BOYDE Presents S/S ’26 Collection “AFROSARTORIALISM”
BOYDE Presents their latest Spring/Summer ’26 collection “AFROSARTORIALISM”
BOYDE, a contemporary African luxury brand from Johannesburg, founded by Samkelo Boyde Xaba. presents their latest Spring/Summer ’26 collection titled “AFROSARTORIALISM”. Afrosartorialism is a fusion of “Afro” referring to African culture, heritage, and identity, and “sartorialism,” which pertains to fashion and tailoring. It represents a fashion philosophy deeply rooted in African traditions and aesthetics, celebrating culture through clothing. This blend of modern fashion and traditional African influences highlights distinctive designs, rich textiles, and artisanal craftsmanship at its core.
In essence, Afrosartorialism is a form of self-expression that honours African heritage while reflecting an elevated, culturally rich approach to dressing.
In this collection, BOYDE explores and reflect on the powerful subcultural movement of the Swenkas, a community of South African Zulu men, primarily migrant labourers from Johannesburg’s working-class neighbourhoods, who have long used fashion as a means of asserting dignity, pride, and self-worth.
Originating in the mid-1900s, the Swenkas developed a unique form of expression that blends fashion, choreography, and healthy competition. In a society marked by hardship, inequality, and the lingering effects of Apartheid, these men channelled their creativity and hope into what became known as “swenking”, a tradition that borrows from the English term “swank,” meaning to display one’s achievements, wealth, or elegance in an impressive manner.
Despite the gruelling realities of their lives harsh working conditions, long separations from families, and limited economic freedom, the Swenkas maintained an unwavering belief in cleanliness, self-respect, chaste behaviour, and brotherhood. Their performances, which took place predominantly on Saturday nights, became an outlet for joy, identity, and resilience. Swenkas would dress in sharp, tailored suits, often European in style, complete with brimmed hats, straw hat, polished leather shoes, and some accessories.
During these events, men would take the stage and exhibit their ensembles with choreographed movements, drawing attention to the craftsmanship and elegance of their outfits. These amateur competitions were judged based on two key criteria: style and attitude. The best-dressed participant would often receive a cash prize collected from fellow participants or, on occasion, a goat.
Swenkas are more than just well-dressed men, they are symbols of creative resistance and aspirational identity. Their legacy represents how fashion can be used not only to uplift the self, but also to challenge societal norms, create community, and preserve dignity in the face of adversity.
Ngaphandle kwezimo ezinzima zokusebenza, ukuhlukaniswa nemindeni isikhathi eside kanye nokungalingani kwezomnotho, oSwenka babelondoloza izimiso zokuzihlonipha, ukuhlanzeka, ukuziphatha okuhle kanye nobumbano. Ukuncintisana kwabo, okwenzeka kakhulu ngeMigqibelo ntambhama, kwakuhlanganisa ukugqoka amasudi asikiwe kahle, amaningi awo egqugquzelwe isitayela saseYurophu, ahambisana nezigqoko zothuli, izicathulo zesikhumba ezicwebezelisiwe kanye nezinhlobonhlobo zezisekeli zokuhlobisa.
Umqhudelwano wawuhlolwa ikakhulukazi ezintweni ezimbili: isitayela nesimilo. Owayegqoke kahle kakhulu wayevame ukuthola umklomelo wemali owaqoqwa kwabanye ababambiqhaza, noma ngezinye izikhathi, imbuzi.
Ngakho-ke, oSwenka abazange babe wukuziveza kwemfashini kuphela, kodwa baba izimpawu zokuqamba okusha, ukumelana ngokobuciko kanye nokwakha ubunikazi obuphakeme. Ifa labo lifakazela ukuthi imfashini ingaba yithuluzi lokuqinisa ukuzethemba, ukuhlasela izimiso zomphakathi ezingalungile, kanye nokudala umphakathi ohambisana nobumbano nobungcweti.
Creative Direction: Samkelo Boyde Xaba @samkeloboyde
Art Direction: Dineo Ramothwala @dineobydesign
Art Coordinator: Tatenda Chidora @tatendachidora
Film Direction: Simba Takaedza @simba.raws
Photography: Lerato Ntiso @melmbawu
Producer: Hlengiwe Mkwayi @hlengsinthemorning
Cinematographer/DOP: Wesley Takaedza @wesleytakaedza
Assistant Camera: Tshepiso Sekhitla @rodeofeed_
Gaffer & Lighting: Phillip Martome @aboutmartome
MUA: Bongiwe @bxngiwe
Set Assistant: Minenhle Swelihle @minni.96 , Thando Nombida @thandonombida
Cast: Demashel @demashel Aaron @aarons_archive_ Nelson @nellso0n