Patrick Mavros stands for craft, design, art, conservation and, above all, family. Having recently launched its newest boutique in Cape Town, Lynette Botha delves a little deeper into the history of this esteemed brand – and the inspiring lineage behind it.
Ensconced in the serene Umwimsi Valley outside Harare, Zimbabwe, the story of Patrick Mavros begins not merely with craftsmanship but with a love story that blossomed into what is now a renowned international brand.
In 1978, Patrick Mavros crafted a pair of earrings for his wife Catja, igniting a chain of events that would lead to the birth of Africa’s definitive luxury house. As Catja wore these earrings, admiration from others soon followed, sparking a demand that propelled Patrick’s artistic passion into a thriving family business.
From their idyllic home and studio in Umwimsi Valley, Patrick and Catja raised their four sons – Alexander, Forbes, Patrick Jr. and Benjamin – in an environment infused with creativity and a deep reverence for nature. The boys, growing up surrounded by their father’s artistry, naturally integrated their enthusiasm into the family business. This synergy between family and craft has become the hallmark of Patrick Mavros, where each piece is not just a product of skill but a testament to the family’s collective love for their heritage and the African continent.
The journey of Patrick Mavros is punctuated by significant milestones, each marking a step toward global recognition and expansion. In 1983, the first studio in Zimbabwe was established, described by Alexander and Forbes as the best treehouse they had ever seen – a nod to their childhood adventures amid the lush Zimbabwean landscape.
The subsequent years saw expansions and openings, including the completion of a new studio in Zimbabwe in 2001, the launch of their flagship London store in 2004, and the establishment of a jewellery studio in Mauritius by Forbes Mavros in 2006.
One of the pivotal moments for the brand came in 2016, when Patrick Mavros Jr. collaborated with photographer Adrian Stern to create the Pangolin Collection.
This collection not only showcased exquisite craftsmanship but also raised global awareness about the plight of pangolins, the world’s most trafficked mammals. This commitment to conservation echoes throughout the brand, reflecting a deep-seated ethos of preserving Africa’s wildlife and habitats.
By 2023, the Patrick Mavros brand had opened boutiques in Windhoek, Namibia, Victoria Falls and Cape Town, South Africa – each location carefully selected to enhance the brand’s presence and connect with a broader audience seeking luxurious African-inspired creations.
Beyond jewellery and objets d’art, the Mavros family’s commitment to conservation extends to Mavros Safaris: an extension of their brand dedicated to offering authentic African safari experiences. Founded and directed by Alexander Mavros and his wife Alexandra, Mavros Safaris operates from offices in London and Harare, providing tailored safari adventures that immerse guests in the untamed beauty of Africa. Through partnerships with sustainable tourism initiatives, Mavros Safaris not only offers memorable experiences but also contributes directly to the conservation of local communities and wildlife.
Alexander, reflecting on the family’s legacy and mission, emphasises their dedication to showcasing African creativity and craftsmanship on a global stage. “We are not just a luxury brand; we are storytellers of Africa’s wilderness and wildlife,” he says. This narrative is intricately woven into every piece created by Patrick Mavros, where each design is a tribute to Africa’s rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders.
The headquarters of Patrick Mavros in Harare not only serve as a creative hub but also embody a commitment to wildlife conservation. Surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, the studio reflects the family’s ethos of integrating artistry with environmental stewardship. Every piece crafted here undergoes a meticulous process to ensure the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
Visitors to the Patrick Mavros boutiques, including the newest addition at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, are welcomed into spaces that blend elegance with a profound connection to Africa. These boutiques are more than retail spaces – they are gateways to a world where each creation tells a story of adventure, passion and a deep reverence for nature.
The V&A Waterfront boutique, much like its London counterpart frequented by royalty and celebrities alike, offers patrons an immersive experience amid masterfully crafted jewellery and objets d’art.
The success of Patrick Mavros is not only measured in its international acclaim and prestigious clientele but also in its role as a custodian of African heritage and wildlife conservation. As Alexander aptly puts it, “We are proud to administer Africa’s potions: the songs of nightjars, the baritone laughs of hippos, and the gentle sway of elephant tails.” This sentiment underscores the brand’s commitment to preserving Africa’s last great wildernesses for future generations, ensuring each creation from Patrick Mavros is not just a luxury item but a timeless heirloom steeped in history and love, and that each adventure with Mavros Safaris is one unlike any other.
From its humble beginnings rooted in a love story to its global stature as a purveyor of African luxury, the brand continues to inspire and captivate with its unique blend of craftsmanship and commitment to the natural world. As they continue to expand their reach and influence, one thing remains constant: their unwavering dedication to showcasing Africa’s beauty and preserving its precious wildlife for generations to come.
Image credit: Supplied/Patrick Mavros