From the search to understanding identity and exploring the multifaceted parts of the self, Celeste Lee Arendse founder of Cape Town based label SELFI, carefully marries indigenous ways of living with modern day practices in pursuit of becoming more whole in contemporary society.
The name SELFI was created from the word self and was intended to evoke elements of self awareness. With each collection the brand delves into ways one can heal, nurture or empower the self. The search for understanding identity stems from the complex undertaking of “colourdness” in contemporary South Africa. Which was a word created in apartheid to separate cultures.
Thus this search has been further explored through researching the San and Khoisan People of Southern Africa to recollect aspects of traditions that may have been lost or shunned. It is in hope that this search will evoke curiosity for others to further explore what the idea of colouredness means and how we can retrace steps to weave new pathways of being and understanding.
SPIRIT BODY 2023 is a collection inspired by how we can become more present within and feel our internal energy as we connect deeper to Mother Earth. We explored parts of Cape Town such as Saunders Rock and Camps Bay Tidal Pool, which has always activated healing and replenishment for the mind body and soul.
Fabrics such as raw silk, ramie linen and 100% cotton was used through out the collection. We further introduce special fibres such as mohair, which was sourced in the Wilderness (Natures Valley) near an area where the San chiefs used to have sacred meetings. The collection continues to include rock drawings which are embroidered through out the collection and refers to a San trance dance which was a way the San would connect to their ancestors and nature.
Photographer : @mikhailiapetersen, H&M : @richardpaint, @amoribirch Model 1 : Taryn ,Model 2 : Leah, Model 3 : Cassidy, Model 4 : Sandile, Ceramics : @karlien_vanrooyen @han______ceramics Jewellery : @pichulikafrica @yellowbyjesslea