In this quiet interplay between material and skin, a subtle sensuality emerges, revealing beauty in restraint and strength in softness. The self is stripped of excess and distilled to its essence, while each garment becomes an extension of the body.
Faith Johnson wears Connade and IAMISIGO clogs.
Photographer: Dan Carter
Shelley Moekoena describes her brand, Connade, as a vessel for connection to oneself and to the spaces we move through. “I was inspired by this idea of a sacred space – both internal and external, where one feels truly present and where form and meaning are carefully considered.” In Second Skin, Connade‘s minimalistic approach and quiet sensuality highlight the fluid forms of her garments.
David wears IAMISIGO, The Real Crystal Birch hat, a Forge bracelet and Sevaria mules. Photographer: Dan Carter
David wears IAMISIGO translucent blue checkered print beaded dress and panelled checkered pants. Photographer: Aidan Murgatroyd
IAMISIGO approaches the body as a bio-electric landscape where human ingenuity and spiritual resonance meet. The hand-beaded blue checkered dress adorns the body in layers of light and texture. Its translucent surface equally reveals and conceals, creating a sensual interplay between skin and structure. This aligns with the brands inquiry into how the body exists in four (body, space, time and soul) dimensions.
Avuyile wears Sevaria leather tote, Sevaria mules and NUMAGOO Lupa Cap. Photographer: Dan Carter
Sevaria tote. Photographer: Dan Carter
The Sevaria bag acts as companion and adds additional volume, structure and softness to the body. The supple texture against skin creates an intimate connection between the piece and the wearer. Its sculptural silhouette echoes Second Skin’s exploration of how the body and material live in subtle harmony.
Faith wears UNI FORM feather dress. Photographer: Dan Carter
UNI FORM exists in a liminal space where discipline meets imagination. Founder Luke Radloff is creating a language of restraint and form that allows garments to emote through silhouette and touch. This sensorial philosophy is highlighted through designs embedded with subtle details and quiet technique. The invisible labour – what the designer describes as emotional tailoring – is what lends UNI FORM pieces an enduring resonance that carries memory, energy and intention which extend to an intimate connection with the wearer.
Tau wears UNI FORM ceramic breastplate and trouser.
Photographer: Dan Carter
David Bowoto wears a UNI FORM jumper and Avuyile Mantshingilane wears a Long Season shirt. Photographer: Dan Carter
Credits
Photography: Dan Carter and Aidan Murgatroyd
Fashion director: Tandekile Mkize
Models: Faith Johnson, Nondi Beattie, Avuyile Mantshingilane, David Bowoto and Tau Camelo
Fashion assistant: Qaqamba Sibayi
Hair and MUA: Toni Greenberg
Photography assistant: Aidan Margatroyd
Special thanks to AKJP Studio, Luke Radloff, Bee Diamondhead, Shelley Mokoena and Chadlee Van Wyk
Feature image: Nondi Beattie and Faith Johnson wear Connade. Photographer: Dan Carter
