Acclaimed fashion designer Thebe Magugu will extend his creative vision beyond the runway this December, unveiling his first-ever interior design project at the legendary Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town.
The launch, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of his much-celebrated brand, will see the introduction of the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE – Belmond’s first-ever Designer Residence concept.
Magugu reveals that the suite will immerse guests in the creativity and storytelling that have defined his internationally celebrated career, spanning Paris Fashion Week to exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
“Textures in this space are stone and timber, to give the impression that designs are of 'the earth' and thus can be given back. It is a space where the past, present, and imagined future of Africa exist in dialogue, an intersection of heritage and innovation. Each detail, from materials to layout, will reflect my ongoing commitment to elevating African narratives with a contemporary lens; a philosophy of “Afro-Modernity”, says Magugu.
Renowned for his Afro-modernist aesthetic that fuses African identity with contemporary sophistication, Magugu promises a space that is “an elegant trove of South African culture, design, and art.”
“Together, the Mount Nelson and I have crafted a space rooted deeply in place and purpose, with a strong commitment to preserving the culture from which we draw inspiration,” he said.
Speaking on the essence of space, he said the opening selection features paintings by Mmangaliso Nzuza, alongside works by Lulama Wolf, Zandile Tshabalala, Banele Khoza, Lorenzo Plaatjies, and Trevor Stuurman.
“I wanted guests to feel they are living within a space that encapsulates our culture through art, craft, and history, while still enjoying the gracious hospitality that Mount Nelson has offered for over 126 years.”
Working with Cape Town-based StudioLandt, Magugu has developed an “Afro-English” aesthetic – a cross-cultural dialogue between British and South African design traditions.
Neal Ludick, Belmond’s Director of Interior Design, says the collaboration reflects the hotel’s dedication to contemporary African creativity.
“Belmond partners exclusively with the world's most visionary creatives – from Wes Anderson's reimagination of a British Pullman carriage and JR's artistic creation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,” says Ludick.
“Thebe Magugu's approach to design is rich in narrative, deeply authentic, and unmistakably alive. It's a striking interpretation of cultural dialogue expressed through clothing and space. Who better to honour and evolve Mount Nelson's iconic legacy?”
The suite further cements his reputation not only as one of South Africa’s most influential fashion voices but also as a cultural storyteller shaping how the world sees African creativity.
Among his accolades is being nominated at the 1st Annual South Africa Fashion Awards (SAFA) for Best Fashion Designer alongside other acclaimed designers such as Rich Mnisi, Laduma Ngxokolo, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Mzukisi Mbane, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana and Sindiso Khumalo.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star