Established in 2008
Red Hot Blue Design Concepts was established in 2008. Today, our studio is located in the picturesque village of Suurbraak just outside Swellendam, Western Cape. Collectively we have a deep passion to share our extensive experience with other brands, and small business owners to empower them to reach their potential. “Why be the same as everyone else?”
With over two decades of experience, our company is split into two main departments: Retail and Manufacturing and Design Services.
From retro beginnings
From 2008 until 2022, Red Hot Blue was the leading local manufacturer of vintage and rockabilly clothing and accessories in South Africa. Our labels, ‘Miss Happ’ and ‘Boot Hill’ for women and men respectively, were known for their unique and authentic style. We prideded ourselves on producing high-quality garments that are not only in trend but also of a good quality. With our flagship store, ‘Retrospective’ in Pretoria, we later opened up in Parkhurst Johannesburg and Long Street in Cape Town. In Cape Town we offered a complete shopping experience that included professional hair and makeup, themed photoshoots, and the best selection of retro-inspired clothing and accessories in South Africa.
With over a decade of experience, we are proud to have been the pioneers of rockabilly and vintage-inspired clothing and accessories in South Africa, with garments that will always stand the test of time.
Our success extended beyond South Africa as our products and brands had been sold in various stores across the globe, including Australia, USA, and Canada. We have also been featured on popular TV shows such as Top Billing, Dag Breek, and Die Skatties. Our in-hopuse brands have successfully showcased at several local markets, events, and conventions, as well as at the prestigious SAFW and Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Festival in the USA. Our passion for the vintage and rockabilly culture is what made us different from other clothing and accessory retailers within South Africa.
Location! Location! Location!
In 2022 we did a major rebranded and relocation to Swellendam after a massive shift world wide. We closed our in-house factory, photo studio and store and opened the doors to Retrospective & Co and Carlton Mal. Nestled in this quaint town in the Overberg area, Retrospective & Co is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a carefully curated selection of fashion, accessories, and lifestyle products. Our in-store, hand-picked brands take inspiration from a variety of eras and trends, seamlessly blending past and present to create a unique, on trend aesthetic that is both practical and beautiful. We strive to support local where we can. From sustainable clothing and locally-made accessories to luxurious bath and home products.
But never being one to NOT be creative herself, in 2023 Mandy relaunched the label Miss Happ and Miss Happ Bespoke: Head wear and flower crowns with an artistic flair. Handcrafted designs; a fusion of Boho dreams & a dash of western spirit. Each product is decorated by hand, one at a time and sold online as well as select retailers across the Western Cape.
“Living in the serene surroundings of nature allows me to tap into my creative side and come up with some pretty awesome projects”
Design and Ignite: Where graphics & fashion Meets Influence!
But as always at our studio, we continued to offer a wide range of design services to both the local, Overberg cmmunity and our clients outside the area and around RSA. From creating captivating storyboards and mood boards to fashion-based graphic design services and detailed technical packs, we're oboard to help you evry step of the way.
But we don't stop there! Whether you're in need of personal or branded stationery, eye-catching brochures and flyers, professionally designed advert layouts and mailers, or attention-grabbing posters and logos, we have offer eye catching graphics with an on trend aesthetic. And excitingly, we now offer precision cutting specifically for company branding and signs - the possibilities are truly endless!