Cape Town's Alt Dune Fashion: A New Wave of Style

Trend Setters Only
Jun 30, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 1, 2024

In the heart of Cape Town, a new wave of alternative fashion is emerging, characterised by bold creativity, unique personal expression, and a dynamic mix of cultural influences.

Three distinctive models lead this movement: Carlos Kanye, Sphynx, and Tunisha. Each brings their own flair and philosophy to the fashion scene, setting trends and challenging conventions.

Carlos Kanye: The Futuristic avant-garde Trendsetter

Carlos Kanye’s personal style is a compelling fusion of futurism and gothic elements, creating a look that is both avant-garde and darkly elegant. Carlos explains, "My fashion is a reflection of my journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. I don’t confine myself to a single trend; my style is forever evolving."

Carlos's commitment to authenticity sets him apart. He draws inspiration not from his immediate environment but from a global tapestry of cultures and ideas. "The world is vast and fascinating," he says. "Immersing myself in its myriad styles offers limitless inspiration." Most of his fashion pieces are custom-made, tailored to his evolving vision, ensuring that each outfit is a true reflection of his unique aesthetic.

For Carlos, platforms like Pinterest and Tumblr are invaluable sources of inspiration. "They offer a vast array of visuals and ideas that help me stay ahead of trends," he notes. By leveraging these digital resources, Carlos continually refreshes his wardrobe, blending modern and vintage elements to create a dynamic and engaging style.

Sphynx: The Afro-Punk Harajuku Maverick

Self-described as an Afro-punk, apocalyptic, and Harajuku fashionista, Sphynx's style has evolved through years of experimentation and exploration. Consequently, her wardrobe is mainly composed of thrifted clothes, making her style unpredictable. In a desert of creativity, Sphynx turns to nature for inspiration. Her day-to-day mood swings bring different flavours to her style, as she uses dressing as a form of therapy.

Personal Style and Creativity:

Sphynx's fashion is an eclectic blend of Afro-punk, apocalyptic aesthetics, and Harajuku influences. Her personal style has evolved over years of experimentation and exploration, resulting in a wardrobe primarily composed of thrifted pieces. This unique collection ensures that each piece in her wardrobe tells a story of creativity and individuality.

Nature as a Muse:

In a city where creativity can sometimes feel sparse, Sphynx finds inspiration in the natural world. She turns to nature when she needs a creative boost, drawing from its endless beauty and variety. This connection to the natural environment infuses her fashion with a sense of organic, raw authenticity.

Mood-Driven Style:

Sphynx's daily fashion choices are deeply influenced by her emotions. Different moods bring out different outfits, allowing her to navigate her feelings through her clothing choices. This approach ensures that her style is always evolving, mirroring her internal journey.

Tunisha: The 90s Nostalgia Enthusiast

Personal Style and Evolution:

Tunisha’s style is a nostalgic ode to the 90s - 00s fashion scene, infused with emerging trends from Cape Town. "I love experimenting with different aesthetics and archetypes ," she says. "I always want to look like I’m stepping out a movie scene." Tunisha's style is a work in progress, constantly evolving as she discovers new inspirations.

Supporting Local Talent:

Supporting local designers and sustainable fashion is important to Tunisha. "I try to support local talent whenever I can," she explains. Her favourite fashion pieces come from thrift stores and markets, where she finds unique items that add character to her wardrobe.

Influence of People:

Tunisha draws daily inspiration from the people around her—friends, family, and even strangers on the street. "Everyone has something unique to offer," she believes. One of her key influences is Rachel Green from Friends, as well as anything Aliyah coded whose iconic 90s style continues to inspire her outfits.

Cape Town’s alt dune fashion scene is a testament to the city’s dynamic and diverse cultural landscape. Carlos Kanye, Sphynx, and Tunisha each bring their unique perspectives to the runway, blending global influences with personal creativity to redefine what it means to be a trendsetter. As they continue to push the boundaries of fashion, their styles not only reflect their individual journeys but also inspire others to explore and embrace their unique sartorial expressions.