Teepee Mahlangu for The Bodega
Teepee Mahlangu

This shoot stands out as one of my most enjoyable and fulfilling experiences. Collaborating with a group of friends deeply involved in Cape Town's fashion scene brought an exciting energy to the project.

Many of them are graduates from a renowned fashion design school, and I have had the pleasure of working with them before. They modeled a collection they designed as part of their school project, and their deep understanding of their creations made them exceptional models. Their ability to interpret and embody their designs was a key reason I chose them for this editorial, which highlights the vibrant fashion scene in the Western Cape.

The process was a true collaboration. After they shared their latest collection with me, we discussed the concept, art direction, and potential locations for the shoot. Their collection's story and message resonated with the idea of connecting design with identity, and together, we decided that a natural setting would perfectly tie these elements together.

The location we chose not only complemented the aesthetic of their designs but also reinforced the narrative of their work—grounded in individuality, creativity, and authenticity. This shoot was more than just a project; it was a celebration of shared vision, artistry, and the spirit of collaboration in Cape Town’s ever-evolving fashion landscape.

The Bodega is a contemporary collective of creators based in Cape Town. The artists from The Bodega are Nande Vandala, Anele Nono, Stacey Jhené Herndricks and Siphosethu Toyis.

All photographs by Teepee Mahalangu

Instagram @teepee_mahlangu

Behance: https://www.behance.net/teepeemahlangu

Website: https://teepeemahlangu.wixsite.com/teepee-mahlangu-1

Email: teepeemahlangu@gmail.com

Phone Number: +27 067 057 9367

Photo Assistant Jett Jooste @theytjie

Styling Nande Vandala @nande_vandala

Prop Master Thabiso Musi @african_dandy27

The Bodega, Collective of Creators @the._.bodega

The Bodega artists:

Nande Vandala @nande_vandala

Anele Nono @amazing_ace_ 7455

Stacey Jhené Herndricks @ig_staceyhendricks

Siphosethu Toyis @callme.nexttime