Closing the three-day fashion affair at the Soweto Theatre in Jabulani, HOSS BY SASS unveiled Grounded; a deeply personal collection that honours renowned designer and stylist, Sanele Thabethe’s evolution, while exploring themes of rebirth, healing, and fearless self-discovery.
The designers who showcased at Soweto Fashion Week embodied boldness and fearlessness in their aesthetic, but HOSS BY SASS delivered one of the evening’s most memorable moments. The showcase opened with a narrated story of an egg hatching: a symbolic introduction that immediately brought the theme of rebirth to life.
“That opening narration reflected the essence of Grounded: the beauty of transformation and the courage it takes to step into a new version of yourself,” says Sanele. “It represented the moment of emergence; fragile, quiet, but powerful.”
The evocative opening transitioned into a live performance that embodied the emotional depth of the collection. Describing Grounded as a return to self, Sanele says the collection reflects a quieter, more intentional kind of strength. “It’s a reminder that power doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes it exists in softness, stillness, and silence. Grounded is ultimately about rebirth: letting go of old versions of yourself and rising again with clarity, intention, and strength.”
She enlightens that the collection was inspired by “the emotional weight of becoming: the moments where you’re forced to rebuild, reintroduce yourself to yourself, and learn how to stand firmly in your truth even when life is shaking beneath you.”
Expanding on the colour story, she shares that it was equally intentional and deeply symbolic. Beginning with neutral and monochromatic tones, she says, "The garments reflect a state of emotional armour; guarded, restrained, and protected”. As the showcase progresses, the palette gradually transitions into brighter, more vibrant hues, symbolising healing and self-discovery. “It mirrors the transformation from survival mode into softness, from being closed off into blooming, and finally stepping fully into light," she adds.
For the innovative designer, the timing of Grounded marks a significant chapter in her personal and creative journey. “It represents my current era: an era of refinement, emotional clarity, and fearless identity. I’m not creating from a place of proving anymore, I’m creating from a place of knowing. It’s about strength that’s rooted, not rushed; being anchored, even while evolving.”
Known for her avant garde approach to storytelling, Sanele says her work has always been deeply personal. “Every garment is designed like a character and/or element: carrying scars, elegance, rebellion, and emotion. I treat couture as a language and art: it speaks without asking for permission.”
With Grounded, she wanted the pieces to embody both strength and vulnerability. “I wanted the garments to feel like armour, but still carry softness: structured silhouettes paired with vulnerable detailing, dramatic shapes balanced by restraint,” she explains.
A defining feature of the collection is its incorporation of unisex silhouettes, reinforcing the idea that Grounded is not confined to one gender identity, but rather reflects a shared emotional experience. “The unisex looks reflect strength, structure, and freedom, blurring traditional boundaries while maintaining the signature HOSS BY SASS edge,” she asserts. “It was important for me to create pieces that feel inclusive, wearable, and powerful for anyone who resonates with the story.”
Showcasing at Soweto Fashion Week carries both personal and cultural significance for Sanele. “It places HOSS BY SASS in a space where African fashion is not only celebrated, but positioned as global, innovative, and worthy of high-art interpretation. It’s a moment of visibility, but also of validation.”
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