Boasting chic silhouettes with classic feminine details such as frills, ruffles, ruching, and cinched waists, fashion brand Fikile Sokhulu is every fashion girl’s dream.
Founded by fashion designer and style maestro Fikile Zamagcino Sokhulu, the brand offers perennial contemporary garments that stand the test of time. Having graduated from the Milano Fashion Institute, the Durban-born designer is a seasoned master of her craft.
Through her idiosyncratic fashion label, Fikile aims to visualise the concept of femininity and all its nuanced components. Additionally, Fikile aspires to contribute to the elevation of African fashion on the global stage – a feat that she achieved when she was selected as one of the four South African designers to participate in the 2021 Fashion Bridges project in Italy. Their initiative culminated in a joint capsule collection that was showcased at Milan Fashion Week and SA Fashion Week in the same year.
“Being one of the four South African fashion designers who took part in the 2021 Fashion Bridges project in Italy will always be one of my proudest achievements. I learned so much from that experience and I still apply some of the lessons I learned in my fashion label to this day”, shares Fikile.
The contemporary brand showcased its latest Spring/ Summer collection alongside fellow local labels ‘IMPRINT’ and ‘Micheal Ludwig Studio’ at South African Fashion Week (SAFW), as part of the Cruz Vodka-sponsored show The Cruz Collective. Expectedly, the premier fashion platform was well-attended by various local entertainment industry tastemakers, including media personality Bonang Matheba and veteran musician, Yvonne Chakaka. Notably, this was not Fikile Sokhulu’s first SAFW rodeo.
In 2018, the fashion designer was a finalist in the popular ‘SA Fashion Week Talent Search Competition.’ Keeping the momentum going, she collaborated with retailer MR Price for a modish capsule collection.
Speaking about her showcase at the fashion extravaganza, Fikile expressed gratitude for the platform and its commitment to spotlight young designers.
“South African Fashion Week has been a really good platform for showcasing my work and bringing awareness to the Fikile Sokhulu fashion brand. The platform has been consistent in giving young designers an opportunity to illustrate their work which is very important for the local fashion industry”, shares Fikile.
“I am especially pleased that SAFW and MR Price have joined forces for the ‘Talent Search Competition.’ As someone who participated in the competition, and later collaborated with the retailer, I know how beneficial it can be for brand awareness.”
“Collaborating with Mr Price was a dream. It was the first time that I worked with a major retail store. I would be delighted to get a similar opportunity in the future.”
Having fostered career growth through community, Fikile urges young designers to build good relationships with fashion industry stakeholders, including their peers.
“It’s very important to build good relationships with the people you work with. Collaboration is a very big part of fashion, especially in the current landscape. Therefore, it’s important to be willing to work with other people”, shares Fikile.
“Aside from collaboration, it’s also important to master your craft. I would advise young designers to work on their crafts so they can be confident and create good work.”
When prompted about people she admires in the fashion industry, Fikile eagerly mentioned illustrious fashion designer, Lukhanyo Mdingi.
“Lukhanyo’s work is amazing. I collaborated with him on a collection presented at SA Fashion Week in 2022 and learned a lot from the experience.”
Fashion Quiz with Fikile Sokhulu
How would you describe your personal style?
Cozy. I love feeling comfortable in whatever I choose to wear.
Aside from cozy clothes, I also like menswear…but for women. *Laughs*
Which fashion rule do you live by?
Comfort first! If you’re comfortable in it, wear it.
What is your favourite winter item?
I like trench coats. They are stylish and comfortable.
Which season do you enjoy designing for most?
Well, most of our garments are transcendental so I’m indifferent to seasons.
As for plans for the future, Fikile tells us to be ready for growth, and exciting projects to come!
