by Cape Town has come a long way since “buying local” meant picking up some beads and carvings. Cape Town’s sophisticated mix of Afro-Euro is finding its way into popular international design shops in London, New York, Paris. Of course you will find a much greater variety, and friendlier prices, if you do your own hunting.
You’ll find the city’s best shopping areas in certain pockets and streets – your favorite is to browse the antiques, clothes, bric-a-brac and online galleries of Kalk Bay’s high street, within sight of the sea , and many places in between. to stop for a breather (Olympia Café is an institution).
The Mall in the V&A Waterfront is popular but the offer is pretty generic (though Cape Union Mart is worth it if you’re shopping for safari or camping gear). If you’re specifically looking for locally produced goods, stroll from the Mall over to the Portal, great for a one-stop gift shopping experience, with over 150 stalls in a large warehouse advertising only goods made on the big scale – section
Fashionistas should book visits to MaXhosa Africa, Stefania Morland, KLûK CGDT, Kat van Duinen, Wanda Lephoto, Viviers Studio and Mantsho.
For more Cape Town inspiration, check out our guide to the city and the best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and things to do. For more inspiration, read our expert’s ultimate two-week holiday in South Africa.
Find places to shop by area
Green Point
Out of this world
If you’re short on time and looking for a curated collection of top quality African crafts, Sue and Peter Vith have an excellent eye for detail, and have long-standing relationships with traders and suppliers across the continent. . There is some gorgeous furniture, but for the most part the collection focuses on tasteful pieces – many of them originally utilitarian pieces – that inject a hint of the exotic into an elegant room. You’ll pay accordingly but it saves searching through sprawling, market-style offers.
Contact: out of this world.co.za
Prices: £££
Waterside
Portal
To find the largest selection of local gifts, souvenirs or fashion, be sure to schedule at least a few hours for the Gateway, located between the Aquarium of the Two Oceans and the new Time Out Market. With over 150 stalls in a large open plan warehouse, Portal offers the most diverse selection of locally produced clothing in the city as well as jewellery, textiles, toys, homewares, ceramics, shoes and more. It’s a great place to browse for real quality mixed with some tourist tat – indeed one of the long-term effects of lockdown is an improved offering, and interesting independent shops such as Mungo and Jemima and Africa Nova are less stalls now. at Deposit.
Contact: waterside.co.za
Prices: ££
City centre
Mungo
Heirloom quality organic cotton towels, bed and table linen, and kikois in textured white or the most stunning color combinations truly stand the test of time. Mungo has come a long way since master weaver Stuart Holding began weaving limited runs of his beautiful homeware textiles on two restored antique sails in 1998 – the company is the first World Organic Textile Standard certified mill in Africa, and the range is exported to to Europe. and the United States, really excellent in every way. (Tip: If you’re interested in local textiles, it’s worth making a time to visit the tiny African Jacquard showroom in Woodstock, or browse the website africanjacquard.com for gorgeous, whimsical “where did you get that” scarves , bed throws, cushion covers and towels. , made in the traditional French Jacquard way but with a texture and pattern inspired by African geometric designs.)
Contact: mungo.co.za
Prices: £
The Olive Branch Deli
This tiny deli, located down a narrow corridor in a corner of the Lifestyle Center, resembles a 19th-century apothecary or Victorian grocer, with wooden cabinets and floor-to-ceiling shelves packed with eye-catching produce, large hessian bags . goods, bread racks (including the best gluten-free loaves) and a 1920s jazz soundtrack. Conceived as a community grocer by its hands-on owner-managers, brother and sister Ommy and Hélène Demetriou showcase the best local produce, as well as world-class international brands for Cape Town foodies, and are always available to advise . Tip: If you want to see Cape Town’s foodies in action, don’t miss the Oranjezicht Farmers Market at Granger Harbor every Saturday and Sunday (see activities).
Contact: olivebranchdeli.com
Prices: £££
Woodstock & Farden Island
Imiso Ceramics / Mervyn Gers Ceramics
Cape Town has many excellent ceramics, but Andile Dyalvane and Zizipho Poswa really stand out for their handmade one-off pieces. Their work has some European influences, such as the Picasso-inspired Africasso range, but is mostly rooted in Africa, with delicate renderings of traditional objects such as isiXhosa milk pails and Ngumi storage vessels. The Scarified Collection is beautifully textured inspired by tribal body scarification, . Zizipho Poswa specializes in delicate pinch pots, and her functional ceramics are stunning.
If you prefer functional ceramics, check out the stunning range of handmade crockery in award-winning ceramist Mervyn Gers’ working studio. His plates make meals for many of the top chefs in the country and house chefs look even better. As well as being an authentic studio experience, the ‘seconds’ are the whole deal (all with very minor flaws). Or create a bespoke dinner set, choosing from a wide range of colors and designs. The team arranges the shipping.
Contact: imisoceramics.co.za
Prices: ££
South African Print Gallery
For quality local art that’s easy to take home, visit the US Print Gallery (SAPG). Founded by master printmaker Gabriel Clark-Brown in 2009, it is the city’s only exclusive fine art print dealership, and the best place to browse for limited edition SA prints. As well as selecting works by some of the biggest local names in printmaking (such as William Kentridge), the owners look for lesser-known artists who demonstrate strong technical qualities and incorporate unusual subjects.
Contact: printgallery.co.za
Prices: ££
Lime Bay
Modern Kalk Bay
An unassuming entrance and flight of stairs lead to this Calk Bay Classic, brimming with a cornucopia of fine art and craft. It has one of the most comprehensive collections of ceramic artists in the city, but the walls are also well decorated with works by William Kentridge, Nicolaas Maritz, Cecil Skotnes, and some wonderful jewelery is on display. Gallery director Cheryl Rumbak has collaborated on San community projects and as such the gallery has one of the largest collections of contemporary San prints, paintings and textiles. This also marks the start of one of the nicest shopping precincts in the city – head north all the way to Anpa.
Contact: kalkbaymodern.co.za
Prices: £££
Soul design
This delightful little shop specializes in handmade African jewelery – from chic brass bangles to Maasai inspired necklaces, cowrie rings to Marrakesh earrings, this is the kind of understated jewelery you wear often, and the affection grows alongside memories of where he was and is seen. Choose from a gorgeous ready-made display, or choose a pendant that speaks to you, decide on the length and choice of beads, and Lee will create a custom piece while you wait. Or make one yourself from scratch – with sparkling harbor views, and a table full of beads, brass ghosts, feathers, tassels and letters, the workshop studio is the perfect place to spend a happy hour expressing your creativity.
Contact: soul design.co.za
Prices: £
Purchased on Ship
Showcasing the best of emerging and established local designers, this city center store – with a smaller outlet in the V&A Waterfront – is where you’ll get your hands on African trends. Top brands to look out for include MaXhosa Africa (a personal favourite; browse designer Laduma Ngxokolo’s independent store in Waterfront) as well as Sindiso Khumalo, Lukhanyo Mdingi, Rich Mnisi and MmusoMaxwell. (Tip: For the most delightful introduction to the world-class fashion being produced on this continent, time your trip for November, when Mount Nelson hosts its annual salon-style fashion show, at serving sumptuous high tea and stunning contemporary fashions created by the continent’s brightest stars.)
Contact: merchantsonlong.co.za
Prices: ££
Okay
The first independent store featuring leather bags, purses, wallets and even key rings (by appointment only) has opened in the historic Manor of the Anthonij Rupert wine farm in Franschhoek (also incidentally one of the best tasting experiences; it’s worth making an appointment for two!). These are limited edition accessories, 100% locally produced, handcrafted from sustainably sourced leather (look out for the spring and ostrich bags). You can pick the leather, the color, the trim, or from the pret-a-porter range, which is available to view online. Limited collections of homewares and jewelery are also available.
Contact: za.okapi.com
Prices: ££
Coast and Khoi
Do you have a thing for great statement shoes? Make an appointment to see what Caryn Wilensky is up to right now. Her pumps are not only eye-catching but comfortable, and each pair – exported to boutiques around the world – is unique. Besides her signature pumps, Wilensky makes one-off sandals, espadrilles, boots and brogues in a range of materials (even vegan), all beautifully embellished.
Contact: coastandkoi.com
Prices: £
