Accessories: Fabulous Fascinators
Thembi Mabule [South Africa]
[Image credit: Till Thembi]
Just emerging from a nice long, and I must say rather eventful, bank holiday weekend given current world events. While watching the pomp and ceremony; and fashions of Friday’s Royal wedding it became apparent that hats, ‘the Fascinator’ in particular were the real stars of the show, if the continuous streams of tweets and blog posts were anything to go by. The Fascinators were a big hit with the American audiences which surprised me a little as they have been hugely popular in the UK for the last decade, if not more and I assumed that they were a big trend in America too.
Headwear in Africa has long been culturally significant and can denote things like status. More contemporary styles have grown in popularity and speaking as a Southern African I can say no Zimbabwean wedding is complete without a spectacular display of hats and fascinators especially from the immediate families… and who can forget the image back in 1994 of Zinani Mandela who was her father’s escort to his inauguration as president, I clearly remember thinking at the time… what a hat! So with that in mind, I went on the hunt for some of Africa’s finest milliners and came across the gorgeously feminine creations of Thembi Mabule.
[Image credits: Till Thembi]
Thembi is a milliner based in Pretoria, South Africa and started her career in 2008. Thembi’s creations are in demand by a discerning clientele who require a stunning creation when attending some of South Africa’s prestigious events. Naming her company Thembi Mabule; designs are glamorous, elegant, theatrical and flamboyant garnering international press from CNBC to features in an Australian millinery magazine as a representative of the wider African millinery industry. Thembi’s creations have also made an appearance on the catwalks of South Africa’s Sanlam Fashion Week. Catering for both men and women all hats are handcrafted with great attention to detail and finish. Thembi also draws private clients from across the continent namely; Botswana, Namibia, Swaziland, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and also internationally.
[Image credit: Till Thembi]
Fascinators are fun and so pretty; and can pull an outfit together in an instant adding a touch of ladylike glamour and sophistication. Hats can so often be an indicator of personality so why not take the time to design your own with guidance from Thembi.
Additional Details:
For further information visit: www.thembimabule.co.za
Exclusive designs are also available in selected boutiques across South Africa
For order enquiries visit: www.thembimabule.co.za
