Something Good Studio was established by Zydia Botes in Johannesburg in 2018 as a collaborative textile design studio. From the outset, the studio conceptualised and brought to life stand-out textile pieces in collaboration with artists and designers whose work primarily portrays a visual language of playfulness. The studio was established on the basis that textile remains a central and unspoken part of our way of life. In its complexity, varied texture, and multifaceted beauty it is a remarkable medium with which to retell stories that can be lived with to ultimately encourage well-being, happiness and purpose.

As the design duo’s first knitwear collection gained popularity, Zydia and Carla’s relationship evolved. A collaboration turned into a business partnership and their new label named ‘Romaria Knitwear’ came to life. The name ‘Romaria’ derives from Carla’s Portuguese roots, which translates to ‘pilgrimage’ or ‘moving forward together’ – fitting for a brand that believes in interconnectedness and the principle of ‘weaving’ together towards a better designed future.

Carla’s expertise in the South African fashion industry opened doors to Romaria Knitwear’s first solo SA Fashion Week runway show. As the design duo refined their collection, core values formed and Romaria’s ethos became clear. 

From the outset, Romaria was conceptualised as a fashion and lifestyle collective where luxury walks hand-in-hand with comfort. The brand was established with the core value of enduring beauty and quality – hence our mantra of not chasing seasons or trends. With every new piece or collection, we design easy to wear knitwear pieces that connect to the next, intended to be complementary and to treat you right throughout all seasons.