Gallery: Soweto’s signature style - inspired by Sophiatown

They call themselves the Soweto Born Creatives – young people who draw inspiration from the dandies of the era of Sophiatown in the 1950s.

Inspired by how their grandparents used to dress up for different occasions, their style is an eclectic mix of old and new pieces that are incorporated into daily life. Tshepo Molobye, one of the founders of the subculture, says his style defines his personality. The movement of artistic youngsters may have begun in Soweto, but it is spreading to other townships across Gauteng, where residents are also beginning to flaunt the vintage hipster style.

Mpumelelo Buthelezi captures this style in beautiful imagery.

Njabulo Mtshali and Loyiso Zomoza, clad in their stylish dandy outfits, check out the iconic Orlando Towers Pictures: Mpumelelo Buthelezi

Elvis Ndlela looks sharp in his beret during a visit with friends

Mathidiso Motlhabane gazes into a candle while relaxing with her fellow creatives

Elvis Ndlela, Mathidiso Motlhabane, Njabulo Mtshali and Tshepo Molobye are part of the Soweto Born Creatives movement

Tshepo Molobye, Elvis Ndlela and Njabulo Mtshali change into yet another stylish outfit

Tshepo Molobye, Mathidiso Motlhabane, Elvis Ndlela and Njabulo Mtshali strut their stuff at a corner shop in Kliptown

Tshepo Molobye reads Steve Biko’s I Write What I Like in his spoti hat and stylish braces

The Soweto-born dandies hang out inside an old Metro train on the railway track near Noordgesig, Johannesburg

Tshepo Molobye lets his personality shine through in Kliptown

Elvis Ndlela and Mathidiso Motlhabane take a moment to reflect on the past inside an old Metro Rail train