A more than 30-Year Obsession with African Luxury and Quality
Since the first Nguni motif was stitched onto a boutique collection in 1994, we have remained uncompromising about one thing: quality. In fact, we can be obsessive.
In its current form, Kingsley Heath was established in 2009, with the opening of our first stand-alone store in trendy downtown De Waterkant, Cape Town. From that moment forward, the Kingsley Heath name became synonymous with timeless craftsmanship and enduring quality.
Over the years, we’ve earned a reputation for world class African inspired garments that are made to last. From the fabrics we source to the techniques we employ, quality has always been our true north. It’s why we’ve traversed the globe in search of the finest cottons, softest wools, and most luxurious linens and denims. It’s why we strive to insist on natural fabrics—not only for their superior feel and longevity, but also for their lower impact on the planet. It’s why we’ve carefully chosen our makers: from family-owned shirt and dress specialists in Durban, as well as our handcrafted leather shoes, belts, and carpets from a small Namibian startup to the best-in-class global factories. Our garments are made to endure—becoming favourites for years, often passed down from one generation to the next.
At Kingsley Heath, we don’t just create clothing and accessories—we are shaping a new mindset: one where you get what you truly deserve. We’re redefining what it means to live a life of quality, opposing a culture of excess in favour of something outwardly simpler but inwardly richer.
Our guiding philosophy, "the art of living a life less ordinary”, is the compass for everything we do. It shapes how we design sustainable, low-impact garments, how we cultivate talent, and how we engage with our customers.
In 2011, we unveiled our first flagship mega-regional experiential store in Canal Walk, Cape Town, an elevated retreat that offers a genuine escape from the bustle of the mall. Since then we have been working hard to create this experience through the county.
We have never relied on traditional marketing, instead, word of mouth has organically grown Kingsley Heath. We invest our energy and resources where they matter most: immersive retail spaces, exceptional product development, and the ongoing training and growth of our people.
A Redefinition of Retail
To us, a store is more than a place to buy clothing. Our Kingsley Heath “lodges” are destination, spaces where our customers can lose themselves in an experience. Every interaction is designed to be authentic and memorable, a reflection of the African hospitality defined by the meaning of the Zulu word Sawubona that sits at the core of our DNA.
Sawubona - we see you - we see who you truly are. I see you beyond your physical being - I get what you are going through, and I get you - “you are important, and I see you”.
We are committed to being authentic with you - to show up as our authentic selves. We are committing to share ourselves with you with an open heart.