A GRADE capsule collection by GRADE AFRICA and Chivas Venture 2021
Zaid Osman, the leader in South African streetwear and Grade Africa founder has teamed up with four emerging designers to create the A GRADE streetwear capsule collection. The designers consists of:
Sabelo Habalala, who’s passion for streetwear led to the creation of RICHMANSKYF, luxury streetwear that’s entirely gender neutral.
Josh Badenhorst, who created his brand, Very $orry, with a huge focus on culture, specifically around fashion, music and cars after being influenced by figures and brands like Supreme, Yeezy and Vivienne Westwood.
Robyn Agulhas, who’s love for fashion began watching her grandmother sew, bringing the story behind clothes to her brand SinChuiand.
Lindiwe Modiselle, who has always been inspired by independent women and Exploring second-hand clothing from the 80s and 90s inspired Lindewe to make Strselle - a brand that creates classics, not fashion fads.
Together with Zaid, these designers have proudly created an impactful, meaningful clothing line, entitled A GRADE.
The nine-piece collection was created through the Chivas Venture 2021 global programme, which highlights grassroots community initiatives with the aim to empower and support the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. The collection also supports local employment by sourcing and manufacturing locally in Africa.
Keeping in the theme of circular fashion and clothes with meaning, the proceeds from sales of the collection will be given back to the designers’ own businesses, enabling them to grow and keep creating, ensuring they earn personally from their work. A portion will also be donated to the Grade Africa Foundation, who’s sole mission is to eliminate extreme poverty and bring opportunities back to Africa.
The vibrant and effortlessly cool collection includes key pieces such as the Homage Jersey which celebrates South Africa’s rich rugby heritage, a sport that truly brings the country together. The Valley Two Piece, inspired by the valleys of Scotland and the mountains in Cape Town – merging two worlds into one unified story. The Grade School Varsity Jacket, featuring playing cards inspired by the hustle generation and the Fisherman Hat, referencing the fishing culture in South Africa, paying homage to the fishermen’s hard work.
The collection is available at GradeAfrica.com (& Chivas.com) and ships worldwide, priced from £12 - £128 GBP.