H & M colabs with South African designer Mantsho. Photo: hm.com
A look into South Africa’s first designer to collaborate with H&M
What to expect: Bold prints, edgy designs and creative cuts.
H & M colabs with South African designer Mantsho. Photo: hm.com
Palesa Mokubung is the first African designer to partner with H&M, for a collaboration. The Mantsho x H&M collection was officially launched on August 15 2019.
Mantsho describes her work regarding the new collection as “bold prints, edgy designs and creative cuts.”
“Black is Beautiful”
The direct translation of the brand name Mantsho means “Black is Beautiful” in Sesotho. This local South African designer is a regular on the red carpet, as well as fashion shows such as South African Fashion Week and other international red carpets the brand has graced.
“Palesa zooms in on African materials, and cleverly transforms them into modern and edgy designs incorporating fine silks and woven fabrics to end up with a 100% Mantsho garment.
A true Mantsho garment can be identified buy it’s confident and effortless silhouette, structure and quirkiness. These three elements work well to describe Mokubung’s knowledge of her craft. Shape is a big character of her design ethos, as she believes it restores a woman’s confidence.”
Mantsho
Celebrations are in order
On Women’s Day, Nomzamo Mbatha attended and hosted the international celebration of fashion designer, Mokubung’s collaboration in New York.
Which malls will have the H&M collection?
In South Africa, the Mantsho x H&M collection will be available at Sandton City, V&A Waterfront, Mall of Africa, Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Canal Walk Shopping Centre.
Crowned Miss South Africa rocked a Mantsho Collection design
Zozibini Tunzi who was recently crowned Miss South Africa 2019, wore a grey and red elaborate dress designed by Mokubang to the Top 5 deliberations on Women’s Day.
When Tunzi won the pageant, Mokubung was excited with her client’s success and took to Instagram:
“We Won!!!!! Miss SA in #Mantsho #MantshoKeepsWinning”
Palesa Mokubung
Black girl magic: Another African first
Lerato “Lira” Molapo has recently joined Barbie by becoming the first African to have a Barbie doll made in her image.
“I’m deeply honoured to be Barbie’s first African role model, and I am excited to align with a brand that is on a mission to show girls more diverse role models.
I have always been someone who endeavours the celebration of my skin tone and natural hair, and it is amazing to see this reflected in my doll, which I hope will inspire girls across the African continent. This is an enormous gesture, and affirmation that the world is celebrating Africa for who we are.”
Lerato “Lira” Molapo
