Thebe Magugu expands into hospitality with Belmond

South African designer Thebe Magugu will make his debut in luxury hospitality design this December with an exclusive partnership with A Belmond Hotel_ Cape Town_ bringing his distinctive Afro-modernist vision to the property.

In a statement_ the Belmond group owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton_ said Magugu would be redesigning a suite in the Mount Nelson hotel as an “elegant trove of South African culture_ design and art_” curated to immerse guests into the “creativity_ storytelling and intellect that has come to define the Thebe Magugu universe”.

The suite set across two floors is part of Belmond_s Signature Suites and Villas and will be available to book from December. For the design_ Magugu_ in partnership with interior design firm StudioLandt_ will explore an “Afro-English” aesthetic_ artfully juxtaposing British and South African design approaches. The suite_ which includes a lobby_ lounge and dining area_ a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe_ will feature a colour palette of vibrant greens to warm harvest shades_ offering a welcoming tone_ alongside hand-sketched wallpaper_ textures of stone and timber_ and hand-carved furniture.

Commenting on the project_ Magugu said: “Together_ the Mount Nelson and I have crafted a space rooted deeply in place and purpose_ with a strong commitment to preserving the culture from which we draw inspiration.

"My work is rooted in preservation. I created this suite with the intention of offering guests the experience of living within a space that encapsulates our culture through art_ craft_ and history - while also providing a sense of ease and comfort_ reflective of the gracious hospitality the Mount Nelson has extended for over 126 years."

Magugu_ who is celebrating the 10th anniversary of his brand this year_ will also be designing a concept store adjoining the suite_ called _Magugu House__ described as “where fashion meets art” in a part concept store_ part cultural institute setting. The space will serve as both a showroom for Magugu_s collections_ showcasing limited-edition pieces_ archival garments and accessories_ alongside a gallery featuring artworks from the most sought-after artists_ celebrating the sophistication and nuance of African creativity.

_Magugu House_ will be open to the public from November 10.

The move marks Belmond_s inaugural Designer Residence concept_ as well as Magugu_s first foray into hospitality and interior design.

Neal Ludick_ director of interior design at Belmond_ added: “Belmond partners exclusively with the world_s most visionary creatives – from Wes Anderson_s reimagination of a British Pullman carriage and JR_s artistic creation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

“Thebe Magugu_s approach to design is rich in narrative_ deeply authentic_ and unmistakably alive. It_s a striking interpretation of cultural dialogue expressed through clothing and space. Who better to honour and evolve Mount Nelson_s iconic legacy?”