Thebe Magugu Magugu House hospitality design design approaches
Courtesy of THEBE MAGUGU and MOUNT NELSON

Thebe Magugu transforms Mount Nelson with signature suite and Magugu House

Renowned South African designer Thebe Magugu brings his distinctive Afro-modernist vision to Cape Town this December with the launch of the Thebe Magugu Suite at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. Marking the ten-year anniversary of his celebrated brand, the initiative also introduces Magugu House, a concept store and cultural hub where fashion meets art, signaling a bold new chapter in contemporary hospitality design.

Magugu House: a hub for creativity and culture

Magugu House Cape Town will open alongside the suite, creating a space that is part boutique, part gallery. Curated in partnership with StudioLandt, the concept store will showcase limited-edition fashion collections, archival pieces, and artworks from leading African artists, including Zizipho Poswa and Zanele Muholi. Visitors will experience an environment designed for cultural dialogue, with salon-style events, screenings, and exhibitions highlighting the evolving narratives of African creativity. Magugu House aims to celebrate the sophistication of African design while fostering a vibrant community for emerging talent.

Thebe Magugu Suite: where Afro-modernism meets luxury

The Thebe Magugu Suite reimagines one of Mount Nelson’s historic wings as an elegant two-floor retreat blending South African and British design approaches. Featuring a characterful lounge, intimate dining area, and a terrace with panoramic views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, the suite embodies Magugu’s philosophy of immersive storytelling through design. Key features include hand-sketched wallpaper depicting Southern African landscapes, ceremonial hand-carved furniture, terrazzo floors in peat and green, and carefully curated artworks from Southern Guild. Each detail reflects Magugu’s commitment to cultural preservation, authenticity, and narrative depth.

Redefining hospitality design in Cape Town

By integrating high-fashion sensibilities with immersive interior design, the project establishes Mount Nelson as a cultural destination where fashion, art, and design approaches intersect. Set to open in December 2025, the suite will be bookable as part of Belmond’s Signature Suites and Villas, while Magugu House will welcome the public from November 10th, 2025.

ISSUE 7

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