Thesis Lifestyle
Thesis Lifestyle is a South African streetwear brand founded in Soweto in 2005 by Wandile Zondo and Galebowe Mahlatsi. It makes T-shirts, jackets, pants and its signature bucket hats, sold through its own township stores and online.
| Founded | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Wandile Zondo and Galebowe Mahlatsi |
| First store | Mofolo, Soweto, 2007 |
| Signature item | Bucket hats |
| Website | thesis.co.za |
What is Thesis Lifestyle?
Thesis is a streetwear brand from Soweto that describes itself as rooted in the township. Friends Wandile Zondo and Galebowe Mahlatsi set it up in 2005 to make authentically Soweto inspired streetwear, and its first shop opened in Mofolo on 16 June 2007.
Products and positioning
Garments are created by an in house design team. Bucket hats are a signature item, and a T-shirt naming four Soweto neighbourhoods became one of its best sellers.
- Graphic T-shirts
- Pants and jackets
- Bucket hats, beanies and socks
- Sneakers
Distribution
Thesis sells through its original Mofolo store and other township outlets, including a shipping container store, as well as online. Gaborone in Botswana has been reported as its second biggest market. The brand has worked on collaborations including a partnership with KFC.
Why it matters
Thesis is a reference point for township based fashion entrepreneurship in South Africa, showing how a locally rooted streetwear label can build community, retail and brand partnerships from Soweto outwards.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Thesis Lifestyle from?
Thesis Lifestyle is from Soweto, South Africa, where its first store opened in Mofolo in 2007.
Who founded Thesis Lifestyle?
Thesis was founded by Wandile Zondo and Galebowe Mahlatsi.