Our Story

Michael Ludwig Studio is a contemporary luxury brand, inspired by psychology & the fluidity of identity.

At the core of the business is human experience and a more inclusive & responsible way of design. We give our customers an experience of a personalised service where all garments are cut to measure to create unique pieces that people will feel confident & comfortable in, regardless of their identity/gender expression.

Our studio is based in Cape Town, South Africa where we follow a zero waste policy whereby garment patterns are cut to have zero to 3% fabric waste in the process of creation. If any fabric off-cuts are left, they’re kept for later use on developments & finishings i.e. binding, pocket bags, lining, etc. 

The production process in our studio has a low environmental impact due to several conscious choices made, such as low-energy use machinery, locally sourced fabrics and careful management of resources. We & our working partners operate in an ethical and responsible environment, receiving favourable wages and benefits to improve the employees' quality of living.

Having collaborated with Cruz Vodka for the last 4 years and receiving extensive local/international media coverage including in SARIE magazine October 2021, Glamour Fashion Online October 2022, True Love Magazine November 2022, Vogue Portugal: Cover 2022, Sowetan Magazine in 2023 & Vogue Italia September 2024..

The brand has dressed notable personalities including Nambitha Ben-Mazwi, Zethu Nqola, Yasmin Furmie, Hulisani Ravele, Carissa Cupido, De-Ben Gogo, Kwena Baloyi & Lelo Boyana to name a few.

Notable Achievements : 

  • Japanese textile companies to create a curated collection of artisanal garments shown in October at the Sakura New York Fashion Show
  • Traveled to Milan, Italy to present at the A-Propos showroom,  to present it's collection to various Italian buyers and press during Milan Fashion Week in September 2023 with the support of SAFW, Vogue Italia, Modes, La Rinascente, Al Duca D’Aosta - Venezia and Afro Fashion Week Milano.
  • Collaborated with Woolworths as a 2024 Youth Maker, showcasing a limited edition locally produced collection to bridge the gap between commercial and contemporary luxury design. 
  • BONA Magazine Cover May 2025