Lukhanyo Mdingi flies flag of SA fashion – sky high

LUKHANYO Mdingi has followed in the footsteps of Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo by being recognised by the prestigious LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.

The Cape Town-based designer was named as the joint winner of the special Karl Lagerfeld Prize during the LVMH Prize 2021 finals on Tuesday. It is the first time that LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) has had three winners for the Karl Lagerfeld Prize.

“Given the incredible talent of the finalists, the Jury decided to award the Karl Lagerfeld Prize to three designers: Colm Dillane for KidSuper, Lukhanyo Mdingi and Rui Zhou for Rui. All three have sharp and unique visions of today’s fashion,” said Delphine Arnault, the executive vice-president of Louis Vuitton and founder of the LVMH Prize.

This year’s competition was won by London-based Albanian designer, Nensi Dojaka.

Mdingi won the hearts of the judges by showcasing sustainable designs. In creating the collection, he used labour-intensive techniques to produce garments that bring to life the soulful energy that he injects into his work.

Mdingi’s work is of international standard. The designer is known for creating meticulously made pieces and collaborating with artisans.

On winning, Mdingi took to Instagram to write a message of gratitude and also one of tribute to his friend, the late designer Nicholas Coutts, who inspired his collection for the competition.

“It’s an incredible honour to represent Nicholas’s legacy with respect and sincerity.

“I’ll forever be grateful to the support of Lindsay, Emma and Mick Coutts – your son and brother’s presence will never wane,” his message began.

He then proceeded to thank his creator and those who were early supporters of his work.

“Siyakudumisa Thixo siya kuvuma ukuba unguYehova Umhlaba wonke ubedesha wena uYise ongunaphakade Zonke ingelosi zimemeza kuwe. Kwanezulu nawo onke amandla akulo.

“This is for all the homies that have been there since day one – you know who you are. I got you. Always.”

Being recognised by the LVMH Prize has proven to work in favour of the designers. For example, since winning the title, Magugu’s career has blossomed.

Besides dressing international celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Zozibini Tunzi, Tina Kunakey, and Naomi Campbell, he has bagged other prominent gigs, like having his designs displayed at the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York, and was selected as one of the Woolmark Prize top six finalists.