Written by Renaé Mangena
The translation of culture through the lens of a football jersey, reimagined within the context of religion in the adidas 2026 South Africa Football Jersey Kit, speaks to the layered ways sport and symbolism intersect. It continues in the form of love letters to African football culture through the construction of a shoe’s anatomy in the PUMA x Ahluwalia collaboration, while also honouring legacy through New Balance’s Grey Days, a reflection on heritage and brand evolution.
At the same time, a couture showcase unfolds within the monumental Johannesburg Art Gallery. Taken together, these moments suggest that the fashion landscape is as political as it is aesthetic.
Adidas x 2026 South Africa Football Jersey Kit
The latest Bafana Bafana football jersey has just been released, as imagined by Adidas. This is a story told in three chapters. By immersing ourselves in the culture, we explored the intersection of football, heritage, and creative expression, alongside Kasi Flavour10 and Wanda Lephoto. Chapter One: The Streets Zulu-inspired and rooted in everyday life, where tradition and contemporary sportswear move as one. Chapter Two: The Church. A space rarely associated with football, yet central to South African identity. Here, the jersey becomes a symbol of belief, not in religion, but in country, in pride, and in what lies ahead. Where tradition meets setting, and faith meets football.
Adidas Originals and Pharrell Williams unveil the VIRGINIA Vario FLAT EARTHER
adidas Originals and Pharrell Williams unveil the VIRGINIA Vario FLAT EARTHER, the latest evolution of the VIRGINIA line, reimagining an archival 2004 Yoga Vario silhouette through Pharrell’s lens. Rooted in ideas of groundedness and mindful movement, the low-profile sneaker blends minimal design with everyday wearability. It arrives in two clean leather iterations white with green or black stripes, offering comfort, flexibility, and a refined lifestyle finish.
PUMA x Ahluwalia is a love letter to African football culture
PUMA and designer Priya Ahluwalia return with a collection that blends her Indian-Nigerian heritage with PUMA’s sportswear DNA, celebrating the energy and unity of African football culture. Inspired by fan culture across the continent and PUMA’s archives, the drop reimagines classics like the V-S1 and T7 tracksuit through bold prints, textured knits, and vibrant colourways. Footwear arrives in both pan-African and neutral palettes, while accessories complete the look. Shot in Morocco, the campaign highlights football as a unifying force. The collection will be available from 22 April 2026 at PUMA.com and PUMA retail stores.
New Balance Honors its Heritage and Brand Evolution with Grey Days
New Balance has launched its annual Grey Days campaign, a month-long celebration of its signature colour and brand heritage. Introduced in the 1980s for urban runners, grey has become central to New Balance’s identity symbolising timeless design and understated style. This year’s campaign features athletes and ambassadors including Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Darius Garland, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Andrew Reynolds, alongside special product drops across lifestyle, performance, Numeric, and kids categories throughout May. Grey Days activations will take place in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with products available via New Balance stores, NewBalance.co.za, and select retailers.
The HOMECOMING x Nike Air Max Plus
Launched during the HOMECOMING festival in April 2026, it landed not just as a sneaker, but as a cultural milestone. Grace Ladoja becomes the first African woman to collaborate with Nike, marking a shift in global creative power. As the founder of HOMECOMING, she’s long championed youth culture in Lagos but this collaboration takes that vision further, turning a lifelong dream into a defining moment for African creativity.
Miladys AW26 collection
Miladys unveiled its AW26 collection at an intimate showcase in Johannesburg, celebrating women through a thoughtful, immersive experience hosted by Sechaba Gqeba. The collection focuses on versatile, reliable pieces designed for real life, with an emphasis on fit, quality, and ease. Guests explored key looks, including standout denim, knitwear sets, and updated layering pieces while enjoying personalised colour analysis sessions. A live performance by Zama Jobe, curated gifting, and elegant touches elevated the event, reinforcing Miladys’ commitment to making women feel seen, confident, and celebrated.
Willet Designs Couture Debuts Inaugural Showcase at the Johannesburg Gallery
Willet Designs Couture debuted its first couture showcase at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, transforming the historic space into an intimate setting of memory, emotion, and craft. Featuring 11 pieces developed over five years, the collection explored themes of trauma, joy, loss, and transformation. The opening look, a sculptural deep brown sequined gown set the tone, followed by standout designs including a crystalline-inspired dress and pieces balancing softness with structure.
The final look, a brown gown evolving into a voluminous white-hemmed silhouette with a veil, captured the collection’s central theme: transformation through remembrance. Set against the gallery’s grand yet weathered architecture, the showcase created a dialogue between couture and history, highlighting beauty within imperfection. Willet Designs Couture thanks all collaborators and attendees who brought the showcase to life.
