Seditsi Collection, a trailblazer in African luxury fashion, is making a powerful comeback this spring with its much-anticipated menswear capsule, “Merapelo ya Bashimane ba Kalahari desert.”
Known for its distinct prints inspired by African spirituality, this collection uses a unique palette of brown, cream, and green to symbolise the strength and grounding that comes from embracing one’s African roots.
Building on the success of their debut menswear line, which captivated audiences at the 2025 Fashion Meets Gospel Show, Seditsi Collection continues to turn heads with designs that celebrate identity, heritage, and transformation. The inspiration behind this collection is deeply personal — sparked by a heartfelt commission for wedding attire celebrating the journey of two friends who overcame cultural barriers to embrace their true selves.
Now, Seditsi brings that spirit of dreams realised and identities reclaimed to a wider audience, setting the stage for their upcoming showcases at Windhoek Fashion and the 2026 Spring/Summer SA Week.
In an exclusive interview with Africa Jamz FM News, Lesedi Baakwalanya, Head Designer at Seditsi Collection, and Romley Lishiba, the brand’s Creative Director, share insights about their unique collection.
How fashion plays a role in affirming culture and personal identity
Talking about the role of fashion in expressing both cultural and personal identity, Romley opened up and shared more of his thoughts on the subject.
“Fashion is a powerful medium for self-expression and cultural storytelling. It allows individuals to wear their heritage and personal narratives with pride. Inspired by a wedding print we designed for our gay couple clients celebrating Black men embracing their identities, our collection uses bold patterns, rich textures, and symbolic colors to honor African roots while empowering wearers to confidently assert their individuality. Fashion bridges past and present, and with this collection, we are giving Black men a platform to celebrate their cultural legacy and personal strength in a world that often challenges their identity,” said Romley.
Challenges and opportunities
Every successful business has its fair share of challenges, and for Romley, one of the big ones has been figuring out how to translate their signature African luxury style into menswear. He opened up about the process, sharing some of the lessons they have learned along the way.
“Transitioning to menswear required reimagining our bold, vibrant African luxury aesthetic for a market that often leans toward minimalism and functionality. Men’s fashion demands precise tailoring and versatile silhouettes that maintain cultural authenticity without feeling costumey. Sourcing high-quality, sustainable fabrics that reflect African heritage while meeting luxury standards was also a hurdle, but working with local fabric manufacturers was a wonderful experience, full of great lessons and valuable insights,” said Romley.
While Romley touched on the challenges, Lesedi—true to the meaning of his name, which means “light”—shined a spotlight on the opportunities they have come across throughout their journey.
“Creating a menswear collection offered us a fresh canvas to redefine African luxury for a global male audience. We embraced the chance to challenge stereotypes about African fashion by blending intricate traditional patterns with modern cuts, appealing to men seeking distinctive, culturally rich pieces. The growing demand for authentic, story-driven fashion allowed us to position Seditsi as a trailblazer in African menswear,” said Lesedi.
Importance of African roots in this collection
Lesedi delved into why staying grounded in African roots was so important for this collection. For him, it’s about more than just design—it’s about storytelling.
“We were inspired by the rural upbringing of a Black African boy from the Kalahari Desert, hence the brown, cream, and green palette, which reflects the earth, purity, and vitality of African landscapes and cultures—grounding the collection in our heritage. These colors symbolise resilience, wisdom, and growth, connecting wearers to their ancestral roots. We want men wearing Seditsi to embody confidence, cultural pride, and a forward-looking spirit—carrying the strength of their heritage into modern spaces while redefining masculinity through elegance and authenticity,” said Lesedi.
Balancing tradition with contemporary style
Lesedi also shared his thoughts on striking that delicate balance between tradition and contemporary style.
“Balancing African spirituality with high fashion involves honouring tradition while embracing innovation. We weave ancestral motifs—like the huts symbolised in our prints—and handcrafted details into sleek, contemporary silhouettes that resonate with global trends. By always using premium, locally manufactured materials and tailoring inspired by African artistry, we create pieces that feel both timeless and cutting-edge. This fusion appeals to modern audiences who value cultural depth alongside versatility, ensuring our designs are wearable yet profoundly meaningful,” said Lesedi.
Vision for Seditsi Collection
Wrapping up the conversation, Romley shared his vision for Seditsi Collection’s place on the global stage.
“With our debut menswear collection and upcoming showcases in Windhoek and SA Fashion Week 2026, Seditsi Collection aims to redefine African luxury—not just in menswear but also for women. Our vision is to lead the narrative of African fashion by crafting bold, culturally rich designs that transcend borders. We aspire to empower both men and women worldwide to embrace their heritage through sophisticated, sustainable pieces that challenge conventional luxury norms, positioning Seditsi Collection as a beacon of innovation, authenticity, and African excellence on the global stage,” said Romley.
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