Air Zulu

Air Zulu is a streetwear brand rooted in African culture, using apparel as a way to express cultural identity and tell stories rooted in African heritage.

I worked closely with the founder to develop a cohesive visual system inspired by Zulu heritage and broader African symbolism. The direction incorporates elements such as the ankh, shield iconography, and references to language and place, including Azania and Embo, with subtle details like a lightning bolt forming a “Z” within the shield graphic.

The system was designed to translate across a range of apparel, with graphics and typographic treatments that can be recombined across different pieces. This includes custom monograms for cities like Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, along with supporting graphics referencing regional landmarks and cultural details.

Recurring motifs such as wings, feathers, and sun forms reinforce the brand’s connection to air and sky.