H&M Just Launched Its First Collab With a South African Designer
H&M is no stranger to cool collabs. In the past few years, they’ve tapped Balmain and Moschino, and have also done capsules with Ariana Grande and Stranger Things. But the mass retailer is stepping into a new market with its latest collaboration: For the first time, H&M is joining forces with a South African brand named Mantsho. The collection is “inspired by the confident life of the modern African woman,” and invites a woman to H&M’s brand.
Mantsho’s head designer, Palesa Mokubung, feels both “honored and humbled” to have the opportunity to design for a brand like H&M. “This is quite a huge responsibly that I have been given to carry on behalf of my fellow African designers," Mokubung tells Teen Vogue. "I’m able to introduce one of the many facets of African design and aesthetics and showcase the talent and beauty of this continent through my craft.” Through the use of vibrant prints, flowy silhouettes, and Afrocentric accessories she successfully brought the beauty and heart of the continent to the collection. Mantho’s particular use of prints in the pieces was very intentional. “The Mantsho x H&M collection cleverly transforms African print materials into modern and edgy designs suited for the confident, elegant and carefree, unique woman who sees herself as a style leader,” the designer says.
The Mantsho label stands for “black is beautiful,” and that is portrayed in all of the clothing in this collection. The capsule features printed kimonos and playful skirts that speak to the brand’s message. “Mantsho’s designs are influenced by the life of the modern African woman,” Mokubung says. “I wanted to celebrate the beauty of women, the vibrancy and diversity of the African aesthetic, its textures and colors.”
Mokubung's favorite piece from the collection is the Mantsho cape collar, which can be worn as a belt or collar. Hello variety! Like most of the pieces, the collar features a unique layered design, with a bow tie at the clasp. The clothing from the collab is breathtaking, but it really is the accessories that caught our eye. This was the designer's first time creating a line of accessories, but we can’t tell because the pieces are a direct reflection of the brand’s message. “I learned a lot [designing accessories], but I kept the influence of the designs authentic to the Mantsho brand: modern African designs, bold, confident and carefree with comfort at the core,” she tells Teen Vogue.
H&M x Mantsho is available today in select stores and online. Whether you want to secure your end-of-summer looks or grab one of these Afrocentric goodies for a trip to the continent, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not snagging something before it sells out. Shop some of our favorite pieces below.
Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
