Stephanie Bentum

Stephanie Bentum is a textile designer producing contemporary textiles using high-quality, mainly locally sourced, sustainable raw materials and following eco-friendly processing methods, focusing on innovation and experimentation in her design methods. She has designed textiles for some of South Africa's leading fashion designers; and works in collaboration with designers and retailers creating custom designs as well as her own exclusive product ranges.

Twyg Award Winner

Features

Resources and materials

Works primarily with locally sourced animal fibres, including hemp, silk, and linen
Processed Merino wool is sourced from Gerber & Co in Paarl
Processed mohair is sourced from SAMIL

Making and manufacturing

All textiles are made in-house
Rainwater is harvested, used, and reused throughout the manufacturing process
Wastewater is used to create compost, which is then used to grow plants for natural dyes
Wool scraps and rejects are composted

Social and cultural

What cannot be made in-house is completed by small, locally-run businesses, the majority of which are woman-owned
Involved in a community project in Loxton, Northern Cape which includes teaching the basics of felt-making, wool washing, combing and carding as well as working on product development

Product and design

Designs concepts and develops textiles for specific purposes or works in collaboration with other designers
Textiles are produced on commission or for Stephanie’s own range of products, generating minimal off-cuts or waste

Packaging and distribution

Uses unprinted newspaper paper for wrapping and re-uses, where possible, cardboard boxes for packaging
Swing tags are made from paper, and labels are made from cotton