FASHION
BY TEMO MPODI
BETTINA THOMAS INHERITED A CERTAIN CREATIVE INSTINCT, PRECISION, AND A VERY FERTILE IMAGINATION THAT ULTIMATELY LED HER TO THE LUXURY HEADWEAR BUSINESS.
From as far back as Bettina Thomas can remember, she has always been artistic.“ I have always loved to draw, build, shape, and transform,” she says.
She recalls a time in Rome:“ A bridal client’ s mother asked me to create a headpiece for her. I played with feathers and petals from silk flowers I had carefully dismantled, and the transformation I witnessed when she placed it on her head was extraordinary. Her posture shifted, she radiated confidence and joy.”
A CREATIVE JOURNEY
Learning was something she always wanted to do extensively, and as an obsessive perfectionist she wanted to get it right.“ I wanted to learn the art of millinery properly. I was fortunate to fly regularly to London from Rome where I trained with master milliners. From the beginning, I knew I wasn’ t interested in creating traditional hats, but rather using millinery as a full expression of a more artistic creativity. Wearable art.”
Thomas’ inspiration process is deeply connected to emotion.“ It may begin with the curve of a leaf, the fall of light in my studio, the texture of a fabric beneath my fingers, a piece of music, a conversation, or a sensation.”
A fabric can whisper an idea for her, and a colour can suggest a story. Each creation of her luxury headwear begins as an idea that requires patience to experiment, sometimes for hours, sometimes for days until the line is right, and harmonious to the eye.
A GLOBAL FOOTPRINT
Living between Europe and South Africa has enriched her library.“ I will not deny that French and Italian elegance is a major influence. I love combining it with the bold, unapologetic energy of Africa. I often say that I aim to create an African vogue with a French flair – or vice versa.”
On her influence she notes,“ I have had the honour of creating for clients across Europe, America, Australia, and South Africa, including members of royal houses in both Europe and Southern Africa.” Her very first client was HRH Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, a milestone that truly put her on the map, followed by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Remarkable personalities like Zozibini Tunzi, Shudufhadzo Musida and Sashi Naidoo have made it to her list too. IB
38 INBOUND SA / APRIL 2026