WeeklySA_AdminCONTEMPORARY: Black-owned fashion entity celebrates Africa’s rich cultural tapestry by designing and crafting art blankets and textiles…
By Ido Lekota
African culture, deeply rooted in the philosophy of Ubuntu—”I am because we are”—has been increasingly propagated globally through fashion, art, and music.
This interconnectedness and communal ethos are reflected in creative expressions that celebrate identity, heritage, and shared humanity.
In this context, African fashion has become a global phenomenon, with designers and brands drawing inspiration from Ubuntu’s emphasis on unity and collective identity.
One such brand is ZyleClothing, a South African-based Afrocentric fashion house that celebrates Africa’s rich cultural tapestry by designing and crafting wearable art blankets and textiles. These pieces serve as canvases for the continent’s cultural narratives, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics.
Founded by fashion and textile designer Phumzile Ntuli, ZyleClothing is built on the belief that fashion should be more than just clothing—it should be a medium for self-expression and storytelling.
Through her designs, Ntuli enables individuals to share stories of their life experiences, dreams, and aspirations. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted using premium materials and techniques, resulting in heirloom-quality creations that combine functionality and beauty.
“We aim to bridge the gap between the past and the present by connecting generations and cultures through the universal language of art, fashion, and storytelling. At ZyleClothing, we blend age-old techniques with contemporary aesthetics to create high-quality, culturally inspired fashion that empowers individuals to express their unique style and celebrate their heritage,” explains Ntuli.
She adds, “Our commitment to preserving and promoting African culture is at the heart of everything we do.
From the intricate patterns inspired by traditional textiles to the symbolism woven into every design, each ZyleClothing piece pays homage to the rich heritage of our continent.”
ZyleClothing is a vibrant and forward-thinking African fashion brand that celebrates Africa’s cultural diversity through contemporary design. The brand is committed to cultural fusion, ethical production, and sustainability, establishing itself as a leading voice in the African fashion landscape. Through a mosaic of colours, patterns, and storytelling, ZyleClothing not only showcases Africa’s cultural beauty but also empowers local artisans and communities.
Ntuli and her team have initiated programs aimed at preserving Africa’s legacy of craftsmanship while fostering skills development and economic participation. One such initiative is the Threads of Heritage programme, which targets individuals with disabilities aged 18 to 45 who are interested in storytelling, art, textile, or fashion design. The programme’s objectives include:
· Facilitating skills development and economic participation opportunities for people with disabilities.
· Creating employment and training opportunities for unemployed artisans in the fashion industry.
The programme combines theoretical learning on various aspects of the fashion industry—such as design and production—with work-integrated learning to ensure job readiness. ZyleClothing runs this initiative in partnership with the I Am an African Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting African unity, and Kulture Xchange, a Southern African platform that organises events celebrating African culture, arts, and fashion.
Recently African fashion has become a global phenomenon, with designers and brands drawing inspiration from Ubuntu’s emphasis on unity and collective identity.
The global recognition of African fashion is further driven by the Ubuntu-inspired approach of African designers, who emphasize respect for humanity and nature. This aligns with the global shift toward sustainable fashion, as many designers adopt eco-friendly practices and support local communities, promoting ethical consumption.
African textiles – such as Ingubo (the Blanket) which Ntuli uses – have gained international acclaim for their cultural significance, representing community, history, and shared values. This recognition underscores the growing appreciation for African culture, rooted in Ubuntu, which is being shared globally through fashion, art, and music.
This cultural exchange not only celebrates African heritage but also enriches the global community, reminding us all of the universal truth: “I am because we are.” Through creativity and collaboration, African culture continues to inspire and unite people across the world, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
