What does it take for an event to thrive in three of South Africa’s major cities, even in a fickle, financially strained post-pandemic world? According to Nandi Dlepu, founder of Pantone Sundays, the answer is intention, inclusivity — and a lot of colour.
Since 2018, the day party has been the hottest ticket in town and stands out for its unique dress code.
Each event has a Pantone colour theme, which attendees are expected to wear. The result is a wide range of interpretations, with some people donning the brightest and boldest colours from head to toe.
More Than Just Another Party
The event series was born out of a desire to merge fashion, music, and community in a fresh, authentic way.
“We wanted to create more than just another party — a cultural experience where colour is the unifying theme,” says Nandi. She’s known to many as Mamakashaka, and that’s now also the name of her marketing agency, which hosts Pantone Sundays and other experiences.
A Community-Driven Movement
Bringing people together seems to be a recurring theme for cultural events these days. Beyond invitations, people want to feel like they’re part of a community. While event hosts and curators in the cultural space still provide physical and digital spaces for connection, the power is also in the hands of attendees, followers, and subscribers.
“Our intention was always to build something bigger than ourselves but seeing how the community has taken ownership — using Pantone Sundays as a space to connect, collaborate, and generate fashion-inspired content — has been inspiring. It shows the power of cultural platforms when they’re done with care,” says Nandi.
Colour That Resonates
After a successful run in Cape Town, Pantone Sundays is now a monthly fixture on the Joburg social calendar, with occasional pop-ups in Durban. Most recently, the platinum grey edition was hosted in Muldersdrift as part of the summer series, which runs until December.
In the coming months, leading brands will partner with Pantone Sundays for an unforgettable experience. All of this, Nandi explains, is strategic, and the main reason why the series has continued to endure: “We’re always looking at ways to activate the colour beyond just the dress code. Our fashion partners have featured top-tier local and international brands, and all our decisions are strategic and authentic to that positioning. That’s what resonates and keeps it fresh.”
The Power of Colour
Most people wouldn’t think that colour could lead to success, but it’s clearly a component of a winning formula.
“Colour is both playful and powerful; it sets the tone for the day and allows people to fully express themselves,” says Nandi. “It’s also a universal language everyone speaks. When you pair it with an inclusive atmosphere, you create an environment where people feel seen and free. That combination has given Pantone Sundays its unique identity; it’s as much about the fashion as it is about the feeling.”
Lessons for Aspiring Curators
Ensuring the vibes are always immaculate is a lesson Nandi believes more people can learn from.
Her advice for those wanting to follow down the same path is to create something ownable. “Be very clear on your point of distinction, your unique selling point,” she says. “Start with a strong ‘why’ and let that guide you. Culture responds to authenticity, so don’t just chase trends. Create spaces that reflect your values and community and pay attention to detail because people remember how you make them feel.”
