South Africa, the land of gold, diamonds and the Big Five. It is where oceans meet, where mountains are majestic, and where the sun sets rhythmically down the burnt-orange savanna. It is a melting pot of culture and diversity. Riddled with powerful stories of triumph in the midst of inequalities and inequities, it is a land of endless possibilities with God-given luxuries that money can’t buy. 2023 has been a good year for South Africa in terms of representation. Our coveted Rugby team turned the world green with envy as they won the Rugby World Cup and broke records. Today, we highlight 10 of South Africa’s best luxury exports of 2023. This list includes brands, companies, entrepreneurs and key individuals working within the international luxury landscape and continue to put us on the map.

1. Restaurant JAN – Jan Van Der Westhuizen

Image: http://www.janonline.com

In 2016, South African restauranteur, culinary chef, cookbook author and serial entrepreneur, Jan Van Der Westhuizen received a Michelin Star; a first for a South African chef. I can confidently say that it was a well-deserved Michelin Star after having the pleasure of dining at Restaurant JAN, situated in Nice (The French Riviera). He has definitely flown the South African flag high as his menu included his own interpretation of the South African favourite, bobotie, which was divine. My highlight was the Cheese Room named after his grandmother, MARIA, strategically located across the street from Restaurant JAN. It is an extensive tour du fromage with 91 plates of cheese, condiments and other homemade preserves. What an unforgettable treat!

Restaurant JAN has been selected as one of Vogue France’s top 10 restaurants on the Riviera. Jan has also released a number of bi-annual journals, JAN Homeware range, boutique products, wine and has his own range of premium food products under the brand, Forage and Feast at retailer Checkers. South African’s can now enjoy Jan’s award-winning dishes at Restuarant Klein JAN in the Kalahari and JAN Franschhoek.

2. Trevor Stuurman – Award Winning Multi-Media Visual Artist

Image: http://www.trevorstuurman.com

Trevor Stuurman caught my eye many years ago when he exhibited his evocative work that highlighted the Himba Tribe called Home. I was moved by his work and kept tabs on all of his exciting projects afterwards. Trevor’s rise to global acclaim is not by chance but rather hard work and becoming a masterful craftsman who is able to narrate beautifully woven African stories through his body of work. When I think about the next generation of custodians of the African renaissance, I count Trevor in that group.

Declared the King of Creativity by GQ style in 2018, he has worked with international and local brands alike, including but not limited to Standard Bank, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Black Coffee and Nelson Makamo. He was commissioned to interpret Marvel’s Black Panther with Mathe Ribane as his muse. Trevor became a sought-after photographer because of his work as a British Vogue Contributor who beautifully captured the inclusive representations of beauty, culture and fashion expression at Arise and Afro Punk Johannesburg.

Trevor Stuurman recently launched The Manor, which he aptly describes as a new, multimedia home for Africa’s greatest stories.

3. Thebe Magugu – International Fashion Designer

Image: Instagram – @thebemagugu

In 2019, Thebe Magugu became the first African to win the prestigious LVMH Young Fashion Designer Prize. After that, he hit the ground running releasing luxurious distinct collections that are effortlessly feminine and represent African luxury.

The brand Thebe Magugu, named after him, is a luxury “prêt-à-porter” fashion brand. Through the three pillar values of the brand; quality, novelty and culture, Thebe Magugu has been able to find new ways of presenting women with clothing and designs that enhance their everyday lives and he makes use of motifs from Africa’s storied past.

The talented and proudly South African designer has collaborated with Dior, AZ Factory and Adidas and has an impressive stockist list including but not limited to Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-Porter and Dover Street Market. 

Thebe’s latest heirloom collection has taken the world by storm. In his own words, “At Thebe Magugu, we believe in preservation. I love the idea of wearing one’s heart on their sleeve, and it is with this that I am excited to present the custom family heirloom collection.” The heirloom collection has been worn by international celebrities and personalities alike (including the USA’s former first lady Michelle Obama), paying tribute to significant people in their lives.

4. Giggs Kgole – International Visual Artist

Image: Cristina Schek

Giggs Kgole is a young international award-winning visual artist who has taken the global art world by storm. His professional career began at the age of 19 when he showcased his first solo exhibition at The Julie Miller Investment Art Institute. He further went on to sell 12 of his 18 masterpieces to Julie Miller and the Mount Nelson Hotel. He was also the youngest finalist of the Sasol New Signature Competition and became The Great William Kentridge’s mentee.

Kgole makes use of different media – from paper, wood, steel and fabric to holograms and QR codes to create his masterpieces. At the age of 21, he opened his own art gallery, GasLamp, making him one of the youngest gallery owners in Africa.

Kgole’s career and accolades read like a dream, and I would recommend investing in his art now as it will be valued at astronomical numbers sooner rather than later. Kgole has won the Young Masters Award, which he says is not only a win for him but for all Africans and young people who aspire for greatness and want to have their voices heard.

Some of his international exhibitions include but are not limited to; “Say My Name” curated by Khalil Akar and presented by Ava Duvernay (Oscar nominated filmmaker), Signature African Art in Mayfair and many more exhibitions in London, Miami, Monaco, Burkina Faso and Johannesburg.

5. Enica Seshoka – International Model

Image: Twitter – @Enica_seshoka

Enica Seshoka is an international model who is becoming one of South Africa’s biggest exports on international runways. Enica was discovered on social media by international modelling agencies and has been booked and busy ever since. She worked with luxury brands such as Burberry, Moncler and many more. Enica worked closely with Riccardo Tisci when launching Burberry’s B series campaign that she was featured in.

She has been featured in GQ Italia magazine, Vogue, Marie Claire and a number of other international publications. Enica has walked in New York, Milan, London and Paris Fashion Week.

Born in KwaMhlanga and currently based in Milan, Enica remains passionate about encouraging young people to strive for their dreams as she has.

6. Maxhosa Africa – South African Premium Knitwear Brand Founded & Owned by Laduma Ngxokolo

Image: Instagram – @maxhosa

Founded in 2010 by Laduma Ngxokolo, Maxhosa is a South African premium knitwear brand that was created in celebration of traditional Xhosa aesthetics. Maxhosa is a brand that is able to authentically showcase the beauty and culture of the Xhosa people through incorporating traditional Xhosa beadwork patterns, symbolism and colours in its designs.

Initially, the brand was unfairly met with outrage on social media due to its premium price point, however, founder Laduma Ngxokolo stuck to his convictions and the brand is now at the forefront of African luxury, premium and heritage fashion and lifestyle.

On their social media platforms, the brand recently announced that they will be launching their store in the Soho District, New York in 2024.

7. Paul van Zuydam – South African Businessman – Owner of Le Creuset

Image: Paul Van Zuydam – The Guardian Online

The world’s most loved French-Belgian cookware manufacturer and brand, Le Creuset, was acquired by South African businessman Paul Van Zuydam. The brand has built a cult following due to its best loved enameled cast-iron cookware and bakeware. When he acquired the brand, the French market made up for half of its sales. To date, France, now accounts for 3% of its growth and has seen exponential growth in other markets.

Le Creuset was founded by two Belgian industrialists named Octave Aubecq and Armand Desaegher in 1925 in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France. Although not all of its products are currently being manufactured in one place, all of its cast-iron products are still made at its initial location, Fresnoy-le-Grand.

The Le Creuset Dutch oven is on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C as part of the recreation of the famous and celebrated chef, Julia Child’s kitchen, as it was reported to be one of her favourite pots.

8. Richemont – Luxury Conglomerate Founded & Owned by South African Businessman Johann Rupert

Image: Johann Rupert – Business Insider Africa

In 2017, Richemont was declared the world’s third largest luxury goods conglomerate after LVMH and Estée Lauder Companies. It is a Switzerland-based luxury goods conglomerate founded and owned by South African businessman Johann Rupert. Richemont was founded in 1988 and through its various subsidiaries, it produces and retails jewelry, timepieces, leathergoods, apparel, accessories and owns leading luxury retailer, Net-a-Porter.

The brands under the Richemont umbrella include but are not limited to: Alaïa, Baume & Mercier, Cartier, IWC Schaffhausen, Montblanc, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vacheron Constatin and many more.

Since the beginning of the year, there has been rumours of LVMH seeking to acquire Cartier from Richemont. Group Chair and Founder of Richemont has shut down these rumours down and has made it clear that Cartier is not for sale. Two years ago, there were also whispers that Kering wanted to merge with Richemont to create an even greater luxury conglomerate superpower, Richemont once again declined the offer.

9. Fox Browne Creative – Bespoke Design Agency

Image: http://www.foxbrowne.com

Fox Browne Creative was founded by Debra Fox and Christopher Browne. Their head office is in Johannesburg, and they have a branch in London. The multi-disciplinary design agency has managed to develop, design and embody African luxury. They develop bespoke luxury properties in Africa.

Their skilled team partners with luxury lodges, lifestyle retail outlets, remote private homes and small hotels to create an unforgettable experience for their guests and clients. Fox Browne has curated, designed and opened over 60 luxury award winning lodges and hotels in 9 countries throughout Africa, India, UK, USA, South America and the Middle East. The awards include leading international designer for the Gold Key awards in New York and they have also been recognized as one of the top 50 hotel designers by Andrew Martin for 4 years consecutively.

10. De Toren Wines – The Black Lion

Image: http://www.de-toren.com

South Africa is a country known for its elegant wine and booming export market. According to Statista, in 2022, the leading market for South African wine was predominantly the United Kingdom, with a volume of almost 97 million liters followed by Germany and Canada.

Recognized as one of the most luxurious 100% Shiraz’s to ever be produced in South Africa (with a 95 -point score), De Toren’s The Black Lion has been positioned as an international wine that effortlessly stands out amongst its peers. It has been fermented and aged in 200% new French Oak. The dark, seductive and elegant wine can be regarded as an exclusive collector’s item as only 1000 – 1300 individually numbered bottles have been produced.

Emil and Sonette Den Dalk established the boutique Private Cellar of De Toren in 1994. The farm’s name comes from the Dutch translation of the words The Tower. Which also refers to the shape and architecture of the winery and the tower which allows for gravity-flow winemaking.