Thebe Magugu Partners with Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town to Launch the Thebe Magugu Suite and Magugu House, A Concept Store, Where Fashion Meets Art

Renowned South African fashion designer THEBE MAGUGU will make his debut in luxury hospitality design this December at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town, bringing his distinctive Afro-modernist vision to the property. Marking the ten-year anniversary of his celebrated brand, the launch of the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE represents his first foray into interior design. Tucked along the iconic Palm Avenue, the reimagined suite will be an elegant trove of South African culture, design and art, curated to immerse guests into the creativity, storytelling and intellect that has come to define the Thebe Magugu universe. “Together, the Mount Nelson and I have crafted a space rooted deeply in place and purpose, with a strong commitment to preserving the culture from which we draw inspiration,” says Magugu.

Adjoining the suite, MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN will also open - part concept store, part cultural institute; forming a dynamic hub for aesthetic exchange. The space will serve as both a showroom for Magugu's collections and a gallery showcasing artworks from the most sought-after artists, celebrating the sophistication and nuance of African creativity. As Belmond's first ever Designer Residence concept, the collaboration underscores Mount Nelson's commitment to championing contemporary African culture, while providing a space for the continent's next generation of creative visionaries. Following the launch of Magugu House Johannesburg in May 2024, this project marks Magugu's first official presence in Cape Town – with Mount Nelson chosen as his creative home in the city.

THEBE MAGUGU SUITE: WHERE AFRO-BRITISH DESIGN COMES TOGETHER

Renowned for celebrating African identity and contemporary sophistication – and with his work showcased globally from Paris Fashion Week to the Metropolitan Museum of Art – Magugu brings his creative vision to the redesign of one of Mount Nelson's historic wings. Grounded in meticulous research and guided by a deep respect for African heritage, his approach blends cultural preservation with progressive storytelling, capturing the spirit of South Africa's vibrant landscape and craft.

Echoing Magugu's fashion philosophy, the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE will be a sumptuous Afro-Modernist sanctuary – sleek, yet soulful. Working closely with the interior design savants at StudioLandt, Magugu explores an “Afro-English” aesthetic, artfully juxtaposing British and South African design approaches. This cross-cultural dialogue reveals both contrast and connection, set within the storied walls of the revered 126-year-old Mount Nelson.

Set across two floors, the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE will feature a striking lobby leading into a characterful lounge and dining area, designed for intimate gatherings and evenings of celebration, complete with a cocktail cabinet. The terrace upstairs offers sweeping views of Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the Nellie's iconic palm-lined entrance. The colour palette gently transitions from vibrant greens to warm harvest shades, setting a rich and welcoming tone, with terrazzo floors in non-traditional peat and green. A standout feature – paying homage to classic British interiors – is the hand-sketched wallpaper, which presents a reimagined panoramic view of a Southern African landscape, journeying guests from the rolling hills of the Midlands, to the dramatic cliffs and vibrant flora of the Cape. “Textures in this space are stone and timber, to give the impression that designs are of 'the earth', and thus can be given back.” says Magugu. This immersive environment will be enriched with ceremonial, hand-carved furniture and a curated selection of rotating artworks from Southern Guild, beginning with paintings by acclaimed artist Mmangaliso Nzuza. Other influential artists within the suite include Lulama Wolf, Zandile Tshabalala, Banele Khoza, Lorenzo Plaatjies and Trevor Stuurman.

A TRIBUTE TO MAGUGU'S PERSONAL HERITAGE

In the dining area, Magugu pays tribute to his personal heritage, with intricate design details. A pendant light, inspired by the iconic Basotho 'Mokorotlo' hat, will anchor the space, whilebespoke wooden furniture pieces take their form from the graceful curves of traditional pottery. These culturally rich touches will be complemented by hand-pleated textiles echoing a cherished memory: his grandmother, lovingly tending to the garments she wore to church, each fold an embodiment of a life lived with care and precision.

Upstairs, the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE is a secluded retreat with a king-size bedroom draped in patterned fabrics, opening onto a balcony that frames views of the Mount Nelson's rolling lawns. The bedroom is a balance of calm and creativity, using neutral tones accented with rust red to counter high-design details such as hand-carved bedposts, a custom-made textured rug, and pleated lighting fixtures. In the ensuite bathroom, a free-standing bathtub is enveloped in rusty tones of brown and burgundy to mimic the natural warmth of a cave. Thoughtful touches of marble and local bronze add depth and texture, grounding the space in the material richness of the region.

"My work is rooted in preservation” says Magugu. “I created this suite with the intention of offering guests the experience of living with in a space that encapsulates our culture through art, craft, and history - while also providing a sense of ease and comfort, reflective of the gracious hospitality the Mount Nelson has extended for over 126 years."

“Belmond partners exclusively with the world's most visionary creatives – from Wes Anderson's reimagination of a British Pullman carriage and JR's artistic creation aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,” says Neal Ludick, Belmond's Director of Interior Design. “Thebe Magugu's approach to design is rich in narrative, deeply authentic, and unmistakably alive. It's a striking interpretation of cultural dialogue expressed through clothing and space. Who better to honour and evolve Mount Nelson's iconic legacy?”

MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE EXCHANGE

Launching alongside the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE is MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN, a curated atelier space co-created with StudioLandt, showcasing limited-edition pieces, archival garments and accessories from the acclaimed designer, rotating seasonally. Mirroring the Johannesburg-based atelier, MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN will serve as both boutique and gallery – with the first exhibitions showcasing the works of lauded artists, sculptor Zizipho Poswa and photographer Zanele Muholi, who are both represented by Southern Guild. MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN will be a vibrant hub dedicated to collaborative projects and emerging artists, also featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of books and objects, celebrating African design, literature and craft. Visitors can also look forward to salon-style events, screenings and exhibits, transforming MAGUGU HOUSE into a dynamic platform for the creative community.

“MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN heroes African luxury: refined, forward-looking yet rooted in culture. It is a space where the past, present, and imagined future of Africa exist in dialogue - an intersection of heritage and innovation. Each detail, from materials to layout, will reflect my ongoing commitment to elevating African narratives with a contemporary lens; a philosophy of “Afro- Modernity” says Magugu.

MOUNT NELSON HOTEL: A CULTURAL 'FORCE' IN CAPE TOWN

The highly anticipated collaboration is born out of CONFECTIONS x COLLECTIONS (CxC), an annual celebration of Pan-African fashion curated by sustainability platform Twyg. The initiative debuted in 2022, with Magugu as its inaugural designer. Now a staple of Mount Nelson's annual cultural calendar, this year's fourth instalment of CxC will mark a significant evolution, with the launch of Magugu's landmark project, making history at the hotel while unveiling his latest Spring/Summer 2026 collection on his 10-year anniversary. For the first time, the event transcends the ephemeral collection showcase to introduce a lasting, tangible expression of creativity: fashion design transforms into a permanent space within the iconic property.

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The THEBE MAGUGU SUITE will be part of Belmond's Signature Suites and Villas and will be available to book from December 2025.To make a reservation, join the waiting list by contacting reservations.mnh@belmond.com.

MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN will be open to the public from the 10th of November 2025. CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS will take place from 6 – 8 November 2025.