MOVUNDLELA

LOOK 8: “GODDESS OF CREATION DRESS” The closing look concludes BOMMA beautifully and powerfully. Out emerges the final form of BOMMA, the GODDESS OF CREATION DRESS. A glistening halter-neck top and a mini skirt, constructed by Tanaka Chada @deityaccessoriesbytanaka using chain-linked deep pink jewels, command the light and announce their presence. Spanish designer Paco Rabanne’s futuristic pieces gave way for this look. Each jewel is oval-shaped, resembling the Bantu symbols for “mother”, “source”, and “goddess of creation”; symbols that empower, celebrate, and hold womxn at high esteem in a way that hasn’t been seen lately.  A white tulle skirt is attached to the jewel skirt with hooks, signaling an experience that is universal yet unique to each: the transition from girlhood to womxnhood. The piercing white nylon tulle echoes the blank slate at each phase of womxnhood – the figuring it out, the starting again, the slow and steady beginning of a new chapter after a lifetime lived. Hot pink latex cut out gloves slink up the arms like a reminder. A reminder of the many emotions and experiences that pink has held in BOMMA.  Pink appears repeatedly throughout the collection as a dynamic and evolving hue. It appears as a different phase of a womxn’s life and as individual womxn who we know, who we are, and who we love. The colour that is often associated with innocence, softness, immaturity, and frivolity has been reclaimed in BOMMA and reimagined as power, sensuality, strength, competence, and intelligence, allowing it complexity and dimension, and subverting harmful stereotypes.  Wig styled by Dineo @bad.her.day Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR / Group of Cr @samenswearweek from @therealjozicollective Curated by @thobekambane Words by Legae @aspiring_unic0rn Model: @tallgirl_31 Jozi Collective Team: @maipelo_ @queenlohaanda @youvaaaani @opedac0st

LOOK 7: “ITSHALI COAT” and “BOMMA BELL-BOTTOM JEANS” Look 7 recognises the duality in people; everyone houses feminine and masculine energies within them. BOMMA invites people to be themselves and to be unafraid of their energies.  The BOMMA matriarchy is not exclusive. It’s loving and accepting of people as they are.  The ITSHALI COAT, made from a variety of Maasai shuka cloths, with contrasting plaid on the sleeves and belt, plays with the idea of conformity and cohesion. The plaid button closures don’t blend into the cloth, instead they add to the commotion and continue to clash against the fabrics. BOMMA BELL-BOTTOM JEANS made from the reverse side of 100% cotton denim, introduce a softness to the look and break the clashing check patterns from the coat, a silent rebellion true to the 70s. The jeans, constructed by Maanda Makhuvha @schieck_ , are a subdued and quiet grey against the striking and conspicuous coat, reflecting the dual energies that exist within everyone. Black shoes customised with pink feathers soften the look further and balance out the shifting textures. A dark purple patent leather hat ties the look together, worn sideways and subverting its own serious nature. At the same time the pink briefcase makes a statement and initiates a serious case for pink. Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR / Group of Cr @samenswearweek from @therealjozicollective Curated by @thobekambane Words by Legae @aspiring_unic0rn Model: @22homiiedch Jozi Collective Team: @maipelo_ @queenlohaanda @youvaaaani @opedac0st

LOOK 6: “BOMMA PINK JACKET” and “INKOSAZANA PINK MINI” As an attempt to get to know her mother better, Mmaphuti has used archived images of her mother – specifically her fashion style in the 90s – as a reference when designing BOMMA. She found that her mother’s wardrobe was not shy of the colour pink – a reminder that they are more alike than she thought.  Look 6 is a reinterpretation of a pink power suit her mother wore in some images; a double breasted jacket with prominent shoulder pads and a knee-length pencil skirt. The jacket, made from a hot pink 100% cotton slab, lined with pink silk satin, is a more modern approach from the 90s jacket worn by Mmaphuti’s mother. The lapels completely fold over the shoulder to reveal the neck and shoulder of the wearer. While the jacket is also double breasted, it wears like a baseball jacket: slouchy, spacious, and unrestricting.  The INKOSAZANA MINI is the second piece of this set. An inverted pleat ensures the wearer’s movement is liberated while keeping the straight and slick silhouette of the skirt. Jackie Kennedy’s pink tweed suit was a second reference for this look. While Jackie’s pink suit is remembered as a symbol of scrutiny and tragedy, the BOMMA PINK JACKET and INKOSAZANA MINI are confrontational pieces liberating womxn from societal expectations and embracing all complexities of womxnhood. The look is complete with pastel pink sunglasses from Vogue Eyewear and underneath the jacket, a red jewel top by Tanaka Chada @deityaccessoriesbytanaka . The signature hot pink tights make an appearance, accompanied by a second iteration of the TASSEL SHOES.  Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR / Group of Cr @samenswearweek from @therealjozicollective Curated by @thobekambane Words by Legae @aspiring_unic0rn Mode: Azania Jozi Collective Team: @maipelo_ @queenlohaanda @youvaaaani @opedac0st

LOOK 5: “BOMMA SHIRT”, “INKABA NECKLACE”, “ITSHALI SKIRT”, and “BOMMA DUFFLE BAG” Look five continues the working theme in an homage to working mothers. The BOMMA SHIRT, in a dusty pink cotton, is a more tactile iteration of the BOMMA LACE SHIRT in look three. The shirt carries the same signature collar; sharp and unceasing.  The INKABA NECKLACE with hot pink tassels is a visceral representation of a mother’s tether to her child. “Inkaba” means umbilical cord in Northern IsiNdebele. The necklace acts as a token for a mother’s reason to wake up each morning: to provide for her children. The ITSHALI SKIRT is a knee-length A-line handkerchief plaid skirt that allows for full mobility. Made from a Maasai shuka cloth, the skirt falls over the curves nicely, allowing the wearer to show off their shape. Inspiration for the ITSHALI SKIRT and INKABA NECKLACE was drawn from Senzeni Marasela’s @senzenimarasela “Waiting for Gebane”, a series of tapestries with red thread embroidered through itshali shawls. Itshali provides its wearer with protection and acts as a symbol of womanhood.  The BOMMA DUFFLE BAG carries the tools needed to get through the day. A glossy neon pink patent leather with dark purple contrast panels and piping, complete with a flower pattern strap, the bag serves in function while being uncompromising in style. TASSEL SHOES reworked with hot pink rope hold the same sentiment as the INKABA NECKLACE, each step carrying the dreams she has for her children. Wig styled by Dineo @bad.her.day Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR / Group of Cr @samenswearweek from @therealjozicollective Curated by @thobekambane Words by Legae @aspiring_unic0rn Mode: Azania Jozi Collective Team: @maipelo_ @queenlohaanda @youvaaaani @opedac0sta

LOOK 4: “PUTTY PINK WOMXN AT WORK BOILER SUIT” Look 4 is MOVUNDLELA’S take on the boiler suit, initially made for men, and adopted by women during WWll. Inspired by Mmaphuti’s personal pink tiger boiler suit, the PUTTY PINK WOMXN AT WORK BOILER SUIT is an unequivocal embrace of femininity.  In the English language, the word “woman” suggests that wo-men are an extension of men. A conversation with feminist activist and artist, Brownyn @b.the.mangata brought to light the word “womxn” as a linguistic tool to redefine womanhood separate from “man” and inclusive of intersecting identities.  Pink is often used to box us and put us down. The boilersuit is a bold reclamation of the colour pink. Pink puffy sleeves give the boilersuit a hyper feminine and unapologetically “girly” style, while giving the wearer a choice to shorten or lengthen the sleeves. The piece cinches at the waist, highlighting one’s curves rather than hiding them. Clothing made for women has very limited pocket space, the cargo pockets combat that. The boiler suit, made from cotton twill, ensures comfort without compromising style. The long ties used to cinch the sleeves and the pockets can be tied into pretty bows, adding a coquette touch. Hot pink heels complete the look, detailed with grommets and adding a utilitarian touch.  A picture of Dr Esther Mahlangu sitting on scaffolding and painting a mural while in full Ndebele garb was a huge inspiration for this piece. That image is a proclamation that womxnhood is not a restriction.  Wig styled by Dineo @bad.her.day Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR / Group of Cr @samenswearweek from @therealjozicollective Curated by @thobekambane Words by Legae @aspiring_unic0rn Model: Tyler Jozi Collective Team: @maipelo_ @queenlohaanda @youvaaaani @opedac0sta

LOOK 3: “BOMMA LACE SHIRT” and “INKOSAZANA MINI” Look three is an ode to the mother of Mmaphuti Movundlela. The BOMMA LACE SHIRT with 70s style bellow sleeves and a sharp statement collar is reminiscent of a maternity dress her mother wore while pregnant with her in December 1997 in Tembisa township. Scalloping at the hem references the scallop detailing on the maternity dress.  The delicacy of the pale pink lace shirt – crafted from repurposed lace – is contrasted with the deep royal purple INKOSAZANA MINI, tight against the body. An inverted pleat center front of the skirt breaks the smoothness of the satin and makes the wearer’s movement less restricted. Airy lace against heavy satin. Pastel pink against jewel-toned purple. The nature of these two pieces is vastly different yet in complete agreement to create a powerful office look. Much like the duality of her mother: soft and nurturing at home, stern and assertive at work.  Hot pink tights carry on the crucial motif of BOMMA, tying the look together and making it visually striking. Tie-up heels upcycled with reworked phone cables lead inkosazana – meaning young lady in Northern isiNdebele – to transition into a night out straight after the office.  Asymmetrical Wig styled by Dineo @bad.her.day Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR / Group of Cr @sdrphoto @samenswearweek from @therealjozicollective Curated by @thobekambane Words by Legae @aspiring_unic0rn Model GINA @gina_walker.xx Jozi Collective Team: @maipelo_ @queenlohaanda @youvaaaani @opedac0st

LOOK 2: “SECOND ISIKHUMBA SET” Look two resembles a party girl on a night out stepping into visibility and self-expression. A printed cow leather ensemble in electric purple with black leopard spots commands attention. The use of CG leather – skin that has been treated and refined – echoes how identity is shaped over time. The three-panel racer jacket sits and floats on the body, balancing structure with ease. The back and side of the jacket is crafted from pink, diamond-shaped leather panels, upcycled from pre-loved leather jackets. These diamond ♢ motifs reference Ndebele visual language, where geometric forms carry layered meanings connected to identity. A stand collar, removable with a double zip closure, introduces versatility and edge. Lining the center front of the jacket is a silver double-ended zip, which allows the wearer to control what is revealed and what is concealed. Low-waisted hot pants complete the look, sitting at the hips and cut to hover just below the jacket. A short silver zip at the crotch adds a provocative detail, confronting ideas of modesty and ownership of the body. Both pieces are fully lined with a soft pink cashmere blend, bringing an unexpected softness to a look that is otherwise unapologetic and tactile. This look was developed in collaboration with leather specialist Thando Nombida @nombidaofficial , whose knowledge was integral to the construction and realisation of the piece with help from Maanda Makhuvha @schieck_ who assisted with the pattern development of the jacket. Asymmetrical Wig styled by Dineo @bad.her.day Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR / Group of Cr @sdrphoto @samenswearweek @leroy_koopman from @therealjozicollective Curated by @thobekambane Words by Legae @aspiring_unic0rn Model: Hannah Jozi Collective Team: @maipelo_ @queenlohaanda @youvaaaani @opedac0sta

Look 1 “Isigolwani Mesh DRESS” The opening look introduces the main motif for MOVUNDLELA AW26 BOMMA: Pink. In this look, heritage is in conversation with reinterpretation. The Isigolwani Dress is a merging of Ndebele tradition and 1970s shape or rather, the lack thereof. The sheer, body conscious, hot pink nylon mesh contours the figure, extending into long sleeves and falling below the knees. Worn directly on the skin, the transparency becomes a gesture of vulnerability and truth. The body is visible, present, and unguarded, challenging ideas of modesty, femininity, and control. The silhouette draws from Space Age Mod fashion while remaining close to the body. The rings on the neckline and at the wrists imitate that of the Ndebele isigolwani, which are thick, beaded hoops of woven grass that are worn by married Ndebele women and older girls upon initiation. A delicate black lettuce edge hem finishes the dress, adding subtle contrast that grounds the softness of the bright pink. The look is completed with a pink tights and 100% wool Crystal Birch hat and sourced, reworked, and reconstructed footwear. Credit: Simon Deiner / SDR / Group of Cr @samenswearweek from @therealjozicollective Curated by @thobekambane Words by Legae @aspiring_unic0rn Model: Nebula Jozi Collective Team: @maipelo_ @queenlohaanda @youvaaaani @opedac0sta

Autumn Winter Highlights From @_movundlela Presented by @samenswearweek | @weekoffashionza 🎥 @031.k03 | @marshall.morton

MOVUNDLELA will be showing its first offering “BOMMA” in Cape Town this Saturday at SA Menswear Week @samenswearweek alongside Jozi Collective @therealjozicollective : Home as you know it curated by Thobeka Mbane @thobekambane . SA WEEK OF FASHION 25 APRIL 2026 8:30PM LONGKLOOF PRECINCT, GARDENS, CPT Images by: @imraanchristian Styling: @phutistyles Model: @tosin_d_sui

MY MOM