As we entered a quaint and cosy photo studio in the suburbs of Johannesburg, South Africa, the crew awaited the arrival of a true game-changer. Our high spirits were palpable as we converged to create a set of beautifully produced photographs that would star a living legend.
Upon arrival, Thando’s sweet and composed persona captivated everyone. She greeted each crew member and took her seat for hair and make-up. As we engaged in candid conversations about her children and aspirations, her warmth drew me in; her honesty was palpable and contagious. I found myself speaking to someone who, although a stranger, has the infectious energy and confident demeanour to encourage us all to open up. It’s no wonder she’s reached such incredible milestones in her life – she says what she means and means what she says, giving herself over to any challenge she commits to and often exceeding expectations.
In a pioneering move that bridges fashion and finance, Nedbank has teamed up with celebrated South African designer Palesa Mokubung to bring us something truly unique: the first-ever fashion line inspired by a bank account. Yes, you read that right! This exclusive collection, titled ‘Now More People Can Premium’ by Mantsho x Nedbank MiGoals Premium, invites more South Africans to enjoy the luxury of premium fashion and lifestyle without the hefty price tag traditionally associated with it.
This collaboration is a bold statement that speaks to the heart of what Nedbank and Mantsho stand for—accessibility, cultural pride, and innovation. For years, luxury has been a realm for the few, but with this collection, Nedbank and Mantsho are redefining what it means to live a premium lifestyle. By making high-end, sophisticated African designs more accessible, the partnership is empowering people to step into their best selves, wrapped in the beauty of African craftsmanship and cultural pride.
A Collection with Cultural Significance
The name Mantsho, meaning ‘Black is Beautiful’ in Sesotho, has long been a testament to the vibrancy and resilience of African womanhood. Palesa Mokubung’s designs are bold, confident, and unapologetically African, carrying a story and a heritage in every piece. With this collection, she once again celebrates African style, blending it with a modern twist that speaks to the contemporary, ambitious African.
From locally sourced fabrics to meticulously crafted kimonos, T-shirts, and accessories, each piece in this nine-item collection is an invitation to embrace an authentic African look that’s both premium and accessible. Designed with the premium MiGoals account holder in mind, the collection doesn’t just offer clothes—it offers a lifestyle that resonates with elegance, ambition, and cultural pride.
Why This Collaboration Matters
In an era where brand partnerships are often superficial, the Mantsho x Nedbank collaboration stands out as a genuine synergy. Both brands are rooted in their commitment to giving back to the community, making a meaningful impact, and celebrating African excellence. By allowing a broader audience to access high fashion at an affordable price, Nedbank and Mantsho are championing inclusivity and the idea that a premium lifestyle doesn’t have to be reserved for the elite.
Nedbank’s Executive Head of Marketing for Retail and Business Banking, Buli Ndlovu, shared her excitement about the collaboration: “The Mantsho partnership is incredibly exciting for us. A lot of people weren’t able to access these iconic pieces before, but inspired by our MiGoals Premium Account, we’ve created a fashion line that brings premium access to more people.”
A Celebration of African Ingenuity
In a rapidly evolving global landscape, unconventional partnerships like the Mantsho x Nedbank collaboration are crucial for showcasing the richness and versatility of African creativity. These alliances not only amplify the voices of talented designers but also create opportunities for innovation and cultural exchange that transcend traditional boundaries. For young African creatives, such partnerships serve as a powerful lesson in the importance of collaboration and resourcefulness. By working together across industries, they can break down barriers, foster new ideas, and inspire a wave of creativity that reflects the dynamic spirit of the continent. This approach not only elevates individual brands but also positions Africa as a vibrant hub of artistic expression, encouraging a new generation to embrace their heritage while boldly pushing the limits of what is possible.
More Than Fashion, It’s a Movement
The Mantsho x Nedbank MiGoals Premium collection will be exclusively available on the Avo SuperShop, Nedbank’s curated platform offering everything from groceries to fashion. For those with a MiGoals Premium account, there’s an even sweeter deal—a 30% discount on all pieces in the collection, making it a perfect blend of style and savings. This hyper-personalised shopping experience aligns with the collection’s vision: luxury that’s attainable, meaningful, and, most importantly, African.
By creating a collection that’s affordable, Mantsho and Nedbank are opening doors for a new audience, one that values quality, identity, and affordability. As Ndlovu puts it, “We’re bringing a premium brand much closer to a wider audience, and we’re thrilled about it. This partnership feels like a natural fit, with both brands sharing a commitment to meaningful, creative impact.”
This collection is more than just clothes—it’s a symbol of African pride, creativity, and resilience. As South African fashion continues to redefine the boundaries of creativity, Mantsho x Nedbank stands as a testament to what’s possible when African brands come together to push the envelope. With a touch of elegance and a dash of vibrancy, ‘Now More People Can Premium’ by Mantsho x Nedbank MiGoals Premium is here to empower a new generation of Africans to own a piece of premium lifestyle, without compromising their roots or their wallets.
For more information on how you can join this movement, visit the link here
In the heart of Épernay, where the legacy of Moët & Chandon has flourished for centuries, the iconic Champagne house played host to a unique celebration for Champagne Day 2024. This year, Moët & Chandon invited seven of Africa’s most prominent creative talents for a cross-cultural exchange that highlighted the brand’s enduring commitment to craftsmanship, artistry, and heritage.
Lyra Aoko trying her hand at the Champagne pyramid
The star-studded guest list included South African designer and LVMH Prize winner Thebe Magugu, Nigerian textile artist Banke Kuku, Ghanaian fashion designer Aisha Ayensu, and others from across the continent, all representing a diverse range of disciplines, from fashion to photography. These seven artisans were invited to experience Moët & Chandon’s deep-rooted savoir-faire, taking inspiration from the centuries-old process that defines the world-renowned Champagne.
Aisha Ayensu exploring the cellars
For Mahine Sef, a Cameroonian music producer and photographer, the visit to Moët & Chandon was nothing short of magical. “My first impression of Épernay was one of timeless elegance,” he remarked. “The estate felt like a place where tradition and innovation harmonise beautifully.” This theme of merging old and new was a key thread throughout the visit, as the artisans explored the historic cellars and discussed the parallels between their own crafts and the meticulous art of Champagne making.
Thebe Magugu, who has risen to global prominence in fashion, was equally in awe of the legacy of Moët & Chandon. “It blows my mind that they have managed to preserve a brand since 1743, and for it to still be even more relevant in 2024,” he said, reflecting on how craftsmanship and innovation can stand the test of time.
Banke Kuku, the creative genius behind her eponymous Nigerian boutique, was moved by the serene beauty of the Moët & Chandon estate. “It’s like the world slowed down once I stepped into the estate,” she shared. For her, the experience was both reflective and inspiring, emphasising the importance of asking ‘why’ throughout the creative process.
The cultural exchange between African and French artisanship was a key focus, with the trip offering an opportunity to explore how these two rich traditions can influence and inspire one another. As Moroccan jewellery designer Youssra Nichane observed, “The Memories of Tomorrow exhibition, showcasing artisan embroidery, was a true reflection of where craftsmanship meets history.” The exhibition resonated deeply with her, inspiring her to create new designs that blend Moroccan heritage with Moët & Chandon’s artistry.
Beyond the Champagne and the cellars, this trip was about much more than luxury. It was about the shared values of tradition, community, and excellence—values that transcend borders and bring artisans together. As Tanzanian designer Mtani Nyamakababi put it, “Their strategy has been carefully crafted over centuries to maintain their status as one of the world’s most prestigious Champagne brands. This inspired me to be more committed to excellence in my craft.”
As Champagne Day approaches, Moët & Chandon continues to showcase the powerful connections between African creativity and French tradition, celebrating the endless possibilities that arise when cultures come together. This event was not just a tribute to Champagne, but to the artisans who continue to break boundaries, craft by craft, one toast at a time.
7 Artisans at the Orangerie lawns
Lyra Aoko Thebe Magugu and Youssra Nichane connecting at the Chateau de Saran
Banke Kuku and Youssra Nichane enjoying a glass of Moet Brut Imperial
Ardmore Unveils Silk Scarf Collection: Art Meets Fashion with African Flair
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Ardmore, a South African brand with a deep-rooted legacy in collectible art, has recently expanded its creative horizons with the launch of an exquisite collection of pure silk scarves, twills, and pocket squares. This new venture marks Ardmore’s first step into the fashion world, drawing upon the studio’s artistic heritage and the rich cultural tapestry of Africa to create wearable works of art. Founded in a small studio on a farm in KwaZulu-Natal, Ardmore has grown into a multifaceted design brand that now spans textiles, homeware, and, most recently, fashion. Known for its vibrant expression of African culture, Ardmore’s creations have made their way into homes and hearts across the globe. The introduction of these luxurious silk scarves is a testament to the brand’s evolution and commitment to craftsmanship.
The scarves, crafted for those who appreciate the fusion of art and fashion, feature intricate designs that tell uniquely African stories. The collection is the result of a collaboration between Catherine Berning, who spearheaded the design, and Sydney Nyabeze, whose illustrations bring the narratives to life. The scarves showcase African wildlife, indigenous flora, and folklore in rich, colourful patterns that are as timeless as they are contemporary.
Ardmore’s journey into fashion is deeply personal, tracing back to its founder, Féé Halsted. Forty years ago, Halsted was inspired by a vibrant jungle print silk scarf she purchased in London, igniting a vision that has now come full circle. Earlier this year, Ardmore released its first scarf collection, the Bonnie Ntshalintshali Collection, named in honour of Ardmore’s founding ceramic artist. Bonnie Ntshalintshali’s legacy of imaginative and lyrical storytelling is celebrated in these scarves, with designs that feature playful depictions of Jonah and the Whale, along with heavenly angels, doves, and whimsical butterflies. The collection is a burst of optimism, showcasing bold primary colours and rich floral motifs that reflect Bonnie’s artistic spirit.
The Bonnie Ntshalintshali Collection is just the beginning. Ardmore has also unveiled the Sabie Kings collection, inspired by the majestic King Cheetah. This design draws from the lush landscapes of Zimbabwe, where the rare Sabie King Cheetah was first spotted in 1926. The collection features two regal cheetahs entwined, set against a backdrop of aloes and impala lilies in earthy tones and sea-foam greens, capturing the essence of safari elegance.
Complementing the Sabie Kings collection is the Protea Plains line, which introduces a dynamic and whimsical design featuring a mythical cat chasing a zebra through fields of proteas. This lively piece bursts with movement and vibrant colours, further showcasing Ardmore’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary design. The most recent addition to the Protea Plains collection is the Safari Wrap, a luxurious wool and modal wrap that offers versatility and lightweight comfort, perfect for any season.
In addition to the large silk scarves, Ardmore’s collection includes Safari Silk Twills, skinny scarves that add a sophisticated touch to any wardrobe. These versatile pieces can be styled in multiple ways—around the neck, wrist, hair, or accessories—bringing a bold pop of colour to any outfit.
All of Ardmore’s scarves and wraps are designed in South Africa and printed in Italy on 100% pure silk with hand-rolled hems, ensuring the highest quality and attention to detail. As Ardmore continues to expand its fashion line, further collections and limited editions are planned for release throughout the year, promising to bring even more of Africa’s rich cultural stories into the world of fashion.
In the world of fashion and media, representation remains a critical issue, especially for more mature, darker-skinned individuals who are often overlooked. This disparity served as the inspiration behind “Sentinels in Pastel,” a unique and visionary project that merges surrealism with realism to showcase the beauty and power of older Black models based in London.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has often been the go-to source for envisioning mature, dark-skinned models due to the lack of real-world representation. “Sentinels in Pastel” seeks to disrupt this trend by spotlighting real people, thus bridging the gap between fantasy and reality.
We embarked on this project with a mission to highlight real individuals, crafting a fantastical narrative that features models older than the industry standard. Crafted and styled by the talented Julius Reuben, the photoshoot incorporated childlike objects as a juxtaposition to the models’ maturity. This contrast, using pastel colours typically associated with babies, created a striking visual dialogue between youth and age, emphasising common ground despite the age difference.
In many African, Afro-Caribbean, and diasporic households, the mature generation holds a place of deep respect and love. They are seen as powerful sentinels, guardians of wisdom and tradition. “Sentinels in Pastel” challenges the media’s general disregard for the older generation by celebrating their strength and influence.
The models featured in this project challenge the prevailing media narrative that often ignores the mature generation. Through my lens, these individuals are not just models but embodiments of resilience and grace, reflecting the richness of their lived experiences.
Getting to know each model personally was a crucial part of this journey. Their strengths, personalities, and vibrant energy deeply influenced the personas they portrayed in the shoot. This personal connection allowed us to create more authentic and powerful representations.
Each model’s persona was enhanced with facial tribal painting and symbolism, expertly executed by Keisha Desvignes. This artistic choice not only highlighted their individuality but also immersed them in an Afrofuturistic narrative, bridging cultural heritage with contemporary expression.
We also utilised backgrounds that matched the colours of the garments worn by the models. This choice was culturally significant, as it symbolised harmony and unity, reflecting the seamless blend of the models’ identities with the Afrofuturistic vision. It emphasised the idea that the models were not just wearing the clothes but embodying a cohesive cultural and aesthetic narrative.
As a British African photographer shooting Afrofuturism globally, this project holds a special place in my heart. It presents a vision of the future where the richness of African heritage is celebrated, and older generations are given the spotlight they deserve.
“Sentinels in Pastel” is not just a fashion project; it’s a cultural statement. It speaks to the African diaspora’s experience, blending traditional respect for elders with a futuristic vision that challenges contemporary norms. It invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of age, beauty, and cultural significance.
From a diaspora viewpoint, this project is a reminder of the strength and resilience that older generations embody. It underscores the importance of representation in all its forms, advocating for a more inclusive and diverse portrayal in media and fashion.
Ultimately, “Sentinels in Pastel” is a call for inclusivity. It urges the fashion industry and media to recognise and celebrate the beauty and power of older, darker-skinned individuals. By doing so, we can create a more representative and equitable world that honours all ages and backgrounds.
“Sentinels in Pastel” stands as a testament to the enduring strength and grace of the mature Black community. It’s a vibrant, Afrofuturistic homage to those who have paved the way, reminding us all of the importance of inclusivity and representation in every realm of society.
Meet the Sentinels:
Gloria: Adorned in peach, exuding timeless elegance.
Fernando: Draped in lilac, embodying serene strength.
Antony: Clad in mint, representing fresh perspectives.
Yinka: Wrapped in pink, showcasing vibrant vitality.
Jaqueline: In yellow, illuminating wisdom and joy.
Inside the Mind of Sabrina Elba and her Quest to Lead A-Beauty
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Keeping up with Sabrina Elba, one of the most dynamic beauty founders I know, requires I tap into reserves of energy I didn’t know that I had. In a whirlwind 18 hours in London, I get an inside look at what drives her work, how she’s built her team, and why everyone we come across seems to adore her.
Sabrina, who founded her skincare label S’Able Labs with her husband Idris Elba in 2022, is also a model, actress and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations. She’s not one to shy away from hard work.
Initially, she was set to practice law, and she approaches her work as an entrepreneur with dedication, focus and grace. But this grace shouldn’t be confused with a lack of ambition because while she’s humble and incredibly kind, something she attributes to her Canadian upbringing, she’s gunning for a major role on skincare’s global stage: bringing A-beauty, and the ingredients from her native Somalia front and centre – baobab, rooibos, qasil, blackseed and various African botanicals.
Contemplating African culture, we cannot overlook the profound significance of beadwork, a tradition dating back millennia. From ancient relics to contemporaryartistry, beads have served as more than mere adornments; they are symbols of status, belonging and cultural heritage.
The beads we’ve come to know today are developments from past artefacts and treasures, used as one of the first means of bodily adornment. Africa’s traditional use of beads incorporated bones, wood, shells and many other ornaments that would be pierced and strung together, attached to an object or worn on the body as a means of beautifying.
While the use of beads dates back over 75,000 years like the marine shells uncovered by archaeologists in the South African Blombos cave, it wasn’t until glass beads were introduced that they became a medium for trade across the continents.
“The intrinsic desirability of the bead – as well as the ease with which a relatively large quantity could be transported as cargo – made them an essential item of trade,” reports The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
However, the symbolisms in the continental use of such ornaments go far deeper than the monetary value. True to form with many ritualistic symbolisms in the country, beads were no exception.
Our origins are the first trail marker on this wild journey we embark on, here to act as the cornerstone of whatever it is we choose to build with this one true life.
I write to you from a place of pause after a firestorm this past quarter. My wig is off; I’m catching my breath in my favourite corner room at the Royal Livingstone Resort in Zambia. I feel like I’m restarting a movie – like I need to go back to the beginning and pay better attention so I can watch the plot fall into place.
What just happened moments ago – wedding clients turning to me to say, “You are bloody good at what you do” after I ensured they got on a boat they nearly missed – is a moment that fills me with pride. It’s a moment that feels so contrary to the place I was in four weeks ago.
Organising this year’s Greatest Party of All was the biggest logistical nightmare of my 15-year career. I was caught between two systems (Africa and Europe) with 78 frustrated guests delayed in an airport. For the first time, I questioned my ‘why?’ Why did I constantly put myself in a position to pull off the impossible? To exist in a state of such insurmountable stress?
The answer lay in our destination: Mozambique. Stunning turquoise waters. A kind of calm I can’t describe. A surreal setting that, like so many of Africa’s finest places, you have to experience it to believe it. I give my heart to this continent because her beauty is too profound not to share. She deserves advocacy. She deserves every ounce of me – stress, setbacks, sanity-questioning and all.
Here we are, 7 issues and 39 countries in and the only way I can see the whole plot is to think back to the very beginning. So this, readers, is our Origins issue.
Our origins are the first trail marker on this wild journey we embark on, here to act as the cornerstone of whatever it is we choose to build with this one true life. Our origins are generous, however rough around the edges they may be, because it is only our origins that can give us the perspective of grace. When I look back, it’s impossible to not see how far I’ve come. How my current reality, even when it’s driving me crazy, was once just the dream of a little Zambian girl. It is because of my origins I am reminded to not take today for granted.
Choosing a cover star to carry each issue is not something I take lightly, and this was especially true for our Origins issue. With Sabrina Elba’s Somali heritage – from a country that is unseen and often voiceless – I had to show people more about who she really is.
To be able to sit down and eat nshima (a Zambian staple food) with Sabrina and talk about the similarities in our cultures, and our advocacy for the communities that shaped us was an honour (including women in farming, more on page 75). Sabrinaʾs story and what she has done with S’Able Labs is incredibly inspiring – read more as written by Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli with imagery shot by the talented Daniel Obasi in Zambia on page 64.
Through his lens, Daniel Pinto also takes us to Somaliland on page 47. Featuring an unsettled land was one of the great debates of my career. But isn’t that why this publication exists, to show the potential in every pocket of this continent, even – and perhaps especially – in those pockets that others would prefer we not expose? My choices were also questioned when I announced we would feature the people of the Arbore of Omo Valley in Ethiopia. Their looks may shock, but they are the original masters of appearance, as Jo writes. Their story is deserving of our pages on page 83.
Finally, I also sat down with my favourite author, Chigozie Obioma, to discuss his novel An Orchestra of Minorities (see page 122) – a pinch-me moment.
Through these stories, and so many more, I give to you, dear reader, our origins – the roots buried beneath the tree that shades all of us across the diaspora. Read on, get to know her, and keep her safe.
