Unique African luxury brand arrives in South Africa

Iconic international jewellery house Patrick Mavros has opened its first boutique in South Africa at Cape Town’s prestigious V&A Waterfront. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the family business, bringing together two icons: the timeless elegance of Patrick Mavros’ creations and the beauty of the V&A Waterfront.

The eponymous brand was founded in 1978 when Patrick carved a pair of earrings for his wife, Catja. She wore them to the hair salon, where the hairdresser fell in love with them and instantly requested a pair for herself. From this loving gift, the business was born and has grown into what is now recognised as Africa’s definitive luxury brand.

Today, the Mavros family – including sons Alexander, Forbes, Patrick Jr and Benjamin – along with their father, continue to infuse each piece with the same dedication to quality and artistry that has defined the house of luxury since its inception. From the atelier in Mauritius and the studio in Zimbabwe, exceptional objets d’art and jewellery are handmade in sterling silver and 18-carat gold, garnering the brand global acclaim for exquisite design and unparalleled service.

“Our mission as a family is to showcase the very best of African creativity and craftsmanship on an international stage,” says eldest son, Alexander. “America has its Tiffany, France has its Hermès, Europe has its great luxury houses… And then you look at Africa, the continent with so much mystique, intrigue and romance – it is our mission to show the world what Africa has to offer and create its most desired luxury brand.”

With stores in London, Harare, Mauritius, Tanzania, Nairobi, Namibia and Victoria Falls, opening a boutique in South Africa was a natural progression for the brand. “We were looking for the ideal retail space in South Africa for many years – initially in Johannesburg,” says Alexander. “But then the perfect spot became available in Cape Town, in the unmatched V&A Waterfront, and it was a serendipitous fit. We’re very excited to grow our family business in South Africa from this world-renowned location.”

Similar to the brand’s flagship store in London – an elegant space frequented by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as well as Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, Hugh Grant, Bruce Springsteen, Denzel Washington and others – the V&A Waterfront boutique welcomes guests into a light and bright treasure trove of masterful creations, with floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly framing the dock and Table Mountain beyond.

Although the brand generally likes to keep mum on its esteemed clientele, it has a notable private client list that includes many of the world’s most recognisable individuals, global leaders and celebrities, many of whom regularly seek out the Mavros family to collaborate on custom pieces: from jewellery to tableware, and beyond.

Patrick Mavros’ headquarters – located in the hilly outskirts of Harare, Zimbabwe – is where the magic really happens. The base serves not only as a studio but also as a wildlife sanctuary, reflecting the family’s deep connection to nature. Every creation – from delicate floral earrings to intricate sculptures of Africa’s most beloved creatures – becomes a timeless heirloom destined to be cherished for generations, with each item undergoing a meticulous process to ensure the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

“Embodying the spirit of family and tradition permeates every aspect of our business. Intrinsically, we are a brand that has been born out of a love story, which I think is wonderful. Ours is a tale of African creativity and African craftsmanship,” Alexander continues. “We are an African success story, but fundamentally, we are on a mission to tell the story of Africa’s wildernesses and wildlife, by creating collections that contribute directly to conservation.”

Visitors to the new boutique at the V&A Waterfront can expect to be immersed in an enchanting world of African-inspired luxury, where every piece tells a story of adventure, passion and reverence for nature. Whether seeking a timeless gift for a loved one or a personal statement piece to treasure for a lifetime, patrons will discover the perfect embodiment of elegance and craftsmanship at Patrick Mavros.