Fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi shares how staying true to his aesthetic of responsible and sincere design, and being himself, has catapulted his craft from humble beginnings to the global stage.
Briefly tell us about yourself.
I am a young Xhosa man who was born in the Eastern Cape. I grew up in a household full of strong, independent women who have been a great force in my life. I also lived with my cousins, whom I see as my blood siblings - we are all cut from the same cloth.
What inspired your love of fashion and your dream of becoming a fashion designer?
To be honest, it was The Bold and the Beautiful. Aside from the risqu storylines of Brooke, Taylor and Ridge, it was the moments of the effervescent flair of fashion in this daytime soapie that had me at "Hello". It was always a sublime spectacle.
What is your design aesthetic and where do you get your inspiration?
Our label, Lukhanyo Mdingi, is constantly looking at the essentials and refining each style. However, the aim is to create a hybrid between artisanal craft and modern design. Collaborating with key textile developers and designers has allowed us to achieve our unique and identifiable signature.
I draw inspiration from love and collaboration. That is always the essence of each collection.
You are all about responsible, considered and sincere design. What does that mean?
It's about paying attention and being mindful of everything. The focus is not only on the textiles, garment making, the business and the photo shoots, but it's also essentially about being mindful of the human beings behind each role. Everyone matters - period. It's this practice that is of great importance to us.
What does it mean to you, as a young Black South African designer, to have showcased your work on prestigious international platforms such as the British Fashion Council's International Fashion Showcase and the Pitti Immagine Uomo in Florence, Italy?
I've always believed that I am a testament of my mother's and grandmother's prayers, so by being part of these epic platforms, I have recognised that it's something that is far beyond myself. You might see a single person walking down the runway, but the truth is, there are many more standing beside me who have used their time, their talent, and their trust as a means of service to the inception and development of our label.
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You were selected as a semi-finalist for the highly acclaimed Louis Vuitton Mo t Hennessy (LVMH) prize. What has the journey been like so far?
It's been steady. I don't know if I can elaborate more on that, as the process is still ongoing. I believe that there are stepping stones in life where preparation meets opportunity. I believe that moments such as this are an example of this statement.
What will winning this prize mean to you as a designer?
The premise of our label won't really change at all. We have always been about moving in a way that is based on purpose and creating something that is very intentional. The aim is to steadily grow and use the Lukhanyo Mdingi label as a platform of service. We want to engage and work with individuals. To learn, to teach, to be taught and to organically reach our full potential will always be the trajectory that we envision for ourselves.
What do you hope to achieve with the brand, Lukhanyo Mdingi, on a global scale?
It may come across as though I am repeating myself, but the aim is to use the label as a platform far beyond design. I believe in human beings and I am aware that we are more alike - we all want to be seen and heard. If our label can be used to teach and to inspire, then that becomes the aim.
What has been your biggest career highlight thus far?
The highlights are always meeting the moment of "Yes''. I'll forever express that there are key individuals who have used their time, talent and trust as a means of service to our label. Seeing each project come to fruition is always a highlight. It's these small, yet important moments that I share with my people who matter the most.
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