Established 2008
Red Hot Blue Design Concepts launched in 2008 and now calls the charming village of Suurbraak, just outside Swellendam in the Western Cape, home. With decades of creative experience under our belt, we’re passionate about sharing what we know to help brands and small businesses unlock their full potential.
Since the beginning, design has been an integral part of Red Hot Blue, working with businesses across branding, graphic design, and later websites and social media content creation. Our love for strong visuals, storytelling and creativity flows through everything we do, from the brands we build to the products we create.
Our company now operates through two core divisions: Retail & Manufacturing, and Design Services.
Retail & Manufacture: From Retro Roots to Today
Between 2008 and 2022, Red Hot Blue led South Africa’s vintage and rockabilly fashion scene with our signature labels, Miss Happ for women and little girls and Boot Hill for men and boys, later branching out into Miss Happ Bride. Known for authentic style and quality craftsmanship, we didn’t just follow trends; we set them.
Our flagship store, Retrospective, started in Pretoria and expanded to Parkhurst, Johannesburg, and Cape Town’s Long Street. In Cape Town, we created an immersive experience with professional hair, makeup, themed photoshoots, and the best curated retro fashion in the country.
We’re proud to have been pioneers in South Africa’s rockabilly and vintage culture, crafting timeless garments that still turn heads. Our reach went global, with stockists in Australia, the USA, and Canada, and features with Mandy on hit TV shows like Top Billing, Dag Breek, and Die Skatties. We’ve showcased at top local markets, national fashion weeks, and internationally at the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Festival.
Location, Rebrand & New Beginnings
In 2022, after a major global shift, we rebranded and relocated to Swellendam. We closed our factory, photo studio and Cape Town store, and opened the Retrospective & Co retail space at Carlton Mall in the heart of the picturesque Overberg town.
Retrospective & Co had a new direction: a carefully curated lifestyle and fashion destination, championing local and sustainable brands. From eco conscious clothing and accessories to luxurious bath and home goods.
“Living in the serene surroundings of nature allows me to tap into my creative side and come up with some pretty awesome projects”
2026 The Year of the Horse
Fast forward to 2026, and Retrospective & Co has evolved into a primarily online retail destination, focusing on unique accessories, statement pieces and carefully curated finds. Our collections are available online, from our creative studio in Suurbraak, and through selected independent boutiques and retail stores across South Africa. A new chapter, with the same thoughtful curation.
Creative Design Services
Alongside our retail brands, Red Hot Blue continues to work with local, national and international clients, offering graphic design, branding, social media content creation and website design.
From bold visuals and memorable brand identities to online stores and landing pages, we create designs that don’t only look good, they help businesses grow.
The Studio
Our creative studio is located on Suurbraak Main Road inside In Paradise, a vibrant collective space celebrating local creativity. It’s here that Mandy brings ideas to life, from client design projects under Red Hot Blue to handmade creations and limited-edition pieces under the Mandy Makes brand.
Pop by, say hi, and see what’s happening in our little corner of In Paradise.
Miss Happ Bespoke
Never one to sit still, Mandy relaunched Miss Happ as Miss Happ Bespoke in 2023, bringing handcrafted headwear and flower crowns back into the spotlight. Each piece is individually created, from hand-burned designs to decorated fedoras and bespoke details. Our hats are available online through Retrospective & Co, from our Suurbraak studio and selected Western Cape retailers. Miss Happ is back, bespoke and born to stand out.
