Mantsho Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection: Mosa - A Celebration of Strength and Femininity

All Images sourced from safashionweek.co.za

Palesa Mokubong made history when her design house, Mantsho, was one of the first African design houses to collaborate with world renowned Swedish fashion retailer, H&M.

Mantsho translates to a beautiful dark/black complexion in Sesotho, which is exactly what Mokubong honours through her designs. The brand celebrates African culture and the resilience of women by crafting bespoke pieces with the realities of women in mind: Their designs are elegant and sophisticated while still maintaining comfort and functionality. According to Mokubong, Mantsho’s Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection, titled “Mosa” was “created from a pure and introspective space that mirrors [Palesa's] experience and reality”. For many women, motherhood is an important part of their strength and femininity, and Mantsho’s latest range is a reflection of this.

The collection incorporates both softness and structure, symbolising both the strength and gentleness of women. Many of the cuts evoke a warrior-like aesthetic, with broad shoulders that convey power, while the choice of flowing fabric and silhouettes convey a sense of grace and femininity.

The silhouettes are reminiscent of traditional garments like the boubou of West Africa, the Kanga of East Africa, and the Agbada, historically worn by esteemed Nigerian men. The Agbada was initially worn by men in Nigeria, specifically esteemed men of power. Mokubung’s feminine take on these styles honours cultural heritage while empowering women. Mokubung’s innovative use of traditional abstract African prints—like gradients and bold patterns—further enriches the collection.

The draping on many of the designs are analogous with the headscarf, a powerful emblem of strength among African women. The structured headpieces, also an allusion to headscarves, resemble crowns, embodying both royalty and resilience, further elevating the collection’s themes.

The colorway is both earthy and regal. Through opulent golds, rich rusts and deep reds were interwoven with shades of blue and pink, reminiscent of horizons and twilights. The colour palette is also symbolic of valuable gemstones and metals, once again emphasising the value of women while nodding to the mineral-rich mines of the African landscape. Golds with emerald greens and ruby reds were among aquamarine and sapphire blues, creating a visual delight symbolising both the strength and softness of women.

Mantsho fuses African culture with modern fashion to create designs that embody power and confidence that are a testament to the strength of not only African women, but all women. Mantsho brought a fresh take on femininity with their standout tweed pieces, offering a modern twist on this timeless fabric. One look featured a chic tweed suit with tailored, high-waisted pants and an oversized jacket, cinched at the waist with a statement belt that gave it that classic ‘80s power suit vibe. It’s the perfect nod to vintage, yet totally on-trend. For a softer, more romantic spin, another ensemble paired an emerald green tweed jacket with a flowy, black ruffle-trimmed mesh skirt, blending structure with a touch of whimsy.

Mantsho’s Mosa Collection, beautifully balances softness and delicacy while maintaining the strength and edge that defines the Mantsho woman. This collection celebrates feminine power with structured pieces like oversized suits that evoke vintage '80s glamour, alongside more delicate designs featuring flowing silhouettes and intricate dresses. Mosa is a masterful fusion of boldness and grace, designed for the modern woman who embraces her multifaceted identity with confidence and style. It’s a collection that captures both strength and sophistication, making a lasting statement in African luxury fashion.