In collaboration with African Bank, renowned fashion designer Khosi Nkosi has created a groundbreaking clothing range for the bank’s frontline staff. The collection is a stunning fusion of traditional African aesthetics with contemporary design, embodying the vibrant spirit of African Bank.

We had a chat with Khosi Nkosi to uncover her creative process, the challenges she faced, and her personal tastes beyond fashion.

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What inspired this clothing range for African Bank’s staff?

[KHOSI NKOSI]: The brief from African Bank was so clear, it made the process effortless. The inspiration came from Africa, particularly Wakanda, and the aim was to create a look that would bring vibrance and charisma to their staff. We wanted to pull from our own array of cultures and pay tribute to our heritage.

How did you balance the bank’s branding with traditional African design elements?

[KHOSI NKOSI]: For years, Khosi Nkosi has embraced African prints and modernized them for the young African market. Integrating African Bank’s branding with our style was seamless. We focused on blending their corporate identity with fashionable trends while ensuring the designs were practical and durable.

Share your experience with creative challenges you faced during this project and how you overcame them.

[KHOSI NKOSI]: One of the biggest challenges was creating a collection that suited a wide range of sizes (from XS to 9XL) while being practical for daily wear. Many staff members use public transport, so the clothing needed to be functional. We overcame this by staying true to our brand DNA and drawing on 16 years of retail experience, marrying bold design with everyday practicality.

How has your collaboration with African Bank shaped your perception of professional wear?

[KHOSI NKOSI]: Our perception has definitely changed. Uniforms no longer need to be drab and dreary. African Bank chose to innovate and use fashion as a way to stand out, and that inspired us to push the boundaries while staying true to ourselves.

What has been the employees’ response to their new uniforms since the launch?

[KHOSI NKOSI]: The feedback has been incredibly heartwarming. One staff member from the Rosebank branch shared that this is the first time she’s been excited about their uniform, having gone through four previous sets. Another long-serving employee said she feels beautiful when wearing the uniform and receives compliments, even in taxis. It’s clear that African Bank has achieved something remarkable in making their staff feel seen and appreciated.

If you could travel anywhere in the world for inspiration, where would you go and what would you look for?

[KHOSI NKOSI]: I’d start in Lesotho, then explore the Okavango Delta, the Namib Desert, and Ghana’s historic St. James Tow. After that, I’d visit Spain to experience Gaudi’s architecture before returning home to immerse myself in Ndebele culture, made famous by Esther Mahlangu. In each place, I’d seek out design elements created by nature and history.

What’s your go-to comfort food after a long day of designing?

[KHOSI NKOSI]: Definitely ‘inyama yenhloko’ with pap—delicious!

What are your predictions on upcoming fashion trends in South Africa?

[KHOSI NKOSI]: I think we’ll see more South Africans proudly supporting local brands, both at home and abroad.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self just starting out in the fashion industry?

[KHOSI NKOSI]: Life is not a sprint. Where you are is exactly where you’re meant to be. Khosi Nkosi’s collection for African Bank not only redefines professional wear but also celebrates African heritage in a bold and beautiful way. Through this partnership, African Bank continues to empower local talent and uplift the creative economy in South Africa.

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Featured Image(s) Source: Supplied