Inspirations fuelled by urban culture.

Don Design’s association with SA hip hop is an intimate one and plays out as legend. It gained traction in a friendship with the late AKA. After several pitches for creative collabs, he finally got the green light to produce the music video for “Kontrol”. featuring Da LES, which became one of the lead singles off Supermega’s sophomore album, “Levels” (2014). Don’s creative inputs to AKA’s works spurred an intense friendship between the two artists and, years later, their chemistry yielded critically acclaimed projects like Supermega’s collabs with Head Huncho, his personal ‘Relax’ streetwear and several other music-related projects.

Vision focused by aesthetic.

Don Design’s creative vision is characterized by the ability to seamlessly blend elements from his South African heritage with contemporary global and U.S influences. His designs reflect a deep appreciation for African aesthetics, incorporating a feel for pattern, and an expressive South African approach to colours. At the same time, he draws inspiration from the world of hip-hop, infusing his creations with a sense of urban coolness and street edge. “The collection is a love letter to South African contemporary streetwear and is inspired by South African Heritage. This collection is a continuation of our first Parisian showcase that took place last September. South African nature is a big inspiration for this collection,” explains Don.

One of the cornerstones of his inventiveness is music, particularly the South African hip-hop scene. As a producer and DJ himself, Don has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, allowing him to forge a strong connection between music and fashion. This closeness to both the culture makers and consumers is one that gives him insight into what’s cool and what people want to wear, before they know it. With designs that often pay homage to iconic musicians and intuitively merge their style with his unique vision, Don’s sense of fashion is both immediate and resonant. In bringing together his European showcase collection is a deep thoughtfulness underscored by the essence of South African identity and a layered, textured culture.

The business of South African Fashion.

Don Design’s journey from the streets of Durban to the runways of Paris and Milan symbolizes the changing landscape of South African fashion. It’s also potentially lucrative. While the country has long been known for its traditional textiles and craftsmanship, a new generation of designers is emerging, pushing the boundaries, and redefining what South African fashion can be. Designers like Don Design are not merely copying global trends; they are infusing them with a distinct South African flavour. By drawing from their cultural heritage and personal experiences, they are creating fashion that is both authentic and relevant on the international stage. Don’s goal though is not merely to get his name out; he is determined to lay the foundation for the next generation. “Firstly, I think it’s a great opportunity for me to learn as a designer and get as much experience as I can for me to grow and compete on a global platform. I also hope to inspire young and upcoming African designers to be resilient, to be entrepreneurs and artists. I want to help in bridging the South African fashion reality with the fashion capitals of the world,” said Don.

The global fashion community has taken notice of South African talent, and the inclusion of designers like Don Design in prestigious events like Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks is a testament to their growing influence. These platforms not only provide exposure but also open doors for collaborations and partnerships with international brands, further elevating South African fashion onto the global stage.