Local fashion designer Sanette van Schalkwyk of Shifting Sands African Couture has taken local design to one of the biggest sporting stages in the world.

Colourful garments designed by the Gordon’s Bay designer were worn by the Mzansi Youth Choir as they performed the national anthem alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Tyla during the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.

The performance, watched by millions of viewers around the globe ahead of Bafana Bafana’s opening match against co-hosts Mexico, marked a proud milestone for the country and a surprise for Van Schalkwyk.

“I was lying in bed, watching TV, and then I saw the clothes on screen. I was so surprised and flattered,” she recalled in an interview with DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette. “It was amazing. The Mzanzi Youth Choir is a very special group – they are almost like my children.”

The relationship between the designer and the choir began in late 2023, they contacted her to revamp their look for the semi-finals and finals of America’s Got Talent. The collaboration was an immediate success, with the choir wearing her designs to a Coldplay concert the very next day.

The outfits worn at the World Cup opening were originally crafted last year, a testament to the enduring appeal of South African heritage design. These are part of her Flag Range.

At 60, Van Schalkwyk’s global recognition is the culmination of decades of hard work and cultural storytelling. Raised in Bloemfontein, she studied food and clothing technology at then Technikon Bloemfontein (now Central University of Technology) before refining her skills at the Victoria Toma School of Fashion Design. By age 21, she had started her own business and design studio in Bloemfontein, supplying 150 boutiques.

“I had no social life; I was a workaholic,” she admitted.

In 2000, Van Schalkwyk opened Fascination at the Bloemfontein Waterfront, collaborating with Young Designers Emporium (YDE). When corporate shifts ended that venture, she was headhunted by Bride & Co, moving to Johannesburg and undergoing specialised corporate training in the US in 2006 and 2007.

She later established a private studio in Bryanston, where she operated for nearly 20 years, dressing Mrs South Africa in 2006 and creating pieces featured on TV shows including 7de Laan, Isidingo and Top Billing.

Following her sister to the coast, Van Schalkwyk fell in love with the Western Cape and relocated in February this year. She recently opened the Shifting Sands Emporium on Beach Road in Gordon’s Bay, specialising in traditional African wedding dresses, evening wear, matric ball dresses and high-end couture.

Beyond the FIFA World Cup and television features, Van Schalkwyk remains committed to the personal connections she builds with her clients.

“I wanted to create a friendly, inviting atmosphere,” she said of her new boutique.

“We designed the shop in a way that makes people feel comfortable to come in, have a chat and enjoy a cup of coffee. We walk a path towards a major highlight in our clients’ lives and we do our best to ensure clients trust us and are happy to be here.”