The #JockeyLovesLocal heritage month campaign, which included an online voting competition for SA’s favourite design by two local designers – which Jockey South Africa hosted, has been won by Durban-based designer, Siphelele Ntombela from African Renaissance Designs.
Born and bred in Ladysmith, Siphelele has always drawn inspiration from his late mother Joyce Nosimilo Ntombela and his older brother Nkululeko Ntombela. His fresh prints, rich textures and inspired collections have gained him much acclaim over the years. According to Siphelele, his winning design is deeply rooted in an intimate relationship between shapes and colours.
“For my locally inspired #JockeyLovesLocal design that seems to have really resonated with the public, I incorporated detailed outlines and artistic silhouettes that were paired with a beautifully feminine colour palette to create a patchwork of cultural richness that complements every style and shape,” explains an extremely grateful and elated Siphelele.
Over the years Siphelele has accumulated several accolades as a designer, and has also featured on many runways including being selected as one of 50 Design Indaba Emerging Creatives, and has showcased his work at leading galleries and exhibitions across the country. This latest accolade saw Siphelele take home R15 000 cash and a contract to produce a limited-edition range to be released in time for Christmas.
