This year Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung celebrates 20 years in the South African fashion industry. On Saturday the 28th of September Mantsho will present her first ever solo show at SA Fashion Week at Melrose Arch.
For the past 20 years Mantsho design house has been creating clothes that embody African finesse. Kroonstad born, Johannesburg based Palesa Mokubung is inspired by a generation of Africans that are both global and still embrace their culture through their love for bespoke garments, prints and textile.
Mantsho has showcased all over the world, received ten awards and in 2019 became the first African designer to collaborate with global brand H & M. Mantsho has featured at SA Fashion Week since the label was established in 2004.
This is the first time she will be having a solo show at fashion week. Having just given birth to her second daughter, at her show this year she will be honouring the spirit of motherhood and the need to replenish her soul and refill her cup after giving birth as a creative mom by giving herself permission to create from a pure and introspective space that mirrors her experience and reality.
“The collection will be soft and delicate while maintaining the strength and edge that a Mantsho woman possesses. We will also introduce pieces that are 100% cotton, which will be a huge milestone for the brand. Mantsho always aims to demonstrate the beauty of being a black and contemporary woman at any stage in her life in a bold, authentic, and gracious way. Clothes are what we make. Style and Grace is what we sell. The show is called ‘Mosa’, which means ‘Grace’ in Sesotho and really expresses my gratitude to be so abundantly blessed. However, ‘Mosa’ also happens to be my daughter’s name. “
In reflecting on her career she comments, “I’ve given South African fashion a voice, an identity, I’ve created trends along the way. Not to mention having the privilege of being the first brand to collaborate with H&M and have partnerships with brands such as Nedbank and Hertex. Especially coming from an era where collaborations weren’t really a thing.”
Her designs are a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic which leaves a woman feeling comfortable and sophisticated.
Mantsho has been attracting a major following amongst women who want to stand out from the crowd and consider themselves as style leaders amongst their circle, women who a driven, sophisticated and classy.
From the start her inspiration has been women, the African aesthetic, and the history of fashion. Mokubung works closely with her internal team in designing her fabrics.
Palesa Mokubung holds a Bachelor of Arts in fashion design from the Design School of Southern Africa now known as Vega. Her fashion journey began when she went to register for the Clothing Production course at Vanderbijlpark Technical College. It had been the shortest queue and so it was easy to make the choice but once the choice was made, she decided to be good at it.
There have been many accolades and notable brand collaborations in her 20 year long career. “This is my life’s work. I’ve been doing this since i was a teenager. I’ve been focused on my business and building my brand so much that time just flew by, and only now I’m realizing how far I’ve come. I must say I’m very proud of myself.”
Mantsho by Palesa Mokubung is the first design house to collaborate with global giant H&M. The Mantsho x H&M collection was sold in H&M’s flagship and online stores worldwide in 2019.
She was named “The African Trend Dictator” by True Love Magazine in 2019.
She was honored with a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at Free State fashion week, received a GQ best dressed award as well as the Haig Club Clubman Disruptor Award
In 2014 she was recognized by the Carol Bouwer Mbokodo Award for her outstanding and valuable contribution in the field of Arts and Culture in South Africa.
Mantsho has showcased at South African Fashion Week and all over the world multiple times including at the BRICS show in 2018.
Palesa is very passionate about empowering young designers and imparting knowledge and skills because she understands the gap that exists between fashion schools and
the industry. In 2019 she mentored 10 young designers from the Eastern Cape for the annual Buyelekhaya fashion show festival.
Over the years Mantsho has evolved. As she says from her studio/store at Victoria Yards, “I’ve become a better designer. I understand my market better. I understand my place and the role I play in the industry. My fabrication has gotten a lot better. I went from buying over the counter fabrics to creating my own textiles, and I’m moving into a space of using 100% cotton and sustainable fabrics.”
As for the next 20 years “My hopes are to carry on growing with the Mantsho woman. To cover more ground and grow our fan base. I have hopes of dominating spaces in international fashion capitals of the world.”
She adds, ” I hope to keep serving the community and helping and inspiring young designers. I want to build a brand that South Africa is proud of.
To be the epitome of a brown woman who leads with authenticity, heart and confidence.”
Tickets for Saturday’s show are available at Quicket. “You can expect a lot of heart and soul. A little bit of everything from high fashion to ready to wear. There’s a little bit of everything for all the different Mantsho girls we have out there. Expect rich prints and showmanship. Lastly, you can expect an overall entertaining and inspiring show.”
Main Image: Supplied
