A Basotho Blanket Inspired Louis Vuitton Collection Making Waves

Seanamarena blanket will go down history as one of the most iconic Basotho garments. The French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton has put the Basotho blanket on the international fashion map by designing Basotho Plaid menswear collection.

The Basotho Plaid menswear range includes a small cashmere and “wool version of the Mountain Kingdom’s famous blankets”, which have been used in sacred rituals for centuries. The blanket references a blue and yellow version of a traditional Seanamarena design, with an exaggerated graphic maize cob and giraffe dominating the pattern. The blankets also include the yellow “wearing stripes” which traditionally designate the direction a blanket should be worn.

Among the collection there is also a shirt going at a whooping R33 000. The blanket has been there for many years and local designers have over the years used it on their designs, but is only now that it is getting attention. This might be sadly because African consumers prefer luxury European brands than their own.