Ensemble
Designer
Thebe Magugu
(South African, born 1993)
Fall 2023
Polyester
Museum purchase
Object number2023.55.2
Thebe Magugu turned to the magical folktales he grew up with to explore modern femininity. This ensemble’s shipwreck print alludes to Mami Wata. Known in several areas of Africa and the diaspora, the water spirit is “a creature half woman half fish … [who used] its voluptuous and longline figure to lure fishermen astray with its melodic voice and compelling beauty.” Magugu states, “This figure, teetering between striking fear and instilling lust, is reminiscent of the Femme Fatale archetype. When women became unapologetically independent, intellectual and sexually autonomous, they became a concern; raising the anxieties of a patriarchal society.”
DescriptionEnsemble: shades of grey shipwreck print polyester open side jacket with four long wrap ties, notched lapels, front patch pockets with D-rings, matching long sleeve band collar snap front shirt with ruffle single button cuffs; matching elastic tie waist wide leg pants; matching large rectangular headwrapCollections
Exhibitions