Nzwakazi Millinery was founded by Mandisa Nkwenkwezi in June 2018. The brand creates hats for both young and mature clients with a discerning taste for sophisticated elegance.
Accessorizing celebrities such as Basetsana Khumalo, Florence Masebe, MEC’s, and Ministers, Mandisa’s flair for finesse and artistic interpretation of vintage, timeless pieces is unique.
Her work was exhibited at the annual London Hat Week in 2020, and she has built a solid foundation for the European market.
The name Nzwakai is an isiXhosa word for beauty, and the intricate accessories are a passion. Having a love for hats because of her upbringing and her family’s involvement at the apostolic church, Mandisa wanted to create her own.
Finding herself unimpressed with the options on the market, she would tweak what she owned to suit her taste, specifically for statement pieces when attending funerals and weddings.
And so Nzwakazi Millinery was born.
She speaks to Unathi about her business model and more:


