Meet Michael Ludwig Hittinger. Michael is the founder and creative mind behind Michael Ludwig Studios, a slow-fashion-motivated brand that celebrates gender expression, inclusivity and the human experience.

Michael is a fashion designer who studied at the STADIO School of Fashion. After graduating, they moved to Cape Town and worked for local brands like Truworths. After realising they wanted more hands-on design experience, Michael shifted to freelance patternmaking for various clients, eventually launching Michael Ludwig Studios in 2021. That same year, Michael entered the brand into the SA Fashion Week New Talent Search Competition, placing in the top three.

From there, Michael Ludwig Studio has gone from strength to strength, gaining recognition in magazines like Sarie Magazine, collaborating with Japanese company Sakura and, most excitingly, showcasing at Mozambique and Milan Fashion Week.

As someone who identifies as non-binary, Michael wanted to create clothing that existed outside of the gender binary. The brand boldly experiments with aesthetics, silhouette and fit, fostering a space where everyone feels welcome, confident and comfortable. The business also strongly emphasises sustainability, following a strict zero-waste policy to ensure no fabric waste in production.

Reflecting on their experience, Michael says the Woolies Youth Makers Programme has played a significant role in developing their business acumen by providing valuable guidance, support and industry insights. With the expertise of the Woolies mentors, Michael has been able to gain further knowledge on how to plan a range, refine their business strategy, improve operations and drive growth. Michael shares they feel empowered to navigate challenges and make more informed, effective business decisions.