Being a graduate of CTCFD (Cape Town College of Fashion Design), Socioculture began as Naeelah’s graduate project - in which she was tasked with conceptualizing a viable brand that encompassed all she had learned, while being totally true to her vision as a designer in Cape Town. In an industry, or world at large, in which many choose the fashion school pathway - few are able to see through their initial ideas of running a brand - and while this is necessary, as the industry needs many people doing various things, it’s always exciting to see a designer like Naeelah succeed doing what she loves, and what she studied towards. After school, Naeelah worked as a stylist - but eventually found her way back to the sewing machine, realizing that her passion truly lay in the process of pattern-making and garment construction.

We tend to think of streetwear as being masculine-oriented, but Naeelah’s story exemplifies that streetwear should function as it was intended; clothing that reflects real people, across real communities, of all genders, sharing the skills and creativity that make the world go around. 

Naeelah reflects on the beginnings of Socioculture as it stands today - and her showcase at The Stockroom Show was an ode to this journey. On display was a beautiful sewing machine, a nod to her intimate relationship to every garment she makes - along with her graduation portfolio, and rails with exciting new pieces emblazoned with the bubble monogram of Socioculture. The showstopper had to be the neon yellow tulle dress - incredibly crafted, with ruffles and pleats. These elements woven with the brand’s signature hoodies and T-shirts are testament to the importance of femme-power in streetwear - that tulle exists alongside cotton, with sneakers on plinths too. There are no rules.