Get a foot in the door

'Autumn Fish' is a clothing store that promotes Cape Town’s young designers

Woodstock’s Sir Lowry Road is pimping up the hood with galleries. So the other day I went to visit the Raw Vision Gallery to find out what’s going on there. On my way out, I was surprised to find a cute little clothing store, right next door. Welcome to the world of 'Autumn Fish', where you can buy young designer clothes, without having to break into a bank to afford them. 'Good idea,' I think, whilst I grab a beautiful dress for R130. 'R130?' I ask myself. Yes, it's only R130.

"We are a stepping stone for young designers and also for the garments we make ourselves" says Marijolize, one of the owners of this gem of a store, which opened at the beginning of September 2010.

Marijolize and Leigh-Ann, both designers, had the idea to open a concept store, aimed at promoting young designers and artists alike. When there’s no budget and you're just starting off, making your mark on the fashion scene can be a tricky business. At no cost to the designers, the two ladies want to give a platform for young creatives, through Autumn Fish, to get some exposure and to get a foot in the door. 

Autumn Fish is a funky name for a great concept

"It was actually the theme I had given to an interior design project I was planning on embarking on," explains Marijolize, "It was a combination of colours, designs and seasonal changes. It’s autumn fish. It suggests something new, odd and different, which is exactly what the shops' mission is."

 
Anything goes as long as the garments are of quality

"We market ourselves as a lifestyle store, as we sell everything from household smalls, to furniture and clothing," gushes Marijolize, clearly excited about her 'new baby', "We do not have a specific style as the artist of the month will take over the theme of the store, for their allocated month. For the designers - anything goes as long as the garments are of quality." 

Next to cute little dresses, you can also find vintage clothing and cute crockery; as well as accessories, furniture, art, household smalls and decor goodies. Two beautiful goldfish await you on the counter – this place is decorated with love!

Autumn Fish is an easy one, "We want the store to be a space where everyone feels comfortable, finds something they like and can support our local talent.", concludes Marijolize.

By Antonia Heil

PS: Each month Autumn Fish hosts a lauch party for a different artists’ work, transforming the shop into a gallery space.  

Autumn Fish
89 Sir Lowry Road | Woodstock | Cape Town

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 16:30; Sat: 10:00 - 13:00 | +27 (0)79 560 2151

More info on Autum Fish’s Facebook Page.