'Seven Colours' by Alejandra Loaiza and Obakeng Rantlhane

In South African households, Sundays have long been days dedicated to self-care and connection. From being woken by the familiar rhythm of a mother cleaning on a Sunday morning, to the sound of gospel music filling the air, the ritual continues with dressing up for church and heading to the neighbourhood spaza shop to buy ingredients for the beloved seven-colours Sunday meal.

This ritual has been reimagined by Paris-based photographer Alejandra Loaiza and Johannesburg-based stylist Obakeng Rantlhane in a collaborative visual editorial that bridges nostalgic heritage with modern style.

Set in Soweto, this series draws from these shared memories while unfolding a contemporary story. At its centre are a woman and a man, whose paths cross throughout the day: in passing moments, quiet glances, and subtle encounters that build a sense of connection. While their presence in each other’s orbit grows, they remain distinct individuals, each grounded in their own rhythm, style, and sense of self. These moments, both intimate and universal, form the foundation of the narrative. This series explores how a new South African generation reinterprets Sunday: through fashion, attitude, and self-expression.

Loaiza is recognised for her tactile exploration of cultural landscapes, moving fluidly between raw documentary projects in the Colombian Amazon and conceptual digital frontiers, including her AI-informed Imagined Reality series. Her style blends perfectly with Rantlhane, a fashion stylist and creative professional who transitioned from a background in economics to become a definitive voice in contemporary African luxury styling.

Overall, clothing becomes a language through which identity is asserted: confident, fluid, and evolving. The characters embody a sense of independence while navigating attraction, community, and belonging. This editorial story stands as a celebration of cultural heritage, reimagined through a contemporary lens: where tradition and modern identity coexist.