Veteran actor Sthandiwe Kgoroge is redefining African luxury through Poetry Museum, her fashion label rooted in indigenous knowledge and personal style. With a career spanning numerous films and TV shows, including Generations and Shaka iLembe, Kgoroge has always been passionate about fashion. In 2003, she launched Poetry Museum from a factory floor in Johannesburg, conceptualizing pieces using magazines and books. Now, 23 years later, Kgoroge is breathing new life into the brand with a matured vision.
Kgoroge's fashion label, Poetry Museum, is an archive project that explores the past, present, and future of fashion. The brand is not just about clothing but a curated space for creative expression and cultural connection. Kgoroge's latest accessories are now available at Andticks in Johannesburg and Merchants on Main in Cape Town. Her designs express appreciation for handmade craftsmanship while referencing indigenous knowledge.
As an actor, Kgoroge has never imposed her personal style on her characters, instead embracing the wardrobe process with curiosity. She recalls working on The Road, a production that blended Sophiatown and modern-day South Africa, and admiring the beautiful wardrobe. Kgoroge's experience in acting and fashion has taught her to see the intersection of creativity and self-expression.
Kgoroge's passion for indigenous knowledge is evident in her designs, which she believes should not be treated as exotic or new. She draws inspiration from African wisdom, passed down through generations, and incorporates it into her fashion label. Poetry Museum's pieces are designed to appreciate and celebrate handmade craftsmanship.
The relaunch of Poetry Museum marks a new chapter in Kgoroge's fashion journey. After taking a back seat from designing, Kgoroge has started creating new pieces, including accessories, which have been well-received by fans and fashion enthusiasts. Her dedication to preserving and promoting indigenous knowledge through fashion is evident in her designs.
Kgoroge's experience in balancing her fashion business with acting has taught her to see the connection between creativity and self-expression. She recalls working on Generations, where she would dress herself in certain areas with her characters, Zinzi and Zoleka. This experience gave her the confidence to pursue her passion for fashion and acting.
Kgoroge's fashion credentials were further cemented when she won a competition to design a wedding dress for Hlubi Arnold. Her distinct eye for fashion has been shaped by her experience in acting and her passion for indigenous knowledge. With Poetry Museum, Kgoroge aims to create a platform for creative expression and cultural connection.
Key points
- Sthandiwe Kgoroge's fashion label, Poetry Museum, focuses on indigenous knowledge and handmade craftsmanship.
- Kgoroge's designs aim to appreciate and celebrate African wisdom and cultural heritage.
- The relaunch of Poetry Museum marks a new chapter in Kgoroge's fashion journey, blending her passion for acting, fashion, and indigenous knowledge.
