Mantsho
Mantsho is a South African fashion label founded in 2004 by designer Palesa Mokubung. Its name means 'black is beautiful', and it became the first African brand to create a collaboration collection with H&M.
| Founded | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Palesa Mokubung |
| Name meaning | Black is beautiful |
| Milestone | First African brand to collaborate with H&M (2019) |
| Website | mantsho.com |
What is Mantsho?
Mantsho is a South African womenswear label founded in 2004 by designer Palesa Mokubung, who remains its founder and creative director. The name Mantsho means black is beautiful, a statement that runs through the brand's identity.
History
Mokubung built the label through runway shows in South Africa and abroad, including Africa Fashion Week Middle East. In 2019 Mantsho became the first African brand to collaborate with H&M, and Mokubung the first African designer to create a collection with the Swedish retailer. The Mantsho x H&M collection brought the label to an international audience.
Products and positioning
Mantsho designs contemporary womenswear, presented in seasonal collections and ranges shown on the runway at home and abroad.
- Contemporary womenswear
- Seasonal runway collections
- Collaboration collection with H&M
Why it matters
The H&M partnership was a milestone for African fashion, demonstrating that independent labels from the continent could work with global high street retailers on their own design terms. Mantsho is therefore often cited when discussing the international visibility of South African design.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Mantsho?
Mantsho was founded in 2004 by South African designer Palesa Mokubung.
What does Mantsho mean?
Mantsho means 'black is beautiful', which is the idea behind the label's name.