Umbhaco is a material used in South African traditional garments in formal and informal ceremonies. It is an extremely durable cotton that’s made to last when well-cared for. “Umbhaco” is also the given term for the traditional attire of the Xhosa speaking
Head fashion designer of Umbhaco started conscious hiking shortly after the start of the pandemic and South Africa’s first lock down. This was an opportunity to explore hills, forests, caves, mountains and massive rocks, waterfalls, creepy crawlies, thin and thick air, colorful skies and inspired her in ways you can only imagine. Taking short naps on a flat rock near a stream in the middle of a forest while on a hike is the kind of tranquility that delivered ideas to her thought process; and which turned into ideas for her next garment design.
Scrolling through hundreds of pictures and selfies taken during these hiking adventures in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, the idea for “Hiking in heels” was born. This is a range of designs shot against a variety of natural backdrops. Nature has so much to offer if you allow it and not destroy it.
A giant mountain, the sea or an island in the middle of it, a gorgeous green forest or a burned one, a silhouette of solid rocks and much more of such is all you need to create your picture story and be the starring.
The designer wishes to invite everyone to this creative journey and creation of beautiful moments of hiking and fashion shooting.
As she is based in Cape Town, most of the hikes take place on and off Table Mountain as it still boasts the best scenery of the city of cape town, Lions Head, The Twelve Apostles, Robben Island, Devils’ Peak and more. Should you wish to take part in hiking, fashion shooting or both kindly drop us an email on info@umbhaco.com with subject line Hiking in Heels
