South African fashion designers tell what Heritage Day means to them

Heritage Day is one of the biggest holidays on the South African calendar. It is celebrated annually on 24 September. The rich and diverse cultural heritage of the people living in South Africa inspires young people to create and express themselves through the traditions of their country and to share this heritage with the world, as reported by Pretoria News, a partner of TV BRICS.

Aretha Doyle, one of the local designers, celebrates each Heritage Day by creating unique accessories. South Africans are active in recycling and Doyle is one of them. Her love for recycling is evident in her eco-friendly bags.

Aretha Doyle's company not only makes handmade products from recycled materials, but also presents modernised traditional accessories, some of which are inspired by traditional African neck beads.

What she likes most about her country is the indigenous culture, the different types of food and the way traditional South African houses are built and painted.

Doyle will give a presentation in Zurich and, as it will be her international debut, she hopes the international market will like what South Africa has to offer.

Jacques Bam of the BAM Collective, who grew up in an Afrikaans home, says what he likes most about South Africa is that it is one of the most diverse countries in the world. The vibrancy and positive spirit of South Africans inspired Bam because he always keeps them in mind when designing clothes.

Bam will soon be travelling to Milan to showcase his collection at a preview ahead of South African Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2024 this October.