SA’S THEBE MAGUGU HONOURS SWATI CULTURE IN LATEST RAGE

MBABANE – Since 2022, South African fashion icon Thebe Magugu has annually released his Heritage Capsule Collection, and this year the Swati culture also shines through.

This collection, as he explained when announcing the range, is a vibrant tribute to his South African roots that showcases the different tribes found in the country. Titled ‘Heritage III: Lobola Negotiation’, this collection features 18 iconic South African media personalities, including seasoned broadcaster Anele Mdoda and the legendary Dr John Kani.

Traditionally

“Exclusive to British ‘Vogue’, this instalment explores ‘Lobola’, which is a centuries-old negotiation process in anticipation of an eventual marriage, where the family of the groom approaches the family of the bride with an offer, traditionally cattle or contemporarily money, in ‘exchange’ for the bride herself. This is meant to be symbolic rather than ownership, and the exact margins of this practice change from culture to culture,” explained the multi-award-winning designer.

The two Swati items found in the collection are the Swati Lobola Dress and the Swati Lobola Men’s Shirt. The dress’ description states that it is a long-line shirt dress that features a concealed button stand, an exaggerated collar and angel cuffs that flare out from the high wrist. The Lobola Heritage Dress has included a D-Ring Belt, which cinches the waist for the perfect hourglass silhouette.

Celebratory

The print is a celebratory look at a Swati ceremony. The shirt on the other hand is described as cut in a straight-fit silhouette with full-length sleeves and is made in a lightweight satin. It features a central keyhole on the neckline that is clasped closed with a stainless steel Thebe Magugu coin button. It features a straight hem with two vents on either side of the side seam.

Campaign

“Fronting this campaign are 18 South African leaders each of whom have spearheaded their respective fields with their talents, skills and minds whether it’s in law, film, photography, literature, business, sports, culinary arts or art,” wrote the designer on X. According to Thebe, his aim was to educate the world about the lobola tradition that is practised by many cultures in South Africa. Pre-order shipping for the range opens on May 6, 2024 on the Thebe Magugu website.

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