Belmond partners with fashion designer Thebe Magugu

February 26, 2026

South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu launched his eponymous brand in 2026. Image credit: Belmond

LVMH-owned hospitality group Belmond is celebrating Afro-modernism.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town unveiled the Thebe Magugu Suite, a space created in collaboration with South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu, marking a decade of the designer’s eponymous brand. Abutting the suite is the newly opened Magugu House Cape Town, a concept store that will also serve as a cultural hub for the community.

“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,” said Neal Ludick, director of interior design at Belmond, in a statement.

“Thebe Magugu's approach to design is rich in narrative, deeply authentic and unmistakably alive,” Mr. Ludick said. “It's a striking interpretation of cultural dialogue expressed through clothing and space.

“Who better to honor and evolve Mount Nelson's iconic legacy?”

Afro-English fusion
The reimagined suite, created in collaboration with South African firm StudioLandt, marks Mr. Magugu’s first foray into the world of interiors. The space marries South African design sensibilities with British style hallmarks.

“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,” said Mr. Magugu, in a statement.

The reimagined suite, situated on the city’s Palm Avenue, honors South African art and culture. The space is rooted in a rich color palette with warm tones and textural details grounding the space.

The spaces mix verdant green hues with shades reminiscent of harvest season. Image credit: Belmond

The Thebe Magugu Suite, situated in the historic hotel, spans two floors. On the first floor, visitors will encounter the lounge and dining space with a cocktail cabinet for intimate entertaining.

A striking stairway leads guests to the upstairs, where a terrace offers views of landmarks such as Table Mountain and Lion's Head.

The space’s terrazzo floor are unconventional with a color palette of peat and green.

"My work is rooted in preservation,” said Mr. Magugu, in a statement.

“I created this suite with the intention of offering guests the experience of living within 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."

The suite’s wallpaper pays homage to British homes with a hand-sketched wallpaper that offers a view of South Africa’s vibrant landscape.

“Textures in this space are stone and timber, to give the impression that designs are of 'the earth', and thus can be given back,” said Mr. Magugu, in a statement.

The space is completed with hand-carved furniture and artwork from South African art gallery Southern Guild. Some of the artists on view in the space include Lulama Wolf, Zandile Tshabalala, Banele Khoza, Lorenzo Plaatjies and Trevor Stuurman.

Third spaces
Magugu House Cape Town is a hybrid space co-curated by Mr. Magugu and StudioLandt.

The creative hub will house limited-edition pieces and archival clothing in its concept store, alongside books and decorative objects honoring African art and literature.

Wooden furniture in the new suite grounds the space. Image credit: Belmond

The space will also act as a gallery for artists. South African artist and ceramist Zizipho Poswa and South African photographer Zanele Muholi will be the first artists to exhibit in the space.

In the future, Magugu House Cape Town will host panels, screenings and lectures.

“Magugu House Cape Town heroes African luxury: refined, forward-looking yet rooted in culture,” said Mr. Magugu, in a statement.

“It is a space where the past, present and imagined future of Africa exist in dialogue - an intersection of heritage and innovation,” Mr. Magugu said. “Each detail, from materials to layout, will reflect my ongoing commitment to elevating African narratives with a contemporary lens; a philosophy of Afro-modernity.”

Belmond’s support of the Magugu House Cape Town highlights the creation of third spaces and speaks to a trend within the luxury industry of facilitating events and experiences that foster connection and community from French Cognac brand Rémy Martin’s event series (see story) to French Cognac house Courvoisier yearlong dinner series (see story) to British automaker Aston Martin intimate driving experiences (see story).

Share your thoughts. Click here

Belmond partners with fashion designer Thebe Magugu

Belmond partners with fashion designer Thebe Magugu

Follow @LuxuryDaily for the latest in luxury news

Julien’s Auctions to sell archival looks from actress Gwyneth Paltrow

Rolls-Royce drops in at Oberoi Concours d’Elegance

IHG introduces Regent Spa concept

Capri Holdings fills CFO, COO role

‘Sculpting the Soul’ unites Lamborghini Fenomeno with contemporary design culture

Luxury Unfiltered: The AI reckoning will separate true luxury brands from imitators

BMW presents 2026 Art Makers enrollees

The Shops at Crystals houses largest Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Las Vegas