The South African designer Palesa Mokubung by entering a collaboration with Swedish retail giant and fashion chain store H&M, has created history. Palesa 37 is the first ever African designer to make collaboration with any international fashion business. Her label called Mantsho (A word of Sesotho that is the native language of Palesa) means “black is beautiful”. The brand, founded in 2004, is one of the most renowned and recognized fashion names in South Africa that features edgy and bold designs, vibrant color prints and stylish silhouettes, that are fit for an African queen as well as women from all walks of life.
H&M has an impressive history of collaborations with some of the finest fashion houses and designers of Europe. The retailer has made collaborations with Balmain, and Moschino, which are the esteemed French and Italian luxury fashion houses. It has also joined hands with British designer Erdem. The Mantsho has also made strides in foreign lands by showcasing runways in India, Greece, Jamaica, Senegal, Nigeria, and Botswana. By joining hands with H&M, It will embrace opportunities to attract fashion lovers on an enormous scale.
The range of label Mantsho is wide and “offers something for everyone”, as the visionary designer Palesa puts it. From all types of dresses to accessories like shoes, earrings, clutch bags, etc., it offers a great variety for every segment of its female clientele. The shoe collection of Mantsho is therefore going to knock out every celebrity out there. The collection of sky-high-heels in celebrities’ wardrobe will have many of Mantsho products and that is for sure.
From 15th August 2019, the collection will be available on all South African stores and selected flagship stores in USA, UK, Israel, France, Belgium, Moscow, Portugal, and The Netherlands. Explaining the reason why H&M chose Mantsho for collaboration, Pernilla Wohlfarth, the company’s assortment manager for special collections and collaborations said:” The diverse collection of women wear and accessories would introduce a dose of fresh fun and uniquely South African aesthetic to H&M customers around the world.”
Palesa, overwhelmed by excitement and joy, described this partnership as a dream come true. “I am so excited to work with H&M. The project has been a wonderful journey so far and I cannot wait to share my passion and design with fashion lovers.” says, the proud designer.
H&M hasn’t disclosed enough about what designs it is going to feature in the upcoming collection except three images showing two tops, one with widened three-quarter sleeves and another with short sleeves and frills. The finish of both the pieces comprises a blue-and-white floral print.
The decision of H&M and Paleca Mokubung to collaborate has been acclaimed by the Southern African clothing and Textile workers union (SACTWU). Andre Kriel, the general secretary of the union said that Union and its clothing, textile, footwear and leather member are looking forward to seeing South African products in H&M stores. “We look forward to a positive outcome and growing relationship with H&M, in which their local sourcing footprint is deepened substantially.
The amalgamation of Avant-grade styling designs of Mantsho label and exotic international customers is surely going to create opportunities galore for South African couture. So all the global fashion lovers; be ready for experiencing audacious south African designs and prints right at your own locales.
