A suite sensation

As part of its philosophy to champion sustainable female education and leadership, as well as support South Africa’s creative industries, Standard Bank is hosting The Suite Standard Sustainability Sewn-In women’s event in Cape Town. The highly anticipated gathering takes place on 11 September at the Zeitz MOCAA Museum, and while it promises to be a celebration of style and glamour, it also amplifies bold ideas that need to be heard.

“In my mind, the conversation about sustainability is something we, as women, need to own,” says Marilyn Maki, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Cape Regions. “We have to find pockets of the things we can design and influence as they will lead to sustainability.”

On arrival, guests will be welcomed by an ambient cocktail setting. This will be followed by talks on sustainable education, focusing on Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls, and sustainable leadership, which is supported by Standard Bank’s successful campaign and podcast series, Why She Leads.

While networking with some of South Africa’s most dynamic and influential women, guests will experience farm-to-table cuisine at immersive food stations where local, seasonal flavours and artisanal craft take centre stage.

The highlight of this collaboration between Standard Bank and YourLuxury Africa is a fashion showcase featuring the latest collections by South Africa’s top designers, all of whom are committed to sustainability practices without compromising on style
or sophistication.

From curated talks and mindful design to gourmet food and fabulous fashion, the event is not only a celebration of women, but a pledge to nurture female talent and leadership, to drive change, and turn visionary ideas into tangible impact.

Fashion with purpose – Meet the designers

From humble beginnings to the world’s fashion capitals, Gert-Johan has always believed that dreams are not only stitched from fabric, but from imagination, perseverance, and heart.

After graduating as the top student from design school, he launched his label in 2010 and has since established himself as a leader in South African luxury fashion, empowering future generations with his bursary programme.

Gert-Johan has collaborated with Disney, dressed local celebrities like Bonang Matheba and Hollywood stars like Oprah Winfrey, and debuted at London Fashion Week in 2024. Earlier this year, he unveiled The Arrival, a groundbreaking – and his most personal – collection

Established in 2002 by Founder and Creative Director, Hangwani Nengovhela, Rubicon is one of South Africa’s most iconic fashion brands and an internationally recognised label tailored for the modern woman.

Synonymous with sophistication and subtle opulence, each collection combines African silhouettes with a global style that’s not only seasonal, but transitions effortlessly from day to night.

Honoured with prestigious accolades including the Mbokodo Award for Women in the Arts, Rubicon also inspires community upliftment, having sponsored matric dance dresses for underprivileged girls.  

A small, black women-owned fashion brand, Mors Design’s colourful and chunky mohair garments are handcrafted by skilled female artisans living in townships across Cape Town. Since its inception in 2015, the brand has championed eco-ethical and sustainable slow-fashion practices.

The mohair is sourced locally from the Karoo, and each piece is created using techniques that have been preserved through generations, weaving skills development, job creation in local communities, and distinctive character into each garment.  

Renowned for its artistic, conceptual, and earth-conscious collections inspired by the origins of mankind, VIVIERS has fast become one of South Africa’s most dynamic fashion labels.

Launched by designer Lezanne Viviers in 2019, the brand celebrates the luxury of local raw materials and how they are reimagined by craftspeople into signature collections. From its Glasshouse atelier in Johannesburg, clients can co-create capsule wardrobes that are tailored to their lifestyle and personality, or acquire pieces from bi-annual exhibitions, limited edition, ready-to-wear, and signature ranges. 

With showrooms in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and New York, luxury fashion house MAXHOSA AFRICA by Laduma Ngxokolo celebrates contemporary African style and a heritage that’s rooted in South Africa’s Xhosa culture.

The brand’s distinctive patterns draw from traditional beadwork that is rich in colour, symbolism, and cultural meaning. Also inspired by broader African aesthetics, each collection blends historical motifs with bold silhouettes and unexpected colour combinations that are crafted by skilled artisans, redefining the continent’s place in the global luxury space.

After studying jewellery design at the University of Stellenbosch, Kirsten launched her eponymous jewellery brand in London in 2002. Soon recognised for her bold, sculptural designs, she was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Elizabeth II – a career-defining honour.

Over two decades later, Kirsten Goss Jewellery has evolved into a multi-store luxury business with locations in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. A creative entrepreneur with an unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, the brand is entering a powerful new chapter of art-led fine jewellery collections that blur the line between sculpture and adornment.

Cape Cobra Leathercraft is a third-generation, women-led family business producing luxury handbags and accessories from sustainably sourced speciality leathers.

Founded in 1972, it is Africa’s longest-standing luxury leather goods atelier. Creative Director and CEO Justine Schäfer joined the company 15 years ago after completing her fashion design studies. She spent several years working in the atelier where she learnt what it takes to produce exquisite heirloom pieces that are ethically sourced and handcrafted using intricate, age-old techniques that preserve the brand’s core values of quality and timelessness.

Europa Art has been synonymous with luxury designer footwear in South Africa for more than 50 years, and is renowned for its impeccable quality, innovative design, and commitment to style.

Specialising in handcrafted Italian and Brazilian footwear, each collection merges timeless sophistication precision detailing, becoming a work of art.

In addition, the brand also offers a curated selection of bags, belts, and accessories, completing true expressions of style in all seasons.