SEE: Get cozy with a luxury makoti blanket for only R10,000
Winter is coming, so why not treat yourself and splurge on this expensive take on a popular local garment.
When possible, we should always try to support proudly South African businesses, designers, products, and everything in between.
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We all know that this might be easier for some people to afford the more luxurious items and services, but it doesn't matter how much you can spend, supporting small, local businesses is important. And that was also highlighted within the last year.
One South African luxury fashion outlet which has been receiving a lot of attention is Matte Nolim, the brainchild of Mathew Nolim Siyathemba Duma.
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Duma is a designer of woman's luxury apparel and this brand is heavily inspired by African clothing items which might not always be considered extremely exceptional. Clothing items that should be more appreciated for their rich contribution to heritage, that is truly significant and have incredible quality.
Twitter recently was buzzing when his brand shared a new design, their version of a makoti shawl/makoti blanket.
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In Sepedi, this shawl blanket is known as a 'tshalana' and in isiZulu it's an 'itshali'. The item is usually worn around by a makoti during lobola negotiations and completes her traditional attire.
Winter is here.
— mattenolim (@mattenolim) May 18, 2021
Shop our winter essential now at. https://t.co/MEJCdwYWM7 pic.twitter.com/VHaRnq1nn7
I've been borrowing a lot from African culture, from what I grew up with and what was looked down upon within my culture, and trying to repackage that as African Luxury. Everyone looks down upon the things we found in out grannies' homes and you don't look at the quality of them. No one really tells you how great a quality they have, and that blanket is one of those things. Luxury is meant to last generations and lifetimes, that blanket is one of those things.
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The blanket closely resembles traditional makoti shawls, is 110cm x 130cm, made of mohair, and has brown checkers with fringe ends.
When the brand first posted there were only four available, within two days they were all sold out!
If you are looking to acquire one it'll cost you R10,000, an additional R1,500 for taxes and, depending on where you need it to be delivered, include shipping costs.
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Duma told Business Insider that he is hoping to change the way black people think of the items and things they were brought up with. He's hoping to change their mindsets.
Matte Nolim received a lot of replies from confused consumers.
Most notably, Twitter users wanted to know what made this blanket so exceptionally special. Was it made of gold? Was it at least an electric, heated blanket? Was it the South African-blanket version of the Aladdin magic flying carpet?
I think you guys have a typo on your website, this thing has 2 extra unneccessary 0s in the price @mattenolim
— I'm the Narrator From SpongeBob (@Gotmynamestole_) May 19, 2021
Does it come with a King bed? pic.twitter.com/2RkGE2jKV6
— Middle_Child. (@NgwanaMobo) May 19, 2021
You have lost your mind if you think will buy such an expensive blanket that most of us have from our grandparents
— Voice Of Reason♓ (@LadyWandeee) May 19, 2021
iTyali for that kind of money, this must be an April fool's joke or something.
— vuyo (@vuyo53) May 24, 2021
The blanket is THAT someone
— El Tôniô (@Tony_uyo) May 19, 2021
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While Matte Nolim might be the first local luxury brand to jump on this trend, international house of fashion, Gucci, has been selling designer makoti blankets since 2019.
The Gucci design is reversible, features the famous logo, is 145cm x 170cm, and costs a cool R15,000.
Others were quick to point out that if you really wanted to own something similar, they have a few other store suggestions where you might be able to find a more affordable option:
You can get 43 of them at Pep for that price pic.twitter.com/9XzuldqVDO
— UmalambaneZN ➐ (@umalambane_zn) May 19, 2021
Both are mohair but the PEP one is a much softer weight, it's not a heavy weight. This [R10,000 blanket] is not exactly what my granny used to use. This is of slightly higher quality. This you won’t normally find at PEP.
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At the end of the day, whether you want to pay an excessive amount or if you want to stick with the makoti that has been in your family for generations, the choice is yours and there's no doubt that you'll be comfy cosy either way.
Want to catch up on all your favourite duo's best moments? Listen to everything #StaceyAndJSbu below:
Main image courtesy of @mattenolim/Twitter