Blanket Statement: Fashion woven in the fabric of culture

"Ntate nthekele seana marena". These are words taken from a famous Sotho folk song often sung at weddings. Meaning ''father, please buy me a blanket". The song is not about longing for any old blanket.

A seana marena is a traditional Basotho blanket that is often a status symbol in the culture, but is now a staple in many Southern African homes and has become a fashion and decor must-have, too.

As the song later goes, the seana marena is kobo ea bohali, a blanket of prestige.

The origin of the Basotho blanket can be traced back to the late 1800s, when Lesotho's King Moshoeshoe I was presented with a blanket from Birmingham by a European visitor.

The royal family started making their own blankets, which were originally only for royalty and others of high standing.

But now they are still practical for Lesotho's often chilly weather.

They are also incredibly beautiful.

Characterised by bright, colourful patterns, the Basotho stylishly drape the blankets over their clothes.

Designer Thabo Makhetha, originally from Lesotho but now based in Port Elizabeth, has turned traditional blankets into stylish coats and capes.

She says the idea is for people to wear traditional items every day.

''The idea [behind my designs] is to modernise the Sotho culture and get it to move along.

"I want it to be something young people can wear because the first thing you do when you make a bit of money is to go for overseas brands," Makhetha says.

''I wanted to take something as symbolic as the Basotho blanket and modify it as a fashion item and an everyday item. It shouldn't only be something you wear when you go home for a funeral."

The designs on Basotho blankets aren't just for decoration. They represent significant events in Sotho history, such as World War 1 or the birth of Moshoeshoe's first child, or significant events in people's lives, such as a woman having her first child.

Makhetha is not the only designer to be inspired by the Basotho blankets. Even the global behemoth Louis Vuitton has paid homage, and stylish local Elle editor Jackie Burger wore Makhetha's designs to Paris fashion week.

If you're worried you couldn't possibly pull off a Basotho blanket as fashion, it's still a good idea to have one in your home for those cold winter evenings.