Shero Cloak
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 FASHION DESIGN / Sustainable Fashion | FASHION DESIGN / Textile: Eco-Textile & Bio-Based Fabric
Company Name:Something Good Studio
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Zydia Botes
Design Team / Other designer(s):Something Good Studio, Vanessa Ford
Design Status:Commercialized
Website: View
Project Description:
This isn’t just a cloak—it’s your armour, your power suit, your confidence wrapped in fabric. Designed for trailblazing women who dare to believe in themselves. Throw it over your shoulders for an evening out, a high-stakes meeting, a yoga sesh, or even a coffee run. Wherever you go, it moves with you—because every day SHEroes don’t have just one mission. It’s as versatile as the women who wear it. Created in collaboration with Vanessa Ford—producer, entrepreneur, and mother—this piece embodies her mission: to encourage women and girls to be bold, fearless, and unstoppable. It’s a hug when you need it, a statement when you walk into a room, and a reminder that you can do anything. Go ahead—put on your cloak. You’ll be draped in power.
This isn’t just a cloak—it’s your armour, your power suit, your confidence wrapped in fabric. Designed for trailblazing women who dare to believe in themselves. Throw it over your shoulders for an evening out, a high-stakes meeting, a yoga sesh, or even a coffee run. Wherever you go, it moves with you—because every day SHEroes don’t have just one mission. It’s as versatile as the women who wear it. Created in collaboration with Vanessa Ford—producer, entrepreneur, and mother—this piece embodies her mission: to encourage women and girls to be bold, fearless, and unstoppable. It’s a hug when you need it, a statement when you walk into a room, and a reminder that you can do anything. Go ahead—put on your cloak. You’ll be draped in power.
Project Innovation / Specification:
The Shero Cloak is a versatile, statement knitwear piece designed as an expression of empowerment and style. Crafted from 100 % cotton using jacquard machine knitting, it features a dramatic calf-length A-line silhouette, a ribbed collar with “draped in power” detailing, and a front closure that makes it both functional and bold. Available in classic tones such as oat, black, and terracotta, the one-size-fits-most design moves fluidly with everyday life — from meetings and social outings to relaxed moments — embracing adaptability without compromising elegance. What makes the Shero Cloak innovative is its story-driven collaboration. This piece transcends conventional outerwear by embodying a narrative of confidence, resilience, and feminine strength, inviting wearers not just to cover up but to step into their power. Designed across continents and crafted in South Africa for a global audience, it blends meaningful purpose with wearable design.
The Shero Cloak is a versatile, statement knitwear piece designed as an expression of empowerment and style. Crafted from 100 % cotton using jacquard machine knitting, it features a dramatic calf-length A-line silhouette, a ribbed collar with “draped in power” detailing, and a front closure that makes it both functional and bold. Available in classic tones such as oat, black, and terracotta, the one-size-fits-most design moves fluidly with everyday life — from meetings and social outings to relaxed moments — embracing adaptability without compromising elegance. What makes the Shero Cloak innovative is its story-driven collaboration. This piece transcends conventional outerwear by embodying a narrative of confidence, resilience, and feminine strength, inviting wearers not just to cover up but to step into their power. Designed across continents and crafted in South Africa for a global audience, it blends meaningful purpose with wearable design.
Project Sustainability Approach:
The Shero Cloak is designed with a slow-fashion mindset, prioritising durability, versatility, and timeless form over seasonal trends. Crafted from 100% BCI cotton and produced using jacquard machine knitting, the cloak minimises material waste through efficient production processes while ensuring longevity in wear. Its one-size, multi-wear design encourages mindful consumption by allowing a single garment to adapt across bodies, seasons, and occasions. By producing the Shero Cloak in small, considered runs and collaborating closely with local manufacturers, the project supports responsible production practices while reducing the environmental impact associated with mass manufacturing.
The Shero Cloak is designed with a slow-fashion mindset, prioritising durability, versatility, and timeless form over seasonal trends. Crafted from 100% BCI cotton and produced using jacquard machine knitting, the cloak minimises material waste through efficient production processes while ensuring longevity in wear. Its one-size, multi-wear design encourages mindful consumption by allowing a single garment to adapt across bodies, seasons, and occasions. By producing the Shero Cloak in small, considered runs and collaborating closely with local manufacturers, the project supports responsible production practices while reducing the environmental impact associated with mass manufacturing.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The Shero Cloak project contributes meaningfully to the South African creative and manufacturing ecosystem by prioritising local production and creative collaboration. Designed in partnership with regional creatives and produced in South Africa, the project supports local textile manufacturers, knitwear specialists, and small production teams, helping to sustain skilled craft within the region. Beyond its economic impact, the Shero Cloak carries a strong cultural narrative of empowerment and representation, reinforcing the visibility of women-led stories in design. At a regional level, the project helps position South African fashion and storytelling as globally relevant, demonstrating how locally rooted design can resonate beyond borders.
The Shero Cloak project contributes meaningfully to the South African creative and manufacturing ecosystem by prioritising local production and creative collaboration. Designed in partnership with regional creatives and produced in South Africa, the project supports local textile manufacturers, knitwear specialists, and small production teams, helping to sustain skilled craft within the region. Beyond its economic impact, the Shero Cloak carries a strong cultural narrative of empowerment and representation, reinforcing the visibility of women-led stories in design. At a regional level, the project helps position South African fashion and storytelling as globally relevant, demonstrating how locally rooted design can resonate beyond borders.
