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Bring home style and function with fashion designer Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana

From traditional symbols to global fashion trends, Basotho blankets are translated into beautiful home tiles

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By House & Garden South Africa | October 16, 2023 | Interiors

South Africa's leading tile company, CTM, has this week announced a groundbreaking collaboration with award-winning fashion designer and cultural icon Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana.

Embodying the perfect fusion of style and timelessness, this innovative partnership brings together fashion and tile design, with the result being a stunning range of fashion-inspired tiles launching under the "Designers at CTM" brand.

Celebrated for her Kobo collections, inspired by her Basotho heritage, Makhetha-Kwinana’s work has turned the Basotho blankets from a traditional symbol to an enduring global fashion trend. Makhetha-Kwinana now brings her unique creative flair and insight to the world of tile design.

"This partnership with CTM is only the start of our journey, a journey that will see South Africans able to transform their living spaces into works of art," says Makhetha-Kwinana, who earlier this year was unveiled as an Artist in Residence at the prestigious Iziko South African National Gallery. Known for her creativity and innovation, Makhetha-Kwinana became the first artist in the gallery’s 150 year history to showcase an Augmented Reality art-piece.

A perfect pairing

Together, CTM and Makhetha-Kwinana are showcasing the power of proudly South African innovation and craftsmanship, manufacturing these exquisite tiles locally in CTM’s world-class factories.

"This is a perfect pairing of fashion meeting functionality, with the heart of South African creativity shining through in every tile. I am so proud of the limited-edition tile collection we have created together, bringing bold African beauty into our living spaces" she says.

From Right to Left: Melandie Bala, Thabo Makhetha, and Felipe Mazibuko. Image: supplied.

"With her eye for intricate details and her innate sense of blending culture and heritage, Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana is set to revolutionise the way we perceive tiles. Anticipation is mounting, and we cannot wait to offer our customers access to this limited-edition bespoke offering," says Lance Foxcroft, CEO of Italtile Limited.

With 2023 marking CTM's 40th birthday, this partnership will further entrench this proudly South African brand's support for local talent, turning houses into homes, and turning homes into masterpieces.