Thebe Magugu Bridges Heritage Stories with Global Ambitions
CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African designer Thebe Magugu has charted an especially pioneering path over the past ten years. We fondly reflect on connecting with Magugu back in 2017 before a historic win of the LVMH Prize in 2019 catapulted his brand into global recognition. Even then, his bold vision for his eponymous brand was already quite formalized and his judicious eye for heritage storytelling has landed him noteworthy collaborations from the likes of Dior, Valentino, Canada Goose, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and now Belmond.
In 2024, Magugu achieved yet another milestone with the launch of his flagship “campus” in Johannesburg. Decorated in rich saturated tones and furnished with objects by his fellow South African creatives, Magugu House represented a novel paradigm of retailing — with convening space, museum aspirations, and workshops — but more importantly, the space brought the world of the brand to life and a chance to connect directly with his growing client base. This latest partnership with Belmond certainly expands that vision of client engagement to new heights.
Last September, the luxury hospitality brand inaugurated the Thebe Magugu Suite at the 126-year-old Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel in Cape Town — a two-story bespoke abode on Palm Avenue, which Magugu described as “preserving the culture from which we draw inspiration.” From sweeping views of Table Mountain from the second-level terrace and traditional hand-carved furniture to the curated assortment of paintings on loan by Southern Guild, the meticulous redesign of this historic suite crystalizes Magugu’s vibrant house codes of cultural preservation and seamlessly incorporates them into a soul-filled sanctuary.
Thebe Magugu in Magugu House Cape Town / Belmond
The 2026 chapter marks the official unveiling of Magugu House Cape Town adjoining the Thebe Magugu Suite, bringing the same ethos championed at its sister flagship in Johannesburg. An inaugural exhibition By Our Own Hands features Zanele Muholi and Zizipho Poswa in co-curation with Southern Guild and Magugu. The concept store will house books and objects alongside a rotating curation of artworks from other South African artists, including Lulama Wolf, Zandile Tshabalala, Banele Khoza, Lorenzo Plaatjies and Trevor Stuurman.
This thoughtful approach to brand expansion continues to be vitally important, especially in an ecosystem that seems to reward varied actors moving at hyper-speed. Magugu’s wise resolution to bridge his heritage with global players (alongside his fellow South Africans) forever cements his practice in the annals of contemporary African creative expression.
Visit Magugu House Cape Town at 76 Orange St, Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa. By Our Own Hands is open through April 2026.
All images courtesy of Belmond.