‘Maleeto Monyau & Phutheho Ranooe of House of Thethana (The New Age; 2015)(Photo: Lineo Segoete)
In Lesotho, where fashion is still a relatively young industry, two Basotho designers have identified a space in the creative scene. Phutheho Ranooe, 29, and ‘Maleeto Monyau, 30, are House of Thethana, a textile design duo who specialise in an innovative assortment of futuristic prints for men and women.
Their mission is to proclaim market leadership in Lesotho’s design scene by recreating familiar Basotho accessories into something funky and timeless. The brand, which officially launched as a business in January, takes its name from the traditional Sesotho bead-decorated skirt made of fibre known as “thethana.” (The New Age; 2015)
We recently caught up with Phutheho and ‘Maleeto to get a feel for what their House of Thethana is all about (The New Age; 2015).
House of Thethana (The New Age; 2015)(Photo: Lineo Segoete)
Lineo Segoete for Okayafrica: Can you give us some background on your products, conception and name?
House of Thethana: House of Thethana intends to offer a unique Lesotho experience through textile designs inspired by the Mountain Kingdom. The textile pattern designs will be printed onto fabric and converted into products such as cushions, stationary, aprons, curtains, furniture, clothing garments and fashion items such as bags. The idea is to give clients the opportunity to own unique products which will feature a distinct point of view, yet can be customized to suit their specific tastes (The New Age; 2015).
House of Thethana is a business idea conceived in 2006. We were constantly inspired by Lesotho’s culture and dynamic landscape and thought it would be wonderful to celebrate it through design by creating lifestyle items inspired by everything about the country (The New Age; 2015).
Initially we conceived the name because we wanted to highlight womanhood. Hence the name House of Thethana. But as time passed we realised that it’s not only women we want to celebrate, but all people (The New Age; 2015).
What do you envision for the brand?
What motivates you, particularly in an environment such as Lesotho?
We are constantly inspired by Lesotho’s culture, her people and breathtaking landscape. Our environment feeds our creativity and we want to give back to it by expressing its beauty through design (The New Age; 2015).
What sets your designs apart?
You have a background in graphic design- how does it influence your products and vice versa?
Where can people find your products?
So far for locals, they can be found at the Basutholand Ink kiosk at Pioneer Mall. Otherwise, people can contact us directly or via our Facebook page to place an order (The New Age; 2015).
‘Maleeto Monyau & Phutheho Ranooe of House of Thethana (The New Age; 2015)(Photo: Lineo Segoete)
‘Maleeto Monyau of House of Thethana (The New Age; 2015) (Photo: Lineo Segoete)
House of Thethana (Photo: Lineo Segoete)
House of Thethana (The New Age; 2015) (Photo: Lineo Segoete)
Phutheho Ranooe of House of Thethana (Photo: Lineo Segoete)
(The New Age; 2015)
The New Age (2015) These 2 Basotho Creatives Are Leading The Way In Lesotho’s Design Scene. https://www.okayafrica.com/news/lesotho-design-scene-house-of-thethana/ [Accessed 31 August 2015]
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