutama. Either visit their store on 4th Avenue or visit their online store to see what gorgeous designs they have to offer, ranging from brightly coloured infinity dresses and Bali crop tops and pants to stunning skirts, hats, kimonos and more.
Image from Ri.Ch Factory via Facebook.
Parooz Fashions
Get cool, trendy and exclusive fashion at affordable prices at Parooz Fashions. Here, their aim is to dress fashion-forward, unconventional, non-conformist, avant-garde, unique and trendy women with fresh and unique clothing. To see what fashion they have available, visit their online store and browse through their selection of dresses, body suits, rompers, swimwear, shoes and outwear. Their ensembles are slicker than the average. And if you're looking for some inspiration, parooz through their lookbooks online.
Partisan
Established in 2018, Partisan believe that quality and sustainability combined with comfort and style is the winning formula to every man's wardrobe. Visit their online store or the physical shop on 4th Avenue and take a look at their collection of eco-friendly, vegan sneakers; smart yet fresh dress shirts; suave and cool fedoras; and variety of comfy tees. No matter what your style, Partisan is sure to have just the thing to add to your wardrobe.
Image by Freepik via Freepik.com.
Green Grass Design Shop
For a unique gifting idea that's sustainably produced, visit Green Grass Design Shop on 4th Avenue. They design, create and make delightful things that you're sure to love using laser cutting! Green Grass Design has also created a unique environment for their designers and those in their upskilling workshops to create beautiful products. Visit their online store and browse through their selection of intricate boxes, coasters, dominoes, bunting banners and much more. They are proudly South African and their products reflect an eclectic mix of our different cultural roots.
Visit Green Grass Design Shop.
MØDERNIST
Looking for trendy couches to furnish your living room? Then be sure to visit MØDERNIST. They manufacture their own range of couches and stock contemporary retail products from local designers. They specialise in imported Danish mid-century furniture as well as international pieces that are from the same period. Other than stunning furniture, they provide restoration and re-upholstery services for your well-loved yet falling-apart furniture items. They also stock a variety of retail products including lighting by Hoi P'loy and MOS, as well as paintings by Allan Barnsley.
Image from MODERNIST.
Tshirt Terrorist
T-shirt culture is a thing, which is why Tshirt Terrorist is just the store to visit if you're looking for the coolest, trendiest and most unique t-shirts to add to your collection. They stock their own brand, as well as guest labels and smaller, independent designers whose work they treasure and want their shoppers to discover. You can expect to find ballsy, intelligent, niche t-shirt designs for bold, outspoken, self-styled individuals.
Santos
From storage related products to décor items for you home, Santos on the corner of 4th Avenue and 7th Street is just the place to visit and browse through. Take a look at their range of lifestyle furniture, storage solutions, home accessories, lighting and more. There's sure to be something to suit your home, style, budget and needs. Their factory also allows for custom-made designs if you're looking for something specific.
Image from Santos Parkhurst via Facebook.
Cloud+Co
Moms and dads and parents-to-be, if you're looking to spoil your little bundle of joy with new toys, stylish clothing and other cute accessories or need to prepare with some newborn essentials, Cloud+Co on 4th Avenue is a must-visit. This lifestyle store for children aims to provide parents with only the best products that are organic and ethically made and sourced, both locally and internationally.
Antigone Art & Antiques
Antigone Art & Antiques buy and sell unusual and rare antique pieces on 4th Avenue in Parkhurst. This spot is well worth the visit if you love antiques and would like to take an interesting journey back into the past. The store is filled with unique items. To name a few that's on their website at the moment (August 2020): a Vintage Vampire Kit circa 1880; a Carousel Horse circa 1940; Herman Moll Map of the World (1719); and a fine Stinkwood Rusbank circa 1860.
Visit Antigone Art & Antiques.
Image by Jcomp via Freepik.com.
African Fashion International is opening its Johannesburg Fashion Week experience on 10 October 2019 with the highly billed 'African Fashion Unites' show. With a tantalizing fusion of African cuisine and music on their menu, this will be accompanied by a Pan-African fashion showcase with designers Christie Brown from Ghana; Maxhosa by South Africa's finest and innovative knitwear brand, founded in 2012, by Laduma Ngxokolo; Gavin Rajah (South Africa); Eric Raisina (Madagascar); Mai Atafo (Nigeria); Kahindo Mateena (DRC/USA); Laurence Airline (Ivory Coast); KLûK CGDT (South Africa); Moshions (Rwanda) and South Africa's contemporary athleisure brand, Nao Serati, founded in 2014 by Neo Serati. The brand champions unapologetic self expression in unisex garments that explore the margins of gender and sexuality, creating awareness around what is a man or woman in modern-day Africa.
Photo: African Fashion International
What To look Out For
Expect an opening show featuring performances by renowned artists such as South Africa's very own hip-hop star, Cassper Nyovest, much celebrated Nigerian artist, Fela Kuti and the exceptional Ndlovu Youth Choir, with a special Pan-African menu designed by multi award-winning chef, Coco Reinarhz of Epicure Restaurant.
Photo: African Fashion International
"Africa Belongs To Africans"
AFI Founder, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, who is a recipient of the Franca Sozzani Award for her active work in creating space for African Fashion designers globally, stated that the core of this year's AFI Johannesburg Fashion Week is to "unite the continent in its diversity".
"AFI believes in the promise of Africa. With the recently concluded continent-wide AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area), the continent has a large enough market to increase intra-African trade," says Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe.
Thebe Magugu (LVMH Young Fashion Designer) interviewed by AFI Director, Dr Precious Moloi Motsepe, at the 2019 AFI Fast Track fashion show. Photo: Supplied
Designers
Thursday: 10 October 2019
19:00: Gavin Rajah - South Africa
20:00: David Tlale - South Africa
21:00: Masango by Siphosihle - South Africa, House of Jahdara - Nigeria
21:30: Keletso Moraba - South Africa, Taússy Daniel - Mozambique
Friday: 11 October 2019
19:00: Loin Cloth and Ashes - South Africa
20:00: Rich Factory - South Africa
21:00: PALSE - South Africa
21:30: Taibo Bacar - Mozambique
Saturday: 12 October 2019
12:00 - 14:00: AFI INSIDER: MASTERCLASS
17:00: Sai Sankoh - Sierra Leone/ United States of America
18:00: Kreyann' - Cameroon, Khosi Nkosi - South Africa
19:15: Laurence Airline - Ivory Coast, Sheria Ngowi - Tanzania
20:15: Ituen Basi - Nigeria, La Art Neviole Emporuim - South Africa
21:00: OM Style Avenue - South Africa
Dr Precious Moloi Motsepe seated front row with Gavin Rajah and Suzy Menkes. Photo: Supplied.
Venue
Theme
Celebrating Africa, be on the look out for the #IAmAfrica hashtag!
Be the first to shop designer collections straight from the runway at AFI’s Designer Boutique pop-up store! For more details, go to www.africanfashioninternational.com.
Bring a friend and celebrate Africa’s creative spirit at AFI Joburg Fashion Week!
Photo: African Fashion International
Slim Chinos
Feel like wearing pants that ooze style and comfort all in one? Look no further than the slim-fit chino. These pants were designed to wear to business meetings, weddings and dinner parties. No wardrobe is complete without them. Grab a pair.
Converse All Stars
A man should be judged by the Chuck Taylor All Stars in his closet. There's a very good reason why these shoes have become a cult classic with every generation since the 70s. They are the perfect sneakers to wear to the shops, to the club or to the braai.
A Stylish Watch
Skip the digital and go for an analogue watch with a leather strap, crafted by a reputable watchmaker. The number one rule when choosing a watch is that the large ones go with metal straps and the smaller ones go with materials such as leather and nylon. The watch-to-wrist ratio is something to keep in mind as well, so pick a timepiece that fits the size of your wrist properly.
Black Lace-Ups
It's all about the round toe and square heel here. Skip the square toe bravado. Shoes are not just there to protect your feet but should blend in with what you are wearing. Mismatched shoes can ruin an outfit immediately.
Infinity Scarf
It's always best to be prepared for cold days and that's why a wool-knit infinity scarf is a must-have. Not only is it stylish but it serves a purpose – to keep your neck warm, of course. Be sure to choose a colour that will fit most of your winter jackets and jerseys – we suggest going for a neutral colour such as grey or brown.
Gloves
Choosing the right gloves for winter is trickier than you might think. Things to keep in mind are the material it's made from, the insulation it offers, practicality and look. When it comes to the appearance of the gloves, be sure to pick one that looks the least like a murder's choice.
Leather Belt
This item is worth its weight in gold. Make sure that the belt buckle is no bigger than your index, middle and ring fingers put together. If you really want a belt buckle that reads 'Everything is Bigger in Texas', then do so at your own discretion. Choose good-quality, tanned leather which will not only last but also fit your wardrobe. The belt should work with your Levi's on a Saturday and your slim-fit chinos on Monday.
White Button-Up Shirt
Just a plain, button-up shirt, pressed and as a white as snow is all there is to it. Look for a shirt without the buttons on the collars – unless you're going to appear in court any time soon. This item should be safeguarded, only woken from its slumber when it's your time to shine. Movers and shakers need a white button-up shirt.
V-Neck Shirt
The best part about a V-neck is that you can wear it to work or play. The hard and fast rule about picking any kind of short sleeve is the material. You need something that is light and can breathe and feels great against your skin as you strut down the street. Please, just make sure the V is not too low. Please.
Cashmere Sweater
Cashmere wool is made from cashmere goats and although it's pricey, it's worth every cent. Neutral colours will match the rest of your closet.
By Shawn Greyling