Local SA designer scores huge with an international prize
Being awarded the LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) Prize is one of the most desired and affirming awards any designer in the world aspires to receive.
We have seen the amazing doors that have opened for South African designer, Thebe Magugu, after winning the Karl Lagerfeld LVMH prize in 2019. He has dressed international celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Zozibini Tunzi, Tina Kunakey, and Naomi Campbell just to name a few wins. We hope the same will happen for Lukhanyo Mdingi following his win with the acclaimed international award for designers.
We started following his journey in March, earlier this year after he was announced as one of the top 20 finalists for the coveted LVMH (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) Prize of 2021.
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This judges for this year's edition of the award include top designers like Virgil Abloh, Stella McCartney, Kim Jones and Marc Jacobs. These are globally acclaimed designers choosing one of our won as the best; that is a big deal!
If you follow the local talent, you will know his pieces are meticulously made and he collaborates with artisans in his process of creation.
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In this specific instance, he won the judges' hearts by showcasing sustainable designs. He used labour-intensive techniques to produce garments that bring to life the soulful energy that he injects into his work.
He does not win the prize alone. This year they decided to have 3 winner for the Karl Lagerveld prize. He is joined by US designer Colm Dillane (KidSuper) and China’s Rui Zhou (Rui) as the recipients of this year's prize. They walk away with €150 000 and a year of mentorship.
The big winner of the night was Nensi Dojaka who walks away with €300 000 (about R5 million) as the 2021 LVMH prize winner with her UK-based brand, Nensi Dojaka.
Mdingi shared the news of his win via his Instagram and paid a tribute to late fashion designer and friend Nicholas Coutts who passed away in 2019.
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“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 brothers presence will never wane,” he shared
“This is for all the homies that have been there since day one – you know who you are. I got you. Always,” he concluded.
South African designers are truly flying the SA flag high on the global stages.
And we love to see it!
Main Image Courtesy: THE BEAU GUIDE