5 Creative Directors Killing It
Words by Kendra Hunsley It takes a special kind of person to steer the narrative of a fashion brand. From formulating design concepts across all spectrums to constantly having to perform hat tricks and pull out fresh and innovative ideas when required, creative directing is at the very least not an easy task. Below are […]
Maftown’s Impact on SA Hip Hop
Words by Mercia Tucker Mafikeng is home to some of South Africa’s most talented and celebrated artists. When considering the cultural capital of South African music and entertainment spaces in the 90s, however, Maftown hardly came to mind. Kwaito took the urban youth by storm as the centre of a cultural revolution that validated a […]
Store of the Month: Shelflife Johannesburg
Words by Azola Mona Founded on graffiti and street art in 2006 the natively Cape Townian, Shelflife was the first streetwear store in Africa. To date, the retail streetwear and sneaker store has held the local urban/street and sneaker culture down for over a decade. In that time, the store has grown from strength to […]
The Rise of Virgil Abloh
Words by Kendra Hunsley The insurgency taking place within the fashion industry is one that cannot be ignored and has the entire industry in hysteria. There’s a wave of modern fashion designers and creative directors who have infiltrated the traditionalist fashion scene as we’ve come to know it and are disrupting its paradigm. Demna […]
10 Most Iconic Jordan’s
Words by Lesedi Baipone “I thought Jordan’s and a gold chain was living it up” – Nas / Street dreams Today’s athletes are not just athletes but are part celebrity and part business brands. Athletes are extremely marketable as they bring in big returns for businesses that investment in them. Endorsement deals have become highly important […]
Top 10 Business Lessons I have Learned from Jay Z
Words by Nick Kaoma “More than a Hustler, I’m the Definition of it” Shawn Corey Carter is one of the most astute, charming and savvy men walking God’s green earth today. Everything Mr. Carter touches seems to turn into platinum. Like many millions of hip hop fans around the world I’m a huge fan of […]
Top 10 Urban Brands That Should Make a Comeback
Words by Mzo Gcwabe Nostalgia was first coined by Johannes Hofer in the 1680s as a diagnosis for the painful longing for “home” experienced by soldiers that spent an extended time out in the field. For many of us today nostalgia is less of a deep yarning to return home but a powerful need to […]
Feature: Until Until
Words by Caron Williams Great movements are marked by an incredible vision. They offer a sense of community, an identity and an ethos that resonates profoundly with a set group of people. They fundamentally mold and shift culture, and ultimately propel the culture as a whole to new heights. A South African movement which has […]
Hip Hop & Luxury Brands
Words by Kendra Hunsley For as long as we can remember, luxury brands have been a formidable force within hip hop culture. For years, rappers have referenced numerous luxury brands within their music. These brands represent a sense of aspiration and what one is able to acquire once they’ve “made it”. Although that still rings […]
SA Hip Hop Brand Kings
Words by Mercia Tucker “The Superstar shoe was dead. The shoe was dead. And Run-D.M.C. singlehandedly brought that shoe back” said Angelo Anastasio, Marketing Director for Adidas 1984-1991. It was Russell Simmons’ idea for the group to record a track about My Adidas, but it was Lyor Cohen’s business acumen that had them pitch a […]
Separating the artist from their art
Words by Mercia Tucker “Can you separate an artist from their art?” is an old question but is still a relevant one. That there exists in the world a bond stronger than an exceptional artist’s with his art, I’m not convinced. A birthing doesn’t seem an adequate descriptor. It doesn’t quite capture that, unlike with […]
Breaking Bread with Farah Fortune
Farah Fortune. A name synonymous with tenacity and drive, this PR pit bull in heels is the accomplished head of African Star Communications. The incarnation of her Arabic name, meaning ‘joy’, Farah is jovial as we meet to have lunch at Piza e Vino, and discuss her life, career, pitfalls, and pleasures. Much more than […]