Twenty years ago, Craig Jacobs left journalism to launch his fashion label Fundudzi.
“I often joke that I’d attended far too many fashion shows as a journalist and naively thought, ‘I could do this’. What truly transformed that idea into reality was meeting an incredible designer, Pumla Ngxekana.
“We shared a mutual passion for creating a label that reflected a modern African sensibility. Together we launched Fundudzi in November 2004.
“While Pumla eventually pursued other interests, including her own label Soul Spice, I chose to carry on the journey with Fundudzi,” Jacobs explained.
He celebrated his two decades in fashion by showcasing at Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit Spring Summer 24, presented by Africa Fashion International (AFI).
“For my return to CTFW, this collection is about simplicity, intention and meaning. It’s a reductive exploration of identity – who we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re headed.
“There’s strength in quiet, thoughtful storytelling and I hope this collection captures that spirit,” he said.
Pushing a brand for twenty years is no joke. Despite the challenges, Fundudzi has managed to stay relevant by sticking to its ethos of storytelling; encouraging people to view the world differently and inspiring change in themselves and the world around them.
“With my background in media and sociology, I was driven from the start to tell African stories through fabric, while fostering a deeper awareness of what we wear.
“This ethos is embodied in the name Fundudzi, which refers to a sacred lake of the vhaVenda people. According to legend, one can hear their ancestors drumming beneath its waters at night.
“Fundudzi serves as a vessel to share these stories, celebrating the rich cultural tapestry of the African continent.”
Fundudzi will unveil its latest collection on Saturday, November 30, at 5pm at Cape Town Fashion Week: The Edit Spring Summer 24.