by Thomas Spronk | Nov 7, 2025 | News
The initiative entails Killat donating 20% of profits from all hornbill shirts and from all black and red products to support ongoing conservation efforts. The tees are now available in our South African and international online stores.
If you ask anyone on our team where we draw most of our inspiration from, the answer you’ll hear most often is nature. Whenever we go out for a run, a stroll, or a bike ride, we come back with new ideas for patterns and concepts.
Earlier this year, we were experimenting with hornbill t-shirt designs and testing out screen printing in Ronald’s studio in Johannesburg. While we worked, we found ourselves talking more and more about the birds themselves. The hornbill family includes 62 species, some of which are truly remarkable, like the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, known for its distinctive call that’s sometimes described as breaking into laughter: woh-woh-woh-woh-WAH-WAH-WAH-WAH.
The Southern Ground Hornbill
One of the most iconic species is the Southern Ground Hornbill, known for its striking red and black coloration. It’s partly what inspired our move toward black bags with a red logo, instead of blue. Fun fact: although they can fly, these birds prefer to walk and spend most of their time on the ground.
Unfortunately, the Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is currently classified as Endangered in South Africa, with an estimated wild population of around 1,500 individuals. About a third of these live in protected areas like Kruger National Park, while the rest face threats such as habitat loss, poisoning, electrocution, and persecution.
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Field recordings
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The Scenery
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Stare off
A symbol of freedom, resilience and bold presence
At Killat Collective, the hornbill is more than a logo – it represents freedom, resilience, and bold presence. We felt compelled to help protect it. So we reached out to Dr. Lucy Kemp from the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, and launched an ongoing initiative: 20% of profits from all hornbill shirts and all black/red products will be donated to support their conservation efforts.
Being the scientist she is, Lucy quickly pointed out that the Southern Ground Hornbill and the Protea flower don’t naturally occur in the same regions, but we like to think of this as our artistic interpretation, combining two of our favorites. So now, when you wear the hornbill shirt or any of the other selected pieces, you’re helping protect one of Africa’s most iconic birds.
We’re proud to share that the Mabula Project field staff are now using our bags during their conservation work. Consider donating directly if you’re not in need of more product.
Hornbill tees and selected Killat products
South Africa shop (free shipping in November)
• Everyday socks in black and red.
• Screen printed Hornbill shirts in black, navy and white (second batch, printed in Jo’burg)
• The polycotton cap in black with red logo.
• The corduray cap in black with red logo.
International shop (EU, free shipping in November)
• Everyday socks in black and red.
• Screen printed Hornbill shirts in pink or white (first batch, handmade by Ronald in Jo’burg)
• The polycotton cap in black with red logo.
• 1680 ripstop Wax Moon in rip black with red logo.
by Thomas Spronk | Jun 20, 2025 | Bags
It started in the factory. We were digging through stacks of cotton from past production runs, offcuts and rolls that didn’t quite match up but still had plenty of life in them. The goal, as always, was to work with what we had. No waste. As we began sorting and pairing, multiple color stories started to emerge, one of them dust orange and black. We started sketching designs based on what was available, not following trends, but letting material and vibes lead the way. Then came the birds.
Inspiration from Nature: The Red-Winged Starling
While flipping through sketches, I began to notice them -red-winged starlings- hopping around in the garden in the early mornings. All over the Cape Peninsula: the mountain edges, even in the heart of the city. They had this presence, confident but not showy, moving in pairs or small groups, especially at sunrise and sunset.
A color story started to emerge: orange, and what I initially thought was black turned out – as Dane pointed out – to be iridescent black, a color that appears black from certain angles but displays a spectrum of colors, particularly rainbow-like hues, when viewed from different angles or under varying light conditions.
In Afrikaans they’re called rooivlerkspreeu, and in Zulu and Xhosa, iSomi. They typically prefer cliffs and rocky mountain edges for nesting, but have gradually moved into towns and cities, drawn to high-rise buildings and ledges that mirror their original habitat. Just like our daily rhythms, they shift between natural spaces and urban ones, following patterns that feel both wild and familiar.
They were at the bakery, hopping onto tables, sneaking toward crumbs. Not aggressive, just sly and confident with respect to the environment. Cheeky. Unbothered. The red-winged starling is territorial, aggressive and intolerant when nesting, mind you. When not breeding, red-winged starlings are highly gregarious and will associate with other members of their species in large flocks. They are omnivores, taking a wide range of seeds, berries, nectar from plants such as Aloe and Schotia brachypetala, and invertebrates, such as the beetle species Pachnoda sinuata. They may take nestlings and adults of certain bird species, such as the African palm swift (source).
Birds and Symbols: What the Red-Winged Starling Represents
Only later did I learn that in many cultures, starlings are seen as symbols of change, a sign that something new is on the way. They’re often thought of as wise birds, messengers calling you to let go of emotional baggage, to clear space for new energy. Whether or not you lean into that symbolism, there’s something quietly powerful in that idea: the birds moving through space freely, reminding us that sometimes clarity comes not through control, but by observing.
We didn’t set out to make a bag based on a bird. But the colors we chose -orange, black, indigo- mirrored the starling perfectly. And the way these birds moved between city and wildness echoed how we live: bike rides, trail runs, ocean swims, steep hikes, followed by meetings, studio days, and errands in the city.
That’s when the bag became more than a design, it became part of a bigger rhythm. That’s something I love about working on Killat: the unexpected links. You start with offcut fabric. You go out and pay attention. And in that process, nature starts speaking back. You notice more. You learn as you go.
The Red-Winged Starling Bag is now available in two variations in our South African and international shops, and will soon be available in select stores around Cape Town, Johannesburg and Europe.
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New Moon front
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New Moon back
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Kota Moon front
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Kota Moon back
Please note: we’ve only produced 100 bags in total, so don’t wait too long if you’d like to get your hands on one.
🇿🇦SA Shop
+ Kota Moon (hip/sling/handlebar)
+ New Moon (hip/sling)
🇪🇺EU Shop
(pre-order, bags will be shipped/delivered by July 4th)
+ Kota Moon (hip/sling/handlebar)
+ New Moon (hip/sling)
Note: The red-winged starling is not endangered and can be a pest in some areas, raiding orchards and attacking people that wander too close to their nests. There are some birds that need help though. Consider supporting a fund like Birdlife SA or initiatives like the Cape Bird Club
Words by: Thomas
by Thomas Spronk | Apr 9, 2025 | Events, News
There is nothing like a good old alleycat race. Whether it’s the anticipating excitement when doing the organizational part, getting prizes and setting out the routes, or just taking part in it, it’s always a special vibe. According to Wikipedia, the first race to be called an ‘alleycat’ was held in Toronto on 30 October 1989 and continued, in its original form, around Halloween and Valentine’s Day for the following five years.
Alleycats give you a nice insight into what a local scene is about. Whether it’s a more fun and friendly variant or an extreme sufferfest, we never stumbled upon one lacking creativity nor competition. Back in 2022, we organized one ourselves as part of the Bicycle Film Festival in Cape Town and we were amazed by how much fun it is to host. Since then, our bikes have been taking part in some around the globe and we always try to support these community-building, grassroots races with prizes when asked. Most alleycats—for example, the ones hosted by Cape Town Rat Race or BXL in Brussels—are nice get-togethers and doable for all riders, whether you’re into fixed or geared bike racing. But there’s always a level up.
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Bikes at the start of the Cape Town Rat Race
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Podium ceremonies
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Zynn finishing his Cape Town Rat Race
One of the more stand-out ones we have been supporting since 2024 is Damn 24—a 24-hour endurance bike race spanning the distance between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The objective of the race is to cover as many kilometers as possible within 24 hours. The next edition of the race kicks off on June 28, 2025, at noon (12:00 PM) in Amsterdam at TwoTone. It concludes 24 hours later with an awards ceremony and celebration at Rotterdam’s coolest cycling store Bikes and Records.
Crowds gather for the Damn24 at Bikes & Records in Rotterdam
We caught up with race organizer Carlos Meneses, current organizer/race director/all-around person in charge of Damn 24, to get to know a little more about this one-off event.
“My general goal is to make all participants suffer, both physically and mentally, as my own personal rides tend to have a similar philosophy.”
Skate mentality and underground cycling culture
“Cycling was never particularly in my background. I really started around 6–7 years ago. Before this, my background and knowledge were primarily in skating, particularly the longboarding part of it. My attitude towards cycling also comes from the mentality of a skater. Speaker strapped to handlebars, riding in cut-off shirts and sneakers, and a general disdain for the “taking themselves way too seriously” side of cycling. By pure coincidence, the YouTube algorithm led me to alleycat videos. Not too long after, I stumbled onto a poster for an alleycat in Rotterdam. I joined my first alleycat, and within 4–5 months, I was organizing my first one. This was finally a cycling subculture I agreed with—riding recklessly through cities with an unapologetic disdain for traffic and societal norms warms my heart.”
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Bikes & cameras
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Price award ceremony
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Wheelie time
“I jumped into the organization of Damn 24 last year when I heard from co-organizer Caio Machado that they were thinking of possibly asking for government subsidies. By this point, I was also the unofficial poster and spoke card art guy for Rotterdam alleycats and quite experienced with organizing alleycats around the city. As time went on and my previous job contract ended, I essentially dove headfirst into all aspects of organizing the second edition of Damn 24 and just kind of naturally took the position as main.”
Damn 24: A 24-Hour Sufferfest on Two Wheels
“Damn 24 was originally started by Lamri Adjis in 2021, the concept being a 24-hour race back and forth between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the winner being the person to make the most kilometers within the period. Last year, for the second edition, I came in and added some minor twists here and there. To the riders that were sent to “Disneyland Aalsmeer” (a Dutch ode to the Orlando theme park with over 300,000 Disney collectibles, red.) late at night and are still haunted, that was all me, and I’m not sorry.”
This year, I’m fully managing the organization and, therefore, making the event mine with various small changes. My general goal is to make all participants suffer, both physically and mentally, as my own personal rides tend to have a similar philosophy. June 28 and 29 will bring pain in the best way possible. Last year, both Caio and I were honestly a bit jealous of the participants, so this year all preparations are being set up in such a way that we will also be participating and suffering along with everyone.
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Finish food
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Team (no) sleep
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Prizes at the finish
“This is a race, of course, but you should see it more as a personal challenge. Challenge yourself to a distance and go for it.”
Also, quick shout-out to the 12-hour alleycat taking place in Amsterdam this April—for an event with a way less sadistic outlook and, as far as I’ve seen, the biggest number of participants in a Dutch alleycat by quite a big margin.
Upcoming Events: When and Where to Race
Want to take part in Damn 24? Set your goal and register by June 4th. The Twelve Hour Alleycat takes place in Amsterdam on Saturday April 12th. Make your way to Groningen on April 19th to find a special Easter Egg Alleycat starting at Grote Markt and finishing at Spaak.
Photo credits: Dane Zijlstra, Ludek and Jeremy. Follow us on Substack for more stories like these.
by Thomas Spronk | Nov 22, 2024 | Bags, News
Earlier this year, we met up with Xolani Nojekwa, also known as X.
Born and raised in Langa Township, with a home in Khayelitsha as well, Xolani is a multi-talented visual artist who practices art, filmmaking, and photography. He is also the founder and creative director of the streetwear brand MISUNDERSTOOD.
Xolani made his exhibition debut in 2020 at the prestigious Zeitz MOCAA in the Waterfront as part of the group show Home Is Where Art Is. This year, he was selected as one of Cape Town’s Emerging Artists.
Earlier this year, Xolani launched his first short film, YANA, which raises awareness about mental health issues. The film is inspired by a campaign he started in 2018, You Are Not Alone. Derived from this campaign, the film aims to shine a light on mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
At its core, YANA is more than just a film; it is a powerful message of solidarity and understanding. Having faced his own mental health challenges, Xolani serves as both a storyteller and advocate, weaving a narrative of empathy and resilience.
As a self-taught artist, Xolani’s work is driven by a deep passion and an ambition to become one of the greatest artists in South Africa and beyond. He also hopes to inspire children in his township to believe in themselves, follow their passions, and chase their dreams. His love for street culture is unmatched, and he continually strives to elevate the scene, providing more opportunities and access for other artists.
Be sure to follow MISUNDERSTOOD and support Xolani’s journey! ‘
Photos by Pang Isaac
Xolani wears the 2024 New Moon hip- and sling bag
With special thanks to Josefin Jinx
by Thomas Spronk | Oct 17, 2024 | Uncategorized
One might consider a Breakfast Club x Killat collaboration as an outdoor activity. Over the last decade, running, cycling, and hiking clubs have been popping up in cities around the globe. Yet, this is about the indoors. Spanning almost 15 years, Breakfast Club is one of the Netherlands’ leading underground electronic music events. Think intimate venues packed with adventurous people seeking quality music to dance to. A breeding ground for upcoming artists who get the chance to play alongside more established names—artists who return regularly. We believe this has something to do with the organizers’ vision, their attention to detail, and their open, welcoming mindset.
When Breakfast Club approached us for a collaboration around their ADE-thriathlon, we noticed many similarities between clubbing and going for a ride or hike. Consider the underlying desires: finding rhythm while escaping routine, breaking the monotony of daily life. Physical motion—whether dancing, riding, or walking—creates a rhythm that frees the mind, allowing you to forget everyday stresses. It gives a sense of freedom and lets you connect with yourself and your surroundings.
For this occasion, we used our signature New Moon hip pouch, customizing it into a black-and-yellow version, symbolizing day and night. Black represents the night, while soft yellow symbolizes the sunrise, marking a new beginning, whether you’ve been out all night or are just getting started. Neon yellow zips were added to give it that stand-out clubbing vibe.
The limited-edition Breakfast Club x Killat Collective bag is handmade in Cape Town (🇿🇦) from 340 GSM cotton and designed for daily use, with a padded rear panel and wings for comfort. There are two main compartments, separating valuables from keys to avoid scratches. With use over time, the natural fabric will cause the black and yellow to fade, like the cycle of day turning into night and back again, reminding you of the days you went out for all the right reasons.
Photos by: Toby J. Fisher
With special thanks to Breakfast Club and Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) for making these events happen.
