Since its launch in 2005, Etsy has quickly become a favourite amongst internet shoppers as well as artisans looking for a global platform through which to sell their products. There is literally nothing you cannot find on the site – whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind outfit for a special occasion, lovingly made gifts for your friend’s upcoming birthday or a painting that will become the focus of your living-room, you’ll find it on Etsy. With more than 1.93 million sellers offering handmade products from all around the world, certain styles and products that don’t necessarily have a market in your country, have become more accessible – beautiful clothes and jewellery from South Africa, for example. If you’re interested in what the top South African fashion and jewellery designers are offering on Etsy, look no further – here are our favourite South African Etsy shops!

BlakBunni by Taran S. Tarr, Careltonville

Taran S. Tarr is a self-professed anime and cosplay geek who studied Fashion Design at the Lisof Institution in South Africa. Her Blak Bunni shop is a dream come true for passionate cosplayers, as well as anime fans simply looking to lounge around in style. Blak Bunni’s hoodie designs are incredibly fun, quirky and versatile, often including detachable elements such as the tails on her Gatomon and GOT inspired hoodies. Rock up in one of these hoodies at your next ComicCon and you’ll be the talk of the town!

SisterhoodZA by Mavila & Mii, Johannesburg

Mavila and Mii, the designers behind SisterhoodZA, started their careers in fashion when they were just kids. They would eagerly await the moment their mother would leave for work only to steal her sewing machine and make fashionable clothes for their dolls. The neighbourhood kids were so envious of their stylishly clad dolls, Mii and Mavila began selling their creations and thus, the SisterhoodZa was born. Nowadays, they are focusing their skills on women’s clothes with figure-flattering cuts and bright and beautiful Ankara prints. Their elegant, funky and colourful dresses are designed to make women soar through the world with confidence and determination.

ZuluBeads by Irene Ada, Pretoria

Nothing quite makes an outfit pop the way South African accessories and beads do. They will elevate any outfit – and a cheeky browse through Irene Ada’s ZuluBeads shop will confirm this. Her intricate, beaded necklaces, bangles, earrings and headbands are a true celebration of South Africa’s colourful cultures – the power within each design capable of infusing its wearer with an air of confidence and pride.  ZuluBeads regularly works on custom creations for weddings as well as African themed costumes for carnivals around the world – her latest designs were seen during the 2018 Antigua Carnival Parade.

MissHapp by Mandy Milne, Cape Town

If ever there was an Etsy shop to get you rocking and rolling, it’s MissHapp. Inspired by her fascination with 1950’s music and its lifestyle, MissHapp designer, Mandy Milne, creates rockabilly and pin-up style clothing with the right mix of sass and class. Her dresses are fun, creative and colourful, and paired with the right accessories – such as hairclips, hats, earrings and bandanas – you will be able to bring the 50s look back into the 21st century. And trust us when we say, you’ll be turning a lot of heads along the way!