Shamyra Moodley

Fashion blogger Shamyra describes herself as a DIY-obsessed, fashion-rewind designer. ‘I don’t fit in – and I like it that way. An eclectic South African-Indian-Irish hybrid chick, if you must. I’m a girl who likes fusing the “something old” with the “something new”. I shop in my own closet, garage and trash can all the time. I love the feeling of creating something by mixing trendy pieces with vintage finds and things most people would consider trash.’

A trained chartered accountant, Shamyra took some time off work after the birth of her second child and started dabbling in design. ‘I was walking through the shops in Durban one day and came across these spice bags that are actually old rice bags, and I thought: “Why not turn that into a clutch?”’

From there, Shamyra branched out into making items like PET earrings, gowns made out of rice sacks and vintage-rug clutch bags. ‘I don’t take fashion too seriously, so expect bold patterns, an ethnic vibe, crazy materials and poufy skirts!’

She hopes to inspire others to start reusing and upcycling. ‘The responsibility lies with our generation,’ she says. ‘It’s all so doable: just read the packaging, read the instructions on the recycle bin, carry reusable grocery bags and involve your kids. We can and we must.’

‘The responsibility lies with our generation. It’s all so doable…We can and we must.’