The Art of Collaboration

Lize Mouton Collection were fortunate enough to work alongside some incredible local creatives and brands on a collaborative project that took our rooibos teas to the streets of Marrakech, Morocco.

Both South Africans and Moroccans incorporate tea into their cultural traditions in ways that emphasize hospitality and social connection. Rooibos tea in South Africa is often enjoyed in relaxed, communal settings, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. Similarly, Moroccan tea ceremonies, which typically feature mint tea, are a symbol of hospitality, where the act of preparing and serving tea is a ritual of welcoming guests and fostering conversation. In both cultures, tea drinking is more than just a beverage—it’s an experience rooted in tradition and sharing.

The Art of Collaboration 2024, spearheaded by the creatives – Stephen van Eeden, Christine le Roux, Paula Zapata, Maropeng Vushangwe and Mariken Jansen van Vuuren – aims to showcase the rich diversity and exceptional craftsmanship of African brands. The project resonates with muse Melissa Nayimuli’s own journey, as she was born to a Xhosa mother and Ugandan father, and her work often explores themes of African unity, equality and the power of storytelling.

The Art of Collaboration is a visually poetic film born from a brand collaboration that embodies the unity and fellowship of diverse creators. At its core, it reflects the power of combining unique strengths to create something grander than any individual brand could achieve alone, like pieces of a puzzle forming a cohesive, larger vision. Inspired by Melissa Nayimuli, a South African-Ugandan woman who has faced xenophobia, the film carries her firm belief in equality and unity across Africa. Through the metaphor of a single drop of water growing into a mighty, boundary-defying river, the story emphasizes the importance of understanding, connection, and shared growth, rising together as one.

 

 

We are beyond grateful to be a part of such a unique, diverse and creative project. Take a moment to unwind with a cup of tea, while you watch the beautiful fashion film created to celebrate the African continent’s heritage and its contemporary global reach.

CREDITS:

DIRECTOR: PAULA ZAPATA – DOP: MAROPENG VUSHANGWE – CREATIVE DIRECTOR: STEPHEN VAN EEDEN WRITER: JOHANN SMITH – FASHION & LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRISTINE LE ROUX – WARDRODE DESIGN: STEPHEN VAN EEDEN – EDITOR: PAULA ZAPATA – MAKE-UP ARTIST: TANYA VOS – HAIRSTYLIST: ZETHU MSELEKU – HAIRSTYLIST: MADELEINE JANSE VAN RENSBURG – MUSIC: MASTER MINDED – FINAL SOUND MIX: JORDAN BAAS – FIXER (MOROCCO): LAMIA BELODI – ILLUSTRATION DESIGNER: HANLI VAN DER SPUY – BRAND STRATEGIST: MARIKEN JANSEN VAN VUUREN – MARKETING PARTNER: QUANTUMFLUX.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE BRANDS INVOLVED:

  • Okapi: Known for their exquisite leather goods, Okapi’s creations are a blend of African heritage and modern luxury, each piece telling a story of timeless elegance.
  • Royal Flush (Blue Sky Brands): With a focus on sophistication and timeless design, Royal Flush represented the epitome of premium spirits, blending tradition with innovation.
  • Graftobian: Leaders in high-quality beauty and theatrical makeup, Graftobian’s products brought the artistry of the project to life, ensuring that every look was a masterpiece.
  • LMC Tea: Purveyors of luxurious tea blends, LMC Tea added a layer of refinement to the project, offering a taste of luxury that is as much about experience as it is about flavour.
  • N3YH: Innovators in sustainable fashion, N3YH’s garments are a testament to the brand’s commitment to ethical practices without compromising on style.
  • Bellagio Jewellers: Renowned for their elegant and timeless jewellery collections, Bellagio’s pieces were the jewels in the crown of the Art of Collaboration 2024.
  • Rain: Creators of natural skincare products, Rain’s offerings are a blend of nature and nurture, each product a promise of purity and care.
  • L’Ormarins/Rupert Wines: Producers of prestigious wines, L’Ormarins/Rupert Wines added a touch of class to the project, their bottles a celebration of heritage and craftsmanship.
  • Superfine: A fashion brand known for its chic, stylish apparel, Superfine’s contributions added a contemporary edge to the project.
  • Ten Feet Shoes: Offering a range of high-quality, artisanal footwear, Ten Feet Shoes completed the looks with pieces that were as stylish as they were comfortable.
  • Ayalabar: Designers of unique and artistic jewellery, Ayalabar’s pieces were the perfect complement to the fashion narrative, adding a touch of the extraordinary.
  • Motherkind Co: Focused on wellness and lifestyle products, Motherkind Co brought a holistic approach to the concept of luxury, reminding us that true beauty begins within.