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Du Toit’s journey, inspired by local designer Laduma Ngxokolo and shaped by a vision of a fairer world, is a testament to her dedication to reshaping the fashion industry with respect for both heritage and the planet.
Ilkhe du Toit: Bridging Fashion and Sustainability with Heritage-Inspired Design
Ilkhe du Toit, a fashion and textile designer from South Africa, brings a unique perspective to sustainable design, shaped by her childhood on a Merino sheep farm in Karoo. Her deep-rooted connection to natural fibres and an understanding of textile production has driven her to address industry challenges through eco-conscious practices. Du Toit's innovative approach merges textile creation and garment design, focusing on zero-waste principles by using textiles as shape-forming agents.
Her first collection, The Herder, drew inspiration from the Karoo’s natural landscapes, marking her design journey rooted in the environment rather than fleeting trends. Raised in a creative family, her multidisciplinary approach to design emphasizes collaboration, a value that has shaped her career.
Du Toit's fashion film, SALT, filmed in the desolate salt pans of the Karoo, confronts the environmental toll of the fashion industry. Through vivid imagery, it explores the delicate balance between nature and industry, particularly highlighting salt's role in fabric dyeing and its impact on the environment. Her SALT collection, crafted from 100% biodegradable Merino wool, exemplifies her commitment to sustainable fashion, achieved through partnerships with Aalto University, Marzotto Wool Manufacturers, and Cape Wools.
The collection’s designs organically evolve from the materials used, creating garments that are both bold and feminine while embracing sustainability without compromising style. Du Toit’s work is not just about creating fashion but also advocating for responsible consumer choices.
By championing transparency and traceability in her supply chain, Du Toit ensures the wool used in her designs is RWS-certified, sourced ethically from farms in South Africa and Australia. Her internship with Marzotto in 2022 gave her hands-on knowledge of textile production, deepening her respect for the craft and the people behind it.
In addition to her work in fashion, Du Toit’s printed fabric collection leverages eco-friendly methods like digital and sublimation printing, reducing water consumption and avoiding harmful chemicals. Her experiences studying abroad, especially at Aalto University, cemented her belief in the importance of sustainable textile education for future designers.
Du Toit’s journey, inspired by local designer Laduma Ngxokolo and shaped by a vision of a fairer world, is a testament to her dedication to reshaping the fashion industry with respect for both heritage and the planet.
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