Dathonga Makes a Powerful Statement at South African Fashion Week

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This past April, Dathonga Designs, a beacon of Mozambican artistry and craftsmanship, took the South African fashion world by storm. In a captivating collaboration with BeachCult, a renowned South African clothing brand from Cape Town, Dathonga graced the prestigious South African Fashion Week runway, showcasing a collection that captivated audiences with its timeless elegance and unparalleled artistry. Thanks to my amazing husband! This was more than just a fashion event; it was a celebration of Mozambican heritage and a powerful statement of empowerment. Each piece in the collection was meticulously handcrafted by the skilled hands of Mozambican women, showcasing their extraordinary talent and dedication. Through this platform, Dathonga aimed to share the rich tapestry of Mozambican culture with the world. The collection was a harmonious blend of traditional motifs and contemporary design, resulting in a truly unique and unforgettable aesthetic. This collaboration with BeachCult marks a significant milestone for Dathonga, solidifying our position as a leading force in the global fashion industry. We are incredibly proud to showcase Mozambican artistry on an international stage and to inspire a new generation of designers and artisans. As we continue to push the boundaries of fashion, Dathonga remains committed to empowering Mozambican women and preserving our cultural heritage. Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we continue to make waves in the global fashion industry. Follow our IG stories for daily updates Photos by: Vine Imagery TOGETHER WE ARE MORE! #UBUNTU

My Mentor

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Celebrating Louiggi Mozambican Visionary, Friend, and Artistic Force Some people are just special, aren’t they? Louiggi is one of those incredible humans – a Mozambican artist whose talent has touched so many lives, from the fashion runway to the silver screen. Today, we’re celebrating a true creative powerhouse. A Friend, A Mentor, An Artist You might know Louiggi as a renowned fashion designer, but his impact runs even deeper. He’s mentored many of Mozambique’s top models and designers, crafting breathtaking pieces of art that continue to inspire collections you see today. Beyond his professional brilliance, Louiggi is an extraordinary friend. He’s that calm, relaxed voice who tells you things as they are, reminds you that the sun is shining, and cheers you on with a powerful “vuvuzela phfoommm” – our special signal to give each other strength. The Costume Designer Extraordinaire While Mozambique’s market for artists of his caliber is still growing, Louiggi’s passion for fashion still shines through in projects here and there. But his artistic genius truly comes alive in cinema, where he excels as a Costume Designer. He’s brought characters to life in numerous movies, commercials, and video clips, including acclaimed films like O Resgate, O Último Vôo do Flamingo, Carvão e Açucar, Maida, and many others. Our Shared Journey The Magic of Macuti Wathu I’ve had the immense pleasure of collaborating with Louiggi multiple times, always for fun and to create awareness. We’ve conjured up diverse themes, incredible pieces, and unforgettable shows. The collaboration closest to my heart was Macuti Wathu – a powerful, all-organic theme that truly stood out. Our objective was clear: to raise awareness about synthetic clothing and the importance of recycling plastics and tins, advocating for a return to organic alternatives like cotton, linen, grass, wood, and silver. We designed an entire organic clothing line, accessories, and home products. The highlight? An amazing show right on an Inhambane street, where we symbolically burned synthetic clothes! We demonstrated how organic is not just beautiful and durable, but also healthier and more accessible. It was an impactful, unforgettable show. Louiggi’s work, whether it’s on the body or on the screen, speaks volumes about his talent and commitment to creativity and consciousness. SEE HIS WORK HERE M.A.R.C.I.T.A

My Favorite African Artists & Brands

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My Favorite African Brands African Artistry – A Rising Tide Africa, a continent rich in cultural diversity, has witnessed a surge in artistic expression in recent years. As the continent’s creative scene flourishes, a new wave of talented artists and brands is emerging onto the global stage. A Homecoming Gone are the days when many Africans sought greener pastures in Europe. Today, there’s a palpable sense of opportunity and a growing movement of individuals returning home to pursue their passions and entrepreneurial dreams. This shift has ignited a creative renaissance, fueling the rise of talented artists and innovative brands. While Africa boasts a plethora of incredible artists and brands, here are a few that have particularly captured my attention: MIOMBO The best natural cosmetics in Mozambique. Led by my friend/partner Ana Alecia Lyman, MIOMBO has an amazing natural cosmetic collection based in African seeds oils, clay, plant extracts, and beeswax. The line includes scented candles, masks, solid perfumes, lipbalms and more. CHIBAIA A Mozambican clothing brand that I love very much. They started with a range of capulana jackets that are beautifully done and creative. Today Chibaia has evolved into an exquisite clothing line that is well worth knowing. WOOGUI From my pariango! This amazing Mozambican brand is working with various materials including grass, leather, fabric and tyres to create luxury handbags that I love. Their collection showcases a range of materials and textures from Mozambique, with Linga-linga basketry, Maciene weaving and Karingane collaboration. Woogui is just a TOP Mozambican brand. GONSALO MABUNDA A very good friend of mine from Maputo. He started at Nucleo de Art, learning with the best. Gonsolo became a well known creative artist, making incredible sculptures using old guns from our civil war. Now his pieces can be found all over the world with exhibitions in top galleries. PIRATAS DO PAU A recycled materials furniture company based in Maputo. I love all the combinations they do with old water geysers, pallets, and even water pump parts to create these amazing pieces. They have a beautiful and unique home collection. Before you buy any furniture in Maputo visit them and you will not be disappointed.. RENATA SIBINDA Clay sculptures from the Maconde culture. An inspiration for all of us, Reinata is now celebrated and recognized for her unique and spectacu TAILA ATELIER This creative lady is inspiring all of us in her creative journey. Taila is the co-founder of Ruum gallery. Not so long ago she created this amazing brand with beautiful African inspired jewelry. These are some of my favorite design products – they are a true WOW. TAIBO BACAR My cousin who I’m so proud of! Today, Taibo is in the top 10 fashion designers, with an amazing collection. His products are on runways and in shops from South African to Paris and Milan. His shops in Sandton, Johannesburg, and in Maputo are worth a visit. CRYSTAL BRITCH My cousin who I’m so proud of! Today, Taibo is in the top 10 fashion designers, with an amazing collection. His products are on runways and in shops from South African to Paris and Milan. His shops in Sandton, Johannesburg, and in Maputo are worth a visit. YOLANDA THOMAS A Capetonean living in Mozambique. This amazing fashion designer helps us to be conscious about consumption. Lately she has been helping women revamp their wardrobes and create new pieces. Apart from loving all her beautiful pieces, I think her concepts are amazing. MAXHOSA An amazing artist from Mozambique with abstract and colorful pieces. I just love all his work because somehow I find peace in his pieces. Every time I visit his atelier, there is always a sculpture he is doing that inspires me. Butcheca is one of those people who I can just go “Knock knock, someone home?” and he will open the door with a big smile, happy to see me. BUTCHECA An amazing artist from Mozambique with abstract and colorful pieces. I just love all his work because somehow I find peace in his pieces. Every time I visit his atelier, there is always a sculpture he is doing that inspires me. Butcheca is one of those people who I can just go “Knock knock, someone home?” and he will open the door with a big smile, happy to see me.