Jamie-Lee Domburg has always been a powerful presence on South African screens, but her most meaningful transformation has happened off camera. Over the past year, her wellness journey has sparked a deeper conversation – not just about changing bodies, but about how women see themselves, move through the world and claim space in it.
In a fashion landscape that has long expected women to conform, G-Star’s relaunch of G-Star SHAPE signals a different approach. Originally created to challenge outdated denim standards and designed around real proportions, the collection now evolves with new silhouettes that reflect the diversity, individuality and lived experiences of South African women.
Partnering with G-Star as a voice for women navigating their own journeys of self-acceptance and expression, Jamie-Lee brings honesty and relatability to a conversation that goes far beyond fit.
We’ve all watched The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and TBH, we’re probably all still waiting for that mythical pair of jeans to arrive. But this might just be it. Below, Jamie-Lee shares why true fit matters and how the right denim changes the way you show up.
READ MORE: Why We Really Don’t Need More Clothes According To One Local Stylist
Dress For Your Own Energy
Jamie-Lee has never approached fashion cautiously. “I’ve always been quite experimental with my style. Fashion was something I loved to play with. I’ve never been afraid to take a risk, try something unexpected, or step outside of the box. That has always been a part of who I am,” she says.
But over time, her relationship with style has become more intentional. “As I’ve grown more into myself and built my confidence, that hasn’t changed. If anything, it has become more intentional. Yes, I love going back to the basics sometimes, but I still enjoy pushing boundaries and having fun with style,” says Jamie-Lee.
For her, fashion has always been a form of communication. “Fashion speaks before you do. Before you even enter a room, what you’re wearing says something about your energy, your confidence and how you are choosing to introduce yourself to the world,” she explains.
That growing self-assurance has naturally changed the way she carries herself too. “The difference now is that I dress from a place of deeper self-assurance. The way I see myself has naturally changed how I show up too. I’m more comfortable taking up space, I still love exploring different looks, and I see fashion as such a powerful form of self-expression. But now, I wear it all with intention and, most importantly, with confidence,” she says.
READ MORE: Must-Have Style Investment Pieces
Why The Right Pair Of Jeans Changes Everything
For Jamie-Lee, denim is one of the few wardrobe pieces that works for almost every version of life. “I honestly think denim is one of the most underrated staples in any wardrobe. A really great pair of jeans can take you anywhere, whether it’s date night, a girls’ outing, school meetings, the school run, or even stepping into work feeling put together. It’s one of those timeless pieces that truly carries you through life,” she says.
Its versatility is what keeps it timeless. “What makes denim so special is how versatile it is. You can pair it with sneakers for an effortless everyday look or dress it up with a heel and completely change the mood. That’s the beauty of it. It moves with your lifestyle,” says Jamie-Lee.
Rather than building a wardrobe around trends, she believes women should focus on fit and feeling. “I think women should build their denim wardrobe around how they live and how they want to feel, not just around trends. Find silhouettes that celebrate your body, support the way you carry yourself and work for your everyday life,” she says.
And according to Jamie-Lee, the right pair of jeans changes more than just your outfit. “Because when you find that perfect fit, something comfortable, flattering and made for your body, it changes the way you move through the world. You stand taller, you feel more at ease, and that naturally shows,” she says.
READ MORE: 14 Sustainable Fashion Brands In South Africa To Shop RN
Fashion That Honours Evolving Bodies
Jamie-Lee believes women have spent too long adjusting themselves to fit fashion’s standards. “For so long, women have been expected to adapt to fashion, to squeeze into it, compromise for it, or change themselves to make it work. That narrative is outdated,” she says.
That’s why G-Star SHAPE’s approach feels so relevant to her. “When fashion starts designing with women in mind, it sends such a powerful message that you are already enough. Your body is not a problem to fix,” says Jamie-Lee.
She also feels fashion should acknowledge that women’s bodies naturally evolve throughout life. “As women, we live in bodies that evolve through motherhood, wellness journeys, stress, healing, age and life itself. Design should honour that reality,” she explains.
At its core, she believes fashion should support women instead of asking them to change first. “Fashion should meet women where they are, celebrate them as they are, and work with them rather than asking them to become something else first,” she says.
READ MORE: Exactly How To Style This Season’s Hottest Denims
When A Garment Actually Fits, You Stop Second-Guessing Yourself
For Jamie-Lee, great design starts with comfort and movement, not just aesthetics. “For me, good design goes far beyond how something looks. It’s about how it feels. Quality is quality, and there’s something about the feel of beautiful fabric against your skin that instantly changes the experience of wearing it,” she says.
She believes the smallest details are often what make clothing feel exceptional. “The texture, the movement, the way it sits on your body, those details matter more than people realise. What makes a garment truly special is when it moves with your body, not against it,” says Jamie-Lee.
That ease is what separates thoughtful design from clothing that simply looks good on a hanger. “When it sits where it should, supports your shape in the right way, and allows you to move freely and simply feel like yourself without constantly adjusting or second-guessing, that’s thoughtful design. That’s where the magic is,” she says.
And when clothing is designed well, she believes you can instantly see the difference in how a woman carries herself. “You can always tell when a woman is wearing something that was designed for her. There’s an ease to it, a comfort,and a certain presence in the way she carries herself. It’s in how she moves, how she stands and how naturally the garment becomes an extension of her rather than something she has to fight with,” she says.
Ultimately, for Jamie-Lee, truly great fashion is about how it makes women feel. “That’s why, for me, great design is about the full experience. It’s the feel, the fit, the texture, the support and the way it enhances a woman rather than distracting from her. Because when clothing is made with that level of intention, it doesn’t just look good. It makes you feel good and that always shows,” she says.
Shop The Fit
Ready to find your own perfect fit? Discover the updated collection, designed around real silhouettes and made to move with your lifestyle.
