Unveiled at Tranoï, the Paris Fashion Week Trade Show Partner, with the support of CANEX, an African Export-Import Bank initiative — Hamethop’s SS23 collection examines a deep state of limbo and a need to escape one’s conditioning.
“This collection explores the ideological aspects of the Rat Race (a way of life in which people are caught up in a fiercely competitive struggle for wealth or power) and the ways in which it has affected my life,” says Hamethop founder and designer Tsakani Mashaba. “The Rat Race collection offers commentary and interrogation into the historic and modern notions of getting the bag,” she continues.
This SS23 range features pared-back knits in monochrome colors and focuses on unfussy wardrobe essentials in the form of matching sets, distinctive denim, and t-shirts.
Confronting life beyond societal boundaries, our season’s mascot Paw-Gah takes center stage as a recurring motif printed on handbags and separates, highlighting and interpreting the concepts of time, escapism, rest, imagination, and belonging. Handbags are crafted from sleek minimalist shapes, inventive sculptural handles, and golden hardware. In addition, details and illustrations of a ladder are used as a metaphor for an imposed path to success.
The presentation of Rat Race SS23 which coincides with the launch of our new retail store at We Are Egg Rosebank in Johannesburg, South Africa is on showcase at Tranoï in Paris from 29 September – 2 October 2022.
About Hamethop
Launched in 2015 by Tsakani Mashaba, Hamethop delves into asking questions and the possibility that the non-existence or existence of answers is often a starting point rather than a destination. We envision ourselves as the embodiment of diverse realities through fashion and design, allowing those who engage with us to reflect on how they can define themselves.
We explore contemporary art, time, architecture, and place. We gather examples from these overlapping disciplines and crafts in an attempt to visually emphasize the liminal. Through constant collaboration efforts between different art forms, we are constantly pushing the boundaries, evolving, and radicalizing into a new paradigm.
