Rirhandzu Nukeri is a South African creative and fashion designer who showcased her collection at the African Fashion International Fashion week in Cape Town. 

Her journey as a fashion designer started at a young age, kickstarted by her passion for creativity and self-expression through clothing, “From a young age, I found myself captivated by the transformative power of fashion and its ability to convey emotions, stories, and cultural influences”, she says. 

Her journey as a fashion designer has been a dynamic and transformative experience for her. Inspired by her grandmother, who used to make clothes for her and her clients, Rirhandzu embarked on a journey of exploration and self-discovery within the fashion landscape. 

“I sought opportunities to collaborate with established fashion designers, work on freelance projects, and contribute to fashion events and showcases. These experiences allowed me to refine my craft, expand my network and gain firsthand exposure to the multifaceted nature of the industry,” she explains. 

Her journey led her to showcase her work at the African Fashion International Fashion (AFI) fashion week. For her AFI collection, Rirhandzu drew inspiration from the intersection of tradition and innovation, with a particular focus on the artistry of knitted textiles. 

“The inspiration behind my knitted collection stemmed from a deep appreciation of the tactile quality and sculptural possibilities inherent in knitted fabrics. I was intrigued by the idea of pushing the boundaries of traditional knitting techniques to create contemporary and Avant-Garde designs that would captivate and inspire.”

For the conceptualization of her collection, she immersed herself in the rich tapestry of cultural influences, exploring motifs, patterns and textures that spoke to her on a visceral level.

“My collection for AFI fashion week was a testament to the transformative power of knitted textiles, a medium for creative expression and cultural storytelling. It was an homage to tradition, a celebration of innovation, and a reflection of my ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion design while staying true to my roots,’ she states.

Designing new collections requires a lot of work and creativity. Rirhandzu takes us through her process.

“My creative process is a dynamic journey that begins with curiosity, research, and introspection. Before embarking on designing a new collection, I immerse myself in a diverse range of inspirations, from art and architecture to nature and cultural phenomena.”

She explains that this allows her to gather a wealth of ideas and stimuli that will inform the conceptual framework of her designs. Once she has established a clear vision and direction for her collection, she takes it from there. 

“I believe in the importance of marrying form and function, so I pay close attention to the practical aspects of garment construction and wearability while also striving to push creative boundaries and challenge conventions,” she says. 

She remains open to experimentation and iteration as she moves from the conceptualization phase to the actualization phase of a collection. 

“Throughout the entire creative process, I strive to maintain a balance between intuition and intentionality, allowing my instincts and emotions to guide me while also staying grounded in my design principles and objectives.” 

In essence, Her creative process is a holistic journey that celebrates the interplay of imagination, innovation and execution, “It’s a deeply personal and immersive experience that fuels my passion for fashion and drives me to continuously evolve and expand the boundaries of my craft”, she says. 

Of course, designing a collection doesn’t come without its challenges, especially when it is for a platform like the AFI Fashion Week. Along with challenges like balancing creative ideation with practical considerations of sourcing materials or meticulous time management, one of the notable challenges Rirhandzu faced was ensuring that her collection reflected her unique design aesthetic that would resonate with the audience and meet the expectations of the fashion week platform. She explains that this involved striking a balance between artistic expression and commercial viability. 

So, how does one balance creativity and commercial viability? For Rirhandzu, she approaches that challenge with a strategic mindset that emphasizes innovation, relevance, and profitability. 

“Balancing creativity and commercial viability is a delicate dance that requires careful consideration of artistic expression, market trends, and consumer preferences”, she explains. 

She intersects her creativity with several strategies, such as market research, trend forecasting, product assortment planning, cost management, and customer feedback, “In essence, I believe that creativity and commercial viability are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary elements that, when balanced effectively, drive innovation, profitability, and success in the fashion industry”, she explains. 

Despite the challenges, Rirhandzu views the experience of preparing for AFI Fashion Week as a valuable opportunity for growth, learning and self-discovery, “It taught me the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and collaboration in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in the dynamic and competitive world of fashion.”

The lessons she has learned on her journey have become the foundation for the advice she has for any young aspiring fashion designers,” My advice for aspiring designers is to cultivate their creativity, invest in their education and skill development, build meaningful relationships within the industry, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and design with integrity and purpose.”

She explains that with dedication, passion, and perseverance, aspiring designers can turn their dreams into reality and make a meaningful impact in the world of fashion. Rirhandzu will be at the next AFI Fashion Week in Cape Town (dates yet to be confirmed), and she is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. 

“Building on the momentum generated by the showcase, I have several projects and collaborations in the pipeline that I’m eager to pursue,” she shares excitedly. She also has collaborations and several projects in the works, and we cannot wait to see what she has in store for us.