Slow Fashion: Designer Hlumelo Nyaluza On Why He Is Embracing Slow Fashion and Renewable Consumption
An Interview With Martita Mestey
Align with luxury through craftsmanship. Slow fashion and luxury go hand in hand. What defines luxury isn’t just price — it’s precision, care, and artistry. My bags are handmade by a team led by a French-trained African leather craftsman, and every stitch tells a story. When you prioritize craftsmanship at every stage, the final piece becomes more than a product — it becomes art.
As ‘slow fashion’ grows in popularity, more fashion companies are jumping on the bandwagon. Renewable consumption has been gaining popularity for a while, as people recognize its importance, and many fashion companies want to be a part of this change. In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders in the fashion industry to discuss why they are embracing slow fashion and renewable consumption. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Hlumelo Nyaluza.
Hlumelo Nyaluza, a Xhosa designer from South Africa’s Eastern Cape, began his journey in fashion by repurposing his late mother’s clothing — an early expression of slow, meaningful creation. Guided by his Human Navigation philosophy, his brand is rooted in renewable consumption, empowering African artisans while honoring cultural heritage. For Nyaluza, fashion isn’t just aesthetic — it’s a vehicle for sustainability, purpose, and African excellence on the global stage.
Thank you for joining us! To start, can you share a bit about your early background and how it influenced your journey into slow fashion?
I’m Hlumelo Nyaluza, originally from the Eastern Cape of South Africa and a proud member of the Xhosa tribe — the same tribe as Nelson Mandela, and the language spoken in Black Panther’s Wakanda.
My journey into slow fashion began with a deep sense of purpose I discovered at the age of 12: to make other people’s dreams come true through my “against the norm” imagination. I was so sure of it that I spray-painted “HN 4 Ever” on a wall back home. It’s still there.
When I was 13, my mother passed away from cancer. I took her clothes, cut them up, and reimagined them into something new. That’s when I fell in love with fashion. As a creative teenager driven by purpose, I spent those years uplifting my peers — organizing activities to help them uncover and refine their own talents. Watching them grow taught me that greatness takes time. You can’t rush excellence. And when you slow down, less is wasted.
Last year, I dreamt of a bag design that brought together art, originality, and a way to uplift overlooked African artisans. That dream led to a Facebook campaign, which helped me raise the funds to register the design and produce my first samples. The first bag featured a painting of my late mother. Creating it wasn’t just about the final product — it was about honoring her, and doing it with care and intention.
Growing up with limited resources, my parents always reminded us that someone else was praying for the very things we took for granted. That value of not wasting stuck with me. To this day, I believe in only making what is truly needed. My journey into slow fashion is a reflection of my respect for art, my love for nature, my drive for perfection, and my desire to express myself with purpose and integrity.
What inspired you to pursue a career in slow fashion, and can you share the story behind your decision?
As a teenager, becoming a fashion designer was one of my biggest dreams — I’ve always dreamed in color and shapes. Alongside building ventures to uplift the overlooked, I knew fashion was a world where I could express my imagination and purpose.
After finishing high school, I enrolled in electrical engineering at Nelson Mandela University, but my heart wasn’t in it. I dropped out and later tried to launch a t-shirt line in 2012, but without the right resources, it didn’t take off. I returned to study software development at Walter Sisulu University, but I dropped out again — twice. For years, I experimented with various avant-garde ideas.
Then in 2024, after more than a decade of unemployment and experimenting to gain more experience and polish my philosophy, I had a dream — literally. In that dream, I saw a handbag design that felt like a gift from my ancestors. It was bold, artful, and full of meaning. I knew I had to bring it to life. That vision became the foundation of my slow fashion venture, created not just to express art, but to uplift the three types of artisans it takes to make each bag: woodworkers, leather crafters, and fine artists.
Each bag is handmade with intention — because it is art, it has art, and it deserves to be treated like art. That means precision, care, and time.
Growing up with little, my parents always taught me to never waste. We were raised to only take what we could use. I honestly don’t remember ever throwing food in the trash. That mindset shaped me. For me, honoring craftsmanship, rejecting excess, and creating something that lasts isn’t just a business model — it’s a way of life.
Even my name, Hlumelo Nyaluza, means “something that grows beautifully.” And true beauty, to me, should never come at the cost of people or the planet.
Who is your fashion hero or heroine, and why do they inspire you?
My earliest fashion heroes were my mother, Princess Diana, and the traditional Xhosa attire I grew up surrounded by. My mother had an elegant sense of style and a quiet strength that still guides me. Princess Diana’s grace, compassion, and effortless fashion sense deeply inspired me — she had the ability to communicate emotion and dignity through the way she dressed. And my Xhosa heritage has always been a source of visual and cultural inspiration — our traditional garments are bold, meaningful, and beautifully crafted.
In the late 2000s, Lady Gaga also became an influence — but in an unexpected way. While I admired her courage to challenge norms, I began envisioning the opposite: a quieter form of avant-garde. One that was less provocative, more refined — simple, mesmerising, and practical. My work draws from that vision. It’s about creating something powerful through subtlety, craftsmanship, and cultural reverence.
What’s the most intriguing or memorable experience you’ve had since starting your career in slow fashion?
The most memorable part of my journey has been receiving designs in my dreams and bringing them to life. There’s something deeply powerful about turning a concept that never existed before into a tangible piece — especially knowing that I’ve officially registered the design, making it truly one of a kind. It’s a reminder that what starts in the imagination can become something real, lasting, and uniquely mine.
As a successful leader in the industry, which three character traits have been key to your success? Can you provide a story or example for each?
1. Passion and love for what I do — Even during the most difficult years — when I was unemployed and some days I didn’t know where my next meal would come from — I still wanted to create. I was filled with ideas, and despite the adversity, I found joy in bringing them to life. That inner drive, that love for imagining and building something new, has always been my fuel.
2. Detachment from outcomes — I’ve learned that true peace — and success — comes from detaching from expectations. Attachment can be a source of suffering. I don’t recall ever feeling depressed, even when life was heavy, because I focused on doing my best and releasing the rest. I trust a higher power to guide the outcome. This mindset has helped me stay grounded and resilient.
3. A heart for service — So much of my success has come from wanting to serve others — uplifting and inspiring people through my creations. I believe I’m a vessel for something greater. Many of my designs are not just mine — they’re dreams passed down from my ancestors. By serving something bigger than myself, I’ve found a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
How does your company embody and implement the principles of slow fashion, and what motivated you to adopt this approach?
We embody the principles of slow fashion by creating each bag to order. Our preorder system ensures we only produce what is needed, eliminating unnecessary waste. Every piece is crafted with care, attention, and time — nothing is rushed. We aim to master each bag so that it not only reflects the beauty of craftsmanship but becomes something its owner truly treasures.
What motivated me to adopt this approach is a deep respect for zero-waste living and the understanding that true perfection takes time. There’s something powerful about slowing down and being intentional. People can feel the difference when something has been made with that level of care — it resonates on a deeper level.
What measures does your company take to ensure the sustainability and ethical integrity of your supply chain and production processes?
We’re committed to sustainability and ethical integrity at every stage of our process. Our leather is sustainably sourced, and we work with artisans who are paid fair wages and create in a spacious, beautiful, air-conditioned environment that respects their well-being. We only produce bags per order, which helps eliminate excess and reduce waste. Even our packaging is eco-conscious — it’s both recyclable and reusable, aligning with our commitment to thoughtful, responsible design.
Can you tell us about the materials you use in your products and how you ensure they are sourced sustainably?
Our bags are made from high-quality materials, carefully chosen for both durability and sustainability. We use sustainably sourced wood from suppliers who comply with South African forestry regulations, cow leather that is a by-product of the food industry, water-based glue, and canvas for our hand-painted artworks. The hardware is crafted from polished alloy steel.
Each component is selected not only for quality but with intention. We work with skilled artisans who practice ethical craftsmanship, ensuring a responsible and mindful production process from start to finish.
Could you share some examples of how your company’s practices have benefited local communities or the environment?
One of the most meaningful ways our company supports local communities is by partnering with local artisans to bring new concepts to life. Whenever I develop a new pre-sample design, I make it a point to collaborate with artisans in my community — and I ensure they are paid double their usual rate. It’s my way of honoring their skills and investing in their growth.
So far, our production has had no negative impact on the environment, and I’m committed to keeping it that way. Looking ahead, we plan to invest in environmental initiatives that actively support sustainability. I also have a long-term goal of training more African artisans to produce HN bags, helping to create jobs and build a network of skilled craftspeople across the continent.
What initiatives are you undertaking to educate consumers about the significance of slow fashion and sustainable consumption?
I make it a priority to talk about slow fashion whenever I can — on my e-commerce website, in media interviews, and across my social media platforms. I use every opportunity to explain that slow fashion isn’t just about beautifully made products — it’s also about reducing waste, protecting the environment, and creating with intention.
As the brand grows, I plan to take that message even further. I want our future advertising to stand out — not just by showcasing the product, but by educating people about why slow fashion matters. It’s about craftsmanship, yes — but it’s also about shifting how we consume, and showing that thoughtful creation is powerful and necessary.
What are three essential things everyone should understand about slow fashion?
- Slow fashion reduces waste — and pollution. By producing only what’s needed and making use of materials responsibly, slow fashion helps prevent the waste of precious resources. That, in turn, plays a role in reducing environmental pollution.
- It values quality over quantity. Slow fashion is about taking the time to create something that lasts. It’s a rejection of mass production and a celebration of craftsmanship, care, and intention.
- It’s influencing change beyond fashion. Slow fashion is starting to inspire other industries in the luxury space to rethink how they produce — encouraging more eco-friendly, ethical practices that put people and the planet first.
Thank you for all that insight. Now, let’s dive into the core of our interview: What are the “5 Key Elements to Leading a Successful Slow Fashion Brand”? Please provide a story or example for each.
1. Less is more. One of the core principles of slow fashion is intentional simplicity. By using fewer materials in the design process, there’s less chance of creating unnecessary waste. For me, it’s about designing masterpieces with restraint — choosing the right elements and letting them shine rather than layering on excess. This approach not only protects resources but also brings elegance and clarity to the final product.
2. Authenticity. Your energy and identity are your greatest assets as a designer. When your work is authentic — when it comes from your story, your culture, your imagination — people can feel it. It’s something that can’t be replicated. My first bag featured a painting of my late mother, and that personal connection made the piece deeply meaningful. Authenticity draws people in, because it carries emotional truth.
3. Patience. There’s no rushing slow fashion. Patience is essential — not just in creating the product, but in refining the process. When I designed my first bag, it took me seven months and over 26 samples to get it right. It was a long journey, but every adjustment brought me closer to perfection. True craftsmanship takes time, and honoring that time is part of the beauty of this work.
4. Use sustainably sourced, high-quality materials. The integrity of a slow fashion brand begins with the materials. We use wood sourced in compliance with South African forestry laws, cow leather that’s a by-product of the food industry, and other components selected for both sustainability and durability. Quality materials not only reduce environmental harm — they elevate the product’s value and lifespan.
5. Align with luxury through craftsmanship. Slow fashion and luxury go hand in hand. What defines luxury isn’t just price — it’s precision, care, and artistry. My bags are handmade by a team led by a French-trained African leather craftsman, and every stitch tells a story. When you prioritize craftsmanship at every stage, the final piece becomes more than a product — it becomes art.
Do you have a favorite quote that has influenced your life? Can you share a story that illustrates its relevance to you?
“People can walk on water.”
This quote reminds me that the impossible is often just untried. I come from a disadvantaged background in Africa. I lost my mother to cancer when I was 13. I dropped out of university — twice. I was unemployed for 13 years and had multiple ventures that didn’t succeed by society’s standards.
But despite it all — no financial support, no safety net — I kept going. I held onto my vision. And eventually, I created a world-exclusive luxury handbag that’s now gaining international attention. That journey taught me: if you have faith, imagination, and persistence, you can do what seems impossible. You can walk on water.
With your considerable influence, if you could start a movement to make a significant positive impact, what would it be?
Honestly, it’s exactly what I’m doing now. The movement began when I was 12 years old, the moment I discovered my purpose — what I call Human Navigation. It’s about guiding people toward a better future through my “against the norm” imagination.
I want to inspire and empower the super-talented individuals who are often overlooked or disadvantaged. Through my creations, I aim to show them what’s possible, to open doors, and to challenge the limits that society places on them.
I even spray-painted “HN 4 Ever” on a wall back home when I was 12 — it’s still there. That message, and that mission, have stayed with me ever since.
How can our readers stay updated with your work online?
Through my website — www.hlumelonyaluza.com and my social media platforms:
- Instagram: @therealhlumelonyaluza
- TikTok: @therealhlumelonyaluza
- Facebook: Hlumelo Nyaluza
Thank you for sharing these fantastic insights. We appreciate your time and wish you continued success.
Slow Fashion: Designer Hlumelo Nyaluza On Why He Is Embracing Slow Fashion and Renewable… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.