Thebe Magugu, the South African designer, has unveiled his latest Heritage Collection, paying homage to the ancient ‘Lobola’ tradition. In this third chapter of his annual series, Magugu introduces a menswear line alongside womenswear, presenting a fusion of tradition and modernity.
For womenswear, Magugu explores new shapes, crafting nine hourglass-shaped shirt dresses with ’70s-inspired collars and unique stainless steel coin buttons. The dresses feature vibrant illustrations on crepe-back matte satin, showcasing a blend of contrasting colors like acidic yellow and deep plum.
Transitioning to menswear, lightweight satin is digitally printed into collarless long-sleeved shirts, paired with tailored black trousers and fez-like hats by local hat maker Simon and Mary. Classic footwear from South African brand Dakota completes the looks.
Central to this collection is the celebration of South Africa’s diverse voices. Magugu collaborates with a stellar cast of luminaries, including Ama Qamata, Dr. John Kani OBE, Miguel Timm, Nunu Ntshingila, Professor Thuli Madonsela, Tresor Riziki, and Zizipho Poswa, among others.
“I wanted to show off our culture,” Magugu shares. “The aim is to celebrate our roots, but what Heritage does is give tradition a modern sartorial spin.”
Each garment in the collection is adorned with illustrations by artist Phathu Nembilwi, depicting scenes representing the ancient customs of ‘Lobola’. Magugu’s vision for this capsule extends beyond fashion; it is a platform for influential South Africans to shine.
“I’ve reached out to some of the most extraordinary individuals in my country,” Magugu expresses gratitude, “whom I’m fortunate enough to call my friends, to help bring this vision to life.”
With a rich history, modern design, and a diverse lineup of South Africa’s luminaries, Thebe Magugu’s latest Heritage Collection is a testament to the country’s vibrant culture.
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