Thebe Magugu’s New Dresses Pay Homage to Eight South African Tribes

Thebe Magugu partnered with Vuyolwethu Reoagile to write about the heritage of each tribe, giving a history lesson together with the unveiling of each heritage dress design. Of the VhaVenda, she said, “VhaVenda are highly spiritual people who revere their ancestors and water spirits, Zwidutwane. These water spirits are said to reside at the bottom of waterfalls, and offerings can be taken to them to appease them. Artists also hold a special place in the VhaVenda culture as they are seen as direct links to the ancestral realm. Dancing, drumming and singing are central to celebrating rites of passage and connecting with the spiritual realm.” Every lesson has an invitation to the public to share their knowledge of the culture in the comments of the post, with people showing appreciation for the showcase of culture.

Each dress in the capsule is bohemian-style with bishop sleeves and a foulard neckline. Of the design, he says, “It’s a proportion that looks good on everyone. I wanted anyone who sees that dress to be able to see themselves in it.”