Explore Cape Town virtually with our local WGSN insider, Raeesa Brey

Our Cape Town Inspiration City guide lets you explore the highlights like a local, but virtually while travel is restricted. As a cultural melting pot with a distinct character, this South African city's dynamic creative community combines the best of tech, fashion and hospitality.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Cape Town is constantly adapting and local concepts combine a rich cultural history with a modern, agile mindset.

Fashion brands celebrate both homegrown and international talents, with new multi-brand store Duck Duck Goose showcasing local goods from fashion, homewares, accessories and beauty products. The Strangers Club is another source of lifestyle and fashion inspiration, with a relaxing atmosphere and in-house cafe that reflects Cape Town’s laid-back style. Another new opening, FIELDS is one to watch. Based at the Old Biscuit Mill, the menswear brand from Woodstock produces its graphic knitwear and tote bags using ethically sourced raw materials from the South African region.

Artisan offerings extend to interior retailers and concept stores such as General Goods Store. Stocked with local and international talent, as well as unique vintage finds, the store specialises in homeware, with a focus on ceramics, and has aspirations to expand into food and drink.

As a wellness-driven city, natural skincare is showcased at ARC. With a mission to celebrate individuality, it has been dubbed "South Africa’s first beauty destination" and has both in-store and online experiences for visitors.

Cape Town’s food scene continues to deliver, with fine dining restaurant FYN offering a unique dining experience that fuses local produce with the best Japanese techniques of cookery to create exciting and memorable dishes. Perched over Church Square, the venue is as good as the food, with wooden disks forming a cloud-like art installation.

For culture, check out the Norval Foundation – located next to Table Mountain – for visual arts that link to the surrounding natural landscape. For contemporary art, WHATIFTHEWORLD gallery celebrates the work of artists through global art fairs that spotlight emerging local artists.

Subscribers can check out the full Cape Town 2021: Inspiration City guide, live now.