The H&M’s much anticipated collaboration with South Africa’s Mantsho label will launch on 15 August in all South African stores as well as at selected H&M online markets and exclusive flagship stores around the world.
GLAMOUR caught up with Palesa Mokubung - Mantsho Head of Design and Pernilla Wohlfahrt - H&M Assortment Manager for Collaborations and Special Collections to talk about this groundbreaking collaboration.
What does it mean for you to be the first African designer to collaborate with H&M?
I feel both honoured and humbled. It is a big responsibility I’ve been given to carry on behalf of my fellow African designers - to showcase the talent and the beauty of this continent through my craft and fashion.
How has working on the Mantsho x H&M project enhanced your career?
H&M has given me reach to a wider global market and working with a global retailer has given me knowledge I didn’t have before. For the first time, I created an accessory line which was exciting and a great learning opportunity.
What was your inspiration behind the collection?
I wanted to celebrate the beauty of women, the vibrancy and diversity of the African aesthetic, its textures and colours.
What is the meaning behind the Mantsho flower print?
My name Palesa, means ‘flower’ in my mother tongue language, Sesotho. I worked closely with my brother, Mojalefa Mokubung to design the Mantsho flower print, that is visible throughout the Mantsho X H&M collection.
Pernilla Wohlfahrt - H&M Assortment Manager for Collaborations and Special Collections
Why did you choose Mantsho as your first African collaboration?
Palesa is a talented designer and such an inspiring personality. Mantsho was selected for its distinct African designs and prints, which perfectly resonates with the global trends of diversity and finding inspiration from all over the world.
What was it like working with Palesa?
Collaborations for us ignite creativity. We value diversity of ideas and people. Working with Palesa on this collaboration was super exciting for H&M. She is an extremely talented designer with whom we have drawn creativity and inspiration from.
What can customers expect from this collection?
We are excited for our customers to finally see this beautiful range and all the hard work that has gone into it. The collection is a compilation of best sellers from Mantsho’s past three successful collections. We truly believe that Mantsho X H&M is new and fresh, offering customers unique prints, bold colours and flattering silhouettes.
