SHOPPING IN CAPE TOWN

The South African city may be known for shiny shopping malls, but hidden among them are quirky homegrown finds-from buzzing street markets to cool artists' studios.

- Wendy Watta

FORWARD FASHION

In 2010, Merchants on Long became the city's first concept store to focus exclusively on African fashion designers. Owner Hanneli Rupert showcases her sustainable bag label. Okapi, and stocks beautiful Xhosa-pattern sweaters from knitwear label Maxhosa Africa, as well as Thebe Magugu dresses that celebrate the country's ethnic groups. At the Mungo & Jemima flagship store at the V&A Waterfront, there's a curated edit of elegant clothing and accessories from local designers, including Min, A Bird Named Frank, and Good. On Kloof Street, AKJP Studio, founded by South African creative director Keith Henning, is the go-to for modern clothing, art, bags, and perfume by more than 40 of South Africa's most exciting designers. merchantsonlong.com: mungoandjemima.com; akipstudio.com

SMART CERAMICS

The Mother City is home to several talented ceramists, including Andile Dyalvane and Zizipho Poswa, founders of Imiso Ceramics in the arty Salt River neighbourhood. Despite having different styles, both artists weave their Xhosa traditions into their modern designs, creating referential collections such as iLobolo ("bride price"), where the clay is hand-moulded into graceful vessels shaped like pots or teardrops, sprouting horns that symbolise dowry cows. There's also the Scarified collection, representing the Xhosa traditional tattoo, where each piece is minimal and intricately marked with incisions accented by abstract painting. The owners also have a smaller location at The Old Biscuit Mill in Woodstock, which has become a dynamic hub for crafts and street food. imisoceramics.co.za

BURIED TREASURE