Thebe Magugu partners with Adidas for a collaboration that boasts unique and futuristic pieces. In an interview with Thapelo Mowela for SABC News, the award-winning luxury clothing designer says that the collection was more instinct-based than it was research-based. He elaborates on his inspiration being based on nostalgia, specifically where he grew up in Kimberley, and this translates in the prints used that take him back to that time. The designer says that he wanted a collection that people “reminisce over”.

A part of the collection is the tennis range that is made of up to 60% recycled materials. “We wanted to use quite a lot of smart green fabrication, so, for example, one of the jackets is made in part with Parley Ocean Plastics, so some of the plastics from the ocean were sort of repurposed and created to be in the material of the jacket,” the 2019 LVMH Prize winner says.

Magugu dotes on a royal purple tennis dress with a print of a dancing woman and reveals that it is one of the many in the tennis range that will be worn at the US Open this year by some key players. These players include the likes of Dana Mathewson, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger Aliassime, Jessica Pegula and Dominic Thiem. In an Instagram post, Magugu says that “These inspirational athletes share a passion for showing support for what matters and encouraging diversity and inclusivity on and off the court.”

Another example of a unique item from the collection is a hijab made of ultra-thin material that is chlorine resistant. The range aslo includes gender-neutral pieces and sizes up to 4XL.

Magugu emphasises that the clothing is about functional smart fabrics that still look good. "The collection really celebrates all the positive influences around me, and a sense of community that is so important to me. I hope it inspires the same joyful feeling in those who wear it," he says for Business Insider.

Over the years, the designer’s garments have received international appreciation, featuring on HBO’s Insecure, Beyonce’s Black is King and Black Parade, as well as on Rihanna’s Fenty launch campaign on the continent.