Sindiso Khumalo founded her eponymous, ready-to-wear womenswear label in 2015 in Cape Town, South Africa. She studied architecture at the University of Cape town before completing an MA in Textile Futures at Central St Martins, London. Khumalo’s work uses textiles techniques such as print and patchwork to explore stories from the past, centring on women’s empowerment. Through her collections Khumalo recognizes and celebrates powerful Black women in history, such as activist Charlotte Maxeke (1871-1939), Sarah Forbes Bonetta (1843-1880) (Yoruban princess and god-daughter of Queen Victoria) and American abolitionist Harriet Tubman (1822-1913).

The Miss Celie dress is one of Khumalo’s most recognisable designs. The name pays homage to the character in the 1982 novel The Color Purple by American author Alice Walker. The ruffle neckline and hem references early 1900s smocks and aprons. The dress and bonnet feature Khuamlo’s signature ‘Zulu Princess’ print, created by friend and illustrator Alex Fox. The print, designed in the style of a toile de jouey, depicts traditional Nguni life on a homestead and includes an illustration of Khumalo’s mother at her [Khumalo] wedding wearing a traditional Zulu headdress called an inkehli.