As African culture experiences a global resurgence—spanning viral Afrobeats dance trends, traditional food challenges on social media, and a renewed interest in indigenous knowledge systems—South African designer Hlumelo Nyaluza is determined to ensure that luxury fashion is part of the movement.
Through his avant-garde handbag label, he is blending centuries-old African traditions with futuristic design, redefining what it means to be a global luxury brand from the continent.
“Right now, the world is trying to come back to Africa,” he told The Back Cover Podcast. “People are lost out there. According to Xhosa culture, if you’re not connected to your roots, there’s a high chance that you might go crazy, or live a depressed life or you will not live a fulfilled life.”
At 33, Nyaluza is on a mission to reconnect people—especially those in the African diaspora—to a sense of identity through his unique fashion house, HN. His brand is emerging as Africa’s answer to Hermès: custom-made, ultra-luxury handbags that marry premium materials and innovation with deep cultural meaning.
Born in the Eastern Cape and raised in the proud traditions of the Xhosa people—an ethnic group that counts Nelson Mandela among its sons—Nyaluza’s journey is as poetic as it is remarkable.
After losing his mother, Numbulele Christadu, to cancer at age 13, he began cutting up and repurposing her clothing into his own makeshift designs. The loss was devastating, but it awakened something in him.
He often speaks of the profound wisdom his mother passed down, which still guides him today. “She always used to say, ‘Save the best for last,’” he recalls. “My mom always said, ‘God comes in different forms, not as a person with black hair and diamonds but as a presence that exists in everything.’”
Her spiritual teachings and emphasis on faith gave him an unshakable sense of purpose, even through difficult times. Nyaluza dropped out of university twice—despite being ranked number one out of 180 students in electrical engineering and software development—and faced bouts of unemployment. But his creative drive never wavered.
“After I dropped out twice, my father sent me to the bush for the wilderness, which is part of the culture as well,” he says, describing the sacred Xhosa rite of passage known as initiation school. “A boy is sent to be by himself… some people die there, I don’t want to lie, but I managed to survive—and I’m a Xhosa man now.”
That spiritual journey helped him reconnect with his ancestors and cemented his vision. Through his personal philosophy—“Human Navigation”—Nyaluza is focused on using design to help others achieve their dreams. “Luxury should empower, not exploit,” he says. “Each bag tells a story of African resilience and excellence.”
His new handbag collection is his boldest statement yet. With hand-carved handles, ethically sourced leather, and artwork from African painters, each custom piece is a celebration of heritage, empowerment, and sustainability.
Bags are produced through a zero-waste process in safe, spacious workshops where artisans are paid fair wages and trained to hone their skills. From woodworkers and fine artists to leather craftsmen, the production model is built to tackle poverty and uplift entire communities—particularly in a country where unemployment hovers around 31 per cent.
The Signature Premium Box Bag features a registered “floating cross handle” that makes the hand appear to disappear while carrying it. Each bag includes original fine art inspired by Nyaluza’s life and journey. Customers can also personalise their bag by submitting a photo of a loved one, object, or space to be turned into a wearable artwork.
Other standout designs include the sophisticated Trunk Bag, adorned with the HN monogram inspired by traditional Xhosa motifs, and a versatile Tote Series available in three sizes.
“This venture is more than luxury—it’s about heritage, empowerment, and African excellence on the global stage,” Nyaluza says. The collection may also mark a personal milestone: it could bring him his first official paycheck after years of building HN from the ground up.
Now living in Johannesburg, Nyaluza’s brand is poised for global success, with customers able to pre-order bags online. “We’ve done everything with intention—from the artisans and materials, to the storytelling in each bag,” he says. “This is just the beginning.”
Follow Hlumelo Nyaluza’s journey on Instagram: @therealhlumelonyaluza or visit www.hlumelonyaluza.com to explore the latest collection.
