From Day to Night: How House of Nala's Latest Collection Can Take You Anywhere This Winter Season
House of Nala Winter 2023 Collection: Stay Warm and Stylish in Elegant, Edgy Looks
By Ranji Mangcu
It's official: Winter is here. As we reach for our trusty gas heaters and heavy blankets to battle the cold, it'd be so easy to just hibernate — but why should our social lives do the same?
Winter is a favourite season for many fashionistas, thanks to its appeal: dressing up. From trenchcoats and boots, to knitwear, scarves and velvet, it’s a season that allows for the more luxurious textiles to take centrestage.
The House of Nala by AFI Autumn/Winter 2023 collection boasts some of the best designs by the best Pan-African fashion designers. Choose from Kat Van Duinen, LaaniRaani and Malondie’s colourful winter aesthetic, or the moody looks by Scalo, House of Nala and Taibo Bacar.
So, forget about hibernating this winter. This season’s style is all about elegant, sophisticated shapes, while also offering something edgy and more daring.
Here are our Winter must-haves from House of Nala
Scalo Crop Jacket and Futuristic High Waist Sunset Pants
Starting our list is a stunning pairing crop jacket and futuristic high waist sunset pants by Johannesburg-based couturier, Scalo. These two stellar pieces made their debut at Cape Town Fashion Week, as part of Scalo’s AW2023 collection, inspired by what the designer calls “An African Galactic Dream”.
Blending a bohemian/cowboy-esque cut with an elevated aesthetic of Nguni beaded craftsmanship, the slim-fit, cropped jacket manages to be refined, yet theatrical – perfect for a starry evening engagement.
Scalo is known for his sophisticated interweaving of luxury and spectacle, with forms that promote ease of mobility – a smart homage to the dynamic fantasy of his home city, Johannesburg. Pairing the high-waisted sunset pants with the crop jacket would therefore make for a high-powered, energetic, yet undeniably stylish silhouette.
CLICK TO SHOP: Futuristic High Waist Sunset Pants and Scalo Crop Jacket
House of Nala Black Velvet Pearled Dress
Be the picture of high-fashion femininity in this black velvet piece from House of Nala’s AW2023 collection, Pearl of a Red Winter, which debuted at Cape Town Fashion Week 2023.
In a lustrous velvet embellished with pearls, this high-collared fit-and-flare silhouette is the picture of striking, yet classic elegance – made for a woman of stature.
Kat Van Duinen Ostrich Feather Coat
The next piece on our list of Winter Calendar Must-Haves is perfect for those whose social calendars do not slow down when the Winter chill intensifies. Instead of staying slumped over their laptops, sidled up to their trusty gas heaters at home, some embrace Winter as an opportunity to wrap themselves up in glamorous spectacle with a bold piece of outwear.
Kat Van Duinen’s genuine ostrich feather coat – explosive movement and zero inhibitions – is perfect for those looking to embrace playfulness, drama, and glamour, all in one garment.
Made up of locally-sourced, genuine Ostrich feathers, this dynamic piece embodies the philosophy at the core of Cape Town-based label Kat Van Duinen – the desire to break free of tradition and embrace the exuberant and energetic – all while championing African artisanry in the South African fashion industry.
Imprint ZA Scuba Ostrich Dress
This maxi-length scuba dress from Imprint ZA made its debut at Cape Town Fashion Week, in the label’s AW2023 presentation – a spirited celebration titled Buyel’ ekhaya.
Distinguished from the crowd by its liberal use of exuberant lines and patterns in their offering, Imprint ZA has become synonymous with an unapologetically loud, vigorous spirit. An Ostrich-feather trim sits along the neckline of the dress, proceeding to line the arms, which makes for a dynamic extension to the wearer’s body. Finished off with a flounce hem at the lower calves, this piece promotes stylishness without compromising mobility.
As captivating as this piece was on the Cape Town Fashion Week runway, we expect it to stop the show at any glamorous event on your Winter calendar.
Kaylaamiel Creations One-Shoulder Tiered Dress
With its soft hues and stately silhouettes, Kaylaamiel Creations’s 100% cotton canvas One-Shouldered Tiered Dress is perfect for any Winter engagement, day, or night.
The pale, earthy tones of a paisley print bring a lightness to this voluminous and sophisticated garment. Balancing out the fullness and mobility of a bishop sleeve with a fitted waist and a collar elegantly wrapped around the neck in a solid sage-green, this piece plays with the contrasts of volume and fit to create an elegant stature. It is finished off with the signature Kaylaamiel Creations ribbed detail, and an emphatic, paisley printed double-tier skirt, lined with tulle for a fuller appearance.
According to Seneo Moji – the designer at the helm of this Botswana-based label – the AW2023 collection to which this piece belongs pays homage to the lineage of powerful women who drive culture and fashion. In our eyes, this makes it perfect for the distinguished woman that House of Nala caters to.
Shop these looks and more from the AFI Online Store or the House of Nala by AFI store in Sandton City- Shop U47A, Upper Level, Sandton.