Heritage III

18 of South Africa’s most iconic women and men front the 3rd instalment of Thebe Magugu’s iconic Heritage Capsule, exclusive to British Vogue.

This instalment explores “Lobola”, which is a centuries old negotiation process in anticipation for eventual marriage, where the family of the groom approaches the family of the bride with an offer - traditionally cattle, contemporarily money - in exchange for the bride herself. This is meant to be symbolic rather than ownership, and the exact margins of this practice change from culture to culture.

Fronting this campaign is 18 South African leaders, each of whom have spearheaded their respective fields with their talents, skills and minds - whether its in law, film, literature, business, sports, culinary arts or art.

For women, the new silhouette for the Lobola Heritage Dress borrows from the functionality of a shirt dress and introduces elevated angel cuffs, a waist-defining belt and pockets. For men, the Lobola Heritage Shirt takes on a boxy silhouette in a lightweight satin, which features a central key-hole on the neckline that is clasped closed with a stainless steel Thebe Magugu coin button.

For those who want to learn more about Lobola Negotiation/ Wedding Customs of Southern Africa, an essay written by Olwethu Leshabane for the Lobola Heritage Capsule has been published on www.thebemagugu.com as well.