At this year’s SA Menswear Week in Cape Town, Ezokhetho proudly debuted its latest collection, ZOD-WA—a deeply personal and emotionally resonant body of work that marks a powerful new chapter for the brand. For the first time, Ezokhetho introduces menswear into its universe, expanding its narrative and honoring the rich complexities of Black love, memory, and legacy.
ZODWA is more than fashion—it is a love letter. Named after the cherished nickname given by the designer’s father to their mother, Ntombizonke, the collection is rooted in the profound intimacy of familial bonds and the quiet, resilient love that bloomed in South Africa during the 1980s and 90s. Set against the back-drop of apartheid’s final years and the promise of a new era, ZODWA captures the tenderness and strength of Black partnership—both a historical reflection and a personal homage.
This collection also stands as a poignant continuation of Ezokhetho’s story. Following last year’s showcase, which honoured the designer’s mother, the creative journey took on new meaning after her passing just six months later. ZODWA became a spiritual offering—crafted through grief, memory, and the enduring power of love.
“In many ways, designing this collection was a spiritual act,” shares the designer. “It’s a celebration of those who came before us, who held us together, who believed in us—even when the world refused to.”
With structured yet fluid silhouettes, rich textures, and a palette that evokes nostalgia and quiet hope,ZODWA embodies the duality of past and present, absence and presence, him and her. The newly introduced menswear pieces stand as both complement and counterpoint to the label’s signature aesthetic—offering a holistic vision of partnership and shared story. Ezokhetho invites the world to witness ZODWA not only as a fashion collection, but as a living memory—attribute to love that endures.
