Her heARTbeat is a collection that speaks in rhythm, shaped by memory and the lived experiences of African women. Conceived by Fuata Moyo, it draws from their Design Week exhibition Follow Her heARTbeat, a project dedicated to amplifying women artists. The collection honours the strength of their late mother, whose resilience became both muse and guiding philosophy, and extends that tribute to women across the continent who nurture, create, and lead.
Powered by Vault on Bree, a women-led space, Her heARTbeat moves between softness and resistance, weaving African cultural references into contemporary urban aesthetics.
In this conversation, Fuata Moyo reflects on the inspirations behind Her heARTbeat, their design vocabulary, and the collaborations that continue to shape their vision of an African Renaissance.
What inspired the concept of Her heARTbeat and how does it reflect your design philosophy?
Fuata Moyo: Her heARTbeat was born from our exhibition Follow Her heARTbeat during Design Week, which aimed to empower women artists. The collection is motivated by the underrepresentation of African women creatives and expresses the feminine side of our brand. We were raised by a strong single mother after losing our father, and her resilience became our greatest inspiration.
This collection honours her and all women who are shaping the future. Powered by Vault on Bree, itself run by strong women, the storytelling centres on the emotional, creative, and political rhythms of women’s lived experiences.
How do you define your contemporary African design vocabulary in the context of global fashion trends?
Fuata Moyo: We don’t follow trends. Our process begins with storytelling, often rooted in our family journey. Fashion for us is art, led by the heart rather than the head. We believe Africa has endless stories to tell, and if we remain authentic, global trends will emerge from here.
Can you share how sculptural tailoring became a signature element in your work?
Fuata Moyo: Our aesthetic is vibrant and expressive, defined by silhouette cuts, upcycled fabrics, and hand-painted textiles. We don’t rely on logos; our tailoring and artwork speak for us. For us, fashion is wearable art, a statement that connects everyday people with Divine creativity.
How did the collaboration with Vault on Bree come about?
Fuata Moyo: We’ve admired Vault on Bree for a long time. Conversations about collaboration began almost a year ago, and the timing aligned with our annual February fashion show and Art Fair week. Vault’s commitment to connecting people through fashion and music made it the perfect partner.
What was the significance of presenting your work during Bree Street Sundays and the Art Fair Weekend?
Fuata Moyo: Creativity in Cape Town can feel gatekept. Bree Street Sundays opened that space, making art accessible and communal. It allowed us to bridge the gap between creators and audiences, shifting art from a bourgeois construct to something everyone can connect with.
How does showcasing fashion in public spaces change the way audiences engage with your designs compared to traditional runways?
Fuata Moyo: Fashion belongs in public spaces. Our street show was a dream realised, reminding us of the privilege of living in a city with such vibrant street culture. It activated emotions and lifestyle connections, which is always our aim.
In what ways do you see Her heARTbeat contributing to the narrative of South African design on a global stage?
Fuata Moyo: Her heARTbeat is a celebration of honour. Every mother deserves her flowers, and we want to foster a culture of remembering and celebrating women. Our inheritance is love and resilience, and we are working to turn that into a legacy.
How do you balance storytelling rooted in African heritage with contemporary, urban aesthetics?
Fuata Moyo: Our logo is a footprint, symbolising both our journey and the marks we leave for others. Fuata Moyo means “Follow the heart.” We are creating an African Renaissance, step by step, weaving heritage into modern narratives.
What role do you think fashion plays in shaping city culture and identity?
Fuata Moyo: Fashion is a lens through which city culture is expressed. It influences, transforms, and reflects diversity while fostering belonging.
As an independent designer, what challenges and opportunities come with platforms like Vault on Bree?
Fuata Moyo: Vault gave us a platform to showcase our creativity at the level it deserves. Opportunities like this are vital for young creatives. The challenge was time, but pressure makes diamonds.
What advice would you give to emerging designers who want to merge fashion with cultural storytelling?
Fuata Moyo: Our advice is simple: follow the heart. Do what you love, and it will never feel like work.
What can audiences expect from your upcoming retail pop-up at Vault on Bree?
Fuata Moyo: We look forward to more collaborations with Vault. We are always open to creative partnerships.
How did music, movement, and the energy of Bree Street influence the presentation?
Fuata Moyo: We prefer theatrical, expressive showcases over traditional runways. Music is central to our work, and giving models creative freedom always brings the best results.
If Her heARTbeat were a soundtrack, what would it sound like?
Fuata Moyo: Ndaya by Mapumba, an album dedicated to his late mother, perfectly captures the spirit of Her heARTbeat.
By merging African heritage with contemporary urban aesthetics, Fuata Moyo continues to craft a narrative of renaissance, one that insists fashion is art, and art is life.
“Every mother deserves her flowers, because in her heartbeat lies the rhythm of our future.”
📧 Email: info@fuatamoyo.com
📞 Phone: +27 81 424 2930 / +27 84 333 6194
🌐 Website: fuatamoyo.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Fuata Moyo Apparel & Fashion (Cape Town-based)
