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Introducing Rethabile Koro
Raised in Soweto , her story begins in a lively, close-knit environment that grounded her in family, culture, and a deep sense of self. Today, that same foundation travels with her across borders, as she builds an international modelling career in Vietnam . What started as a passing suggestion from friends has evolved into something far more intentional. After navigating rejection and self-doubt, Rethabile Koro carved her own path into the modelling industry, one defined by

Khaya Mnisi
Mar 277 min read


INSIDE THE H&M AUTUMN/WINTER SOUND LOUNGE 2026 — FASHION AS A LANGUAGE
Fashion and music met in Johannesburg as H&M introduced its Autumn/Winter 2026 collection through a Sound Lounge experience that brought the city’s creative crowd into one space. By Khaya Mnisi H&M South Africa marked the launch of its anticipated A/W26 collection with the A/W Sound Lounge—an elevated rooftop experience held on Saturday, 21 March at Sandton City in Johannesburg. Blending fashion and music against the city skyline, the event unfolded as a curated celebration

Khaya Mnisi
Mar 223 min read


Fashion Is Not Just Clothes: Mkhetwa Baloyi on Culture, Fashion Criticism, and Building a South African Archive
South African fashion doesn’t suffer from a lack of talent — it suffers from a lack of documentation. In this conversation, fashion journalist and cultural analyst Mkhetwa Baloyi , founder of DeMode Journaliste — a visual and editorial platform dedicated to documenting, dissecting, and defining the South African fashion narrative — reflects on observation as a practice, criticism as cultural infrastructure, and why fashion literacy matters as much as the clothes themselves.

Khaya Mnisi
Jan 3019 min read


Fashion Designer | Nompumelelo Nhlapo
In this interview, we talked about creativity, identity, and the ways we see ourselves. We discussed how criticism can either hold you back or fuel your growth, the small acts of rebellion that become bold statements, and the journey of showing up unapologetically in a space that doesn’t always make room for you. It’s honest, reflective, and full of moments that make you rethink what it means to create and belong. Photograph by Retang Sebeka. Courtesy of Nompumelelo Nhlapo It

Khaya Mnisi
Oct 22, 20259 min read


Fashion Model | Marie- Noelle Grabobe
Photograph by Yawa Asiedu I am Marie-Noëlle Graobé, an international fashion model originally from Doukoula, a small village in the...

Khaya Mnisi
Sep 29, 20253 min read


Creative Director | Gontse Crisp
Gontse, the driving force behind Balatronstudio's market presence. As a key member of the team and partner to Jean, Gontse shares her...

Khaya Mnisi
Sep 25, 20252 min read


Photographer | Michelle Perkins
Michelle Perkins on why low rates are not just crippling the photographer, but the industry as a whole. A reminder for creatives to know...

Khaya Mnisi
Sep 10, 20255 min read


Fashion Designer | Jean- Claude Wabenga
“Balatron studio is a message to every young brand out there that you don’t just put a logo on a t-shirt and call it a day. You team up...

Khaya Mnisi
Sep 8, 20252 min read


A Conversation with South African supermodel Abulele Ngcangata
Meet supermodel Abulele, born and bred in Johannesburg North. Abu talks to us about her early experiences with modelling and the power that came from realizing her own beauty and presenting it 'confidently' to the world. That same confidence has made it possible for her to work with some of the best creatives in the fashion industry. Photography Laurence Moorcroft Abulele is the great example of creatives who respect their craft and embody it in a way that's infectious. Word

Khaya Mnisi
Aug 30, 20254 min read


Hairstylist | Shamara Roper
Brixton born, South London raised, Jamaican rooted. I grew up surrounded by creativity. My mum was a hairstylist, and I still remember her bringing home a training doll head to practice on — then my little sister quickly became my real-life dolly. I’ve been having fun with hair since primary school. Once my mum saw I could cainrow and handle styles, she passed me the baton, and just like that, I became the family hairstylist. From bedrooms to salon chairs, mobile appointments

Khaya Mnisi
Jul 21, 20254 min read


Hairstylist | Anita Makanye Onalo
Anita, a Nairobi-based hairstylist, celebrates Afrocentric beauty and empowers individuals to own their unique style.

Khaya Mnisi
Jul 16, 20253 min read
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