Among the emerging talents in South African fashion, one name stands out - Thebe Magugu. He has rapidly risen to prominence for his innovative designs, strong cultural references, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable fashion practices. In this article, we will take a closer look at Thebe Magugu's journey, his unique style, and the impact he is making in the fashion world.
Early Life and Education
Born in Kimberley, South Africa, in 1993, Thebe Magugu's journey into the world of fashion was unconventional. He initially pursued a degree in film, media, and visual arts at the University of Cape Town. However, his passion for fashion was ignited during his studies, leading him to explore this new-found interest further. Magugu then went on to study fashion design at LISOF Fashion School in Johannesburg, a pivotal step in his journey.
Design Aesthetics
Thebe Magugu is known for his distinct design aesthetic, which seamlessly blends modernity with South African heritage and culture. He often draws inspiration from the rich history, traditions, and politics of his homeland. This approach has earned him praise for his ability to create garments that resonate with a global audience while also celebrating his African roots.
One of Magugu's defining features is his use of intricate patterns and textures, often derived from traditional African fabrics and prints. His designs are a beautiful fusion of contemporary fashion and authentic African craftsmanship, breathing new life into traditional attire.
Career Milestones
Magugu's fashion journey began with his eponymous label, 'Thebe Magugu,' which he launched in 2017. Since then, his career has been marked by several significant milestones:
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International Recognition: Thebe Magugu quickly caught the eye of the fashion world, gaining global recognition. In 2019, he became the first African designer to win the prestigious LVMH Prize, a coveted award in the fashion industry. This accolade propelled him onto the international stage.
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Collaborations: Magugu has collaborated with renowned brands, such as Woolworths and 4th Street Wine, which speaks to his ability to bridge the gap between high fashion and the mass market while maintaining his distinctive style.
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Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Thebe Magugu is committed to sustainability and ethical fashion. He ensures that his brand's production process is environmentally responsible and that workers are treated fairly. This commitment to ethical practices has become a hallmark of his brand.
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Celebrating African Identity: Magugu's designs often challenge stereotypes and celebrate diverse African identities. He emphasizes the importance of telling the African story authentically through fashion, dispelling misconceptions and promoting cultural diversity.
Thebe Magugu Logo
The logo of Thebe Magugu is a distinctive and stylish representation of the brand's identity.
Designed by Commission Studio, exclusively for their brand, their logo serves as a symbol of sisterhood, carefully crafted to embellish our ready-to-wear collections. According to Thebe Magugu, their latest logo pays tribute to the matriarchal figures who have been a constant source of support and inspiration in his life. This emblem was thoughtfully .
The logo features a simple, clean, and bold design. The primary elements of the logo include images of 2 people in a modern, sleek typeface, often in black or white, against a contrasting background. The use of minimalism in the logo reflects Thebe Magugu's design aesthetic, which is known for its contemporary and sophisticated approach. The clean and understated design of the logo allows the brand's creations to take center stage and speaks to the designer's focus on both style and substance.
Influence and Impact
Thebe Magugu's impact on the fashion industry extends beyond his design work. He has become a symbol of African representation and is an inspiration to aspiring designers across the continent. His success has opened doors for other African designers, helping to establish Africa as a key player in the global fashion scene.
Moreover, Magugu's unique style and dedication to ethical fashion practices have encouraged conversations about sustainability and cultural inclusivity within the industry. He is contributing to a more diverse and conscious future in the world of fashion.
22 Iconic Thebe Magugu Dresses
Blankets have always been a cultural staple of the Basotho People and for Look 4 from AW21’s Alchemy collection, Workingtogether with artist Phathu Nembwili and textile company Byborre to create this 3D Structured Double Jersey Knitted Blanket in several luxury yarns, which features a ‘greige’ raised outline of a traditional sotho woman, who herself is draped in a corn-cob blanket with a bulbous headscarf. The blanket, held together by a Stainless Steel Sisterhood Brooch, wraps around a cotton A-Line Dress, which features the same paint-stroke motif in a more saturated colour way.
The look is topped with a wool felt Fez Hat in a primary red, done in exclusive collaboration with Crystal Birch.
The text on the above two piece were from Thebe Magugu's personal journals from his pre-teen years, nightmares that he had to overcome (and have). Photos by @eunicedriverphotography
Thank you for the continued platform @safashionweek and @woolworths_sa
#arthistorySS1
All custom prints done by @abimeekel and @claire_meekel from @meek.meekier.meekest.
From the SS19 collection, Art History, is about piecing together South Africa’s contrasting cultural landscape in interesting ways. Strong colour and prints, a negotiation between concealing & revealing and ecclesiastic shapes.
An organza 3-tier Skirt & Blouse worn by Iris Magugu had peach & rust stains on the fabric. In the photograph, he sits in front of the iconic reprint of “Mother & Child”; an image which most African families possess. For SS22, the tones of the two-piece ensemble are reimagined as nightmare florals. The blouse has caped-sleeves which clip onto the shoulder line, forming a bulbous sleeve shape. This blouse tucks into a high-waisted pleated skirt, cut in haphazard and jagged lines along its hem.
Paired with the new “After Tears Kitten Heel”
Piece from Thebe Magugu Art History SS19 Lookbook
Originally from their ‘Home Economics’ collection, the “Girl Seeks Girl” print receives a pop-art update in a Bohemia Style Dress with a ruched neckline, ballooning sleeves, in-seam pockets and a high-slit. Original artwork by South African artist Phathu Nembwili.
Exclusive to www.thebemagugu.com
LOOK 1 is a Digi-Chiffon Dress with embroidered tufts of tinsel, cinched in with a Leather Holster cinches the waist and chest.
An 1800’s map in Black and Baby Pink, which details Sarah Baartman’s journey/abduction from her village in the Eastern Cape, up the Atlantic Ocean to London in 1810. This is printed on a crepe base, with delicate pleats that have been laser-cut along the hem to give a scalloped edge. You will notice coins along each of these scallops, representing the exchange of money people had to give to see one of Sarah’s private shows
Roses suspended on a Stage Black background feel both serene and nightmarish on Look 2 from the Thebe Magugu SS24 collection. This Blouse and Skirt have the effect of the main fabric being ‘eaten away’ to reveal a delicate pink lace base, expanding on the collection’s central theme of decay.
For SS22, the image is recoloured in a flouro orange and printed onto satin, then pleated as a full circle skirt. The knitted racer top in merino wool feature a keyhole detail from which a cross-body strap emerges from. The gloves feature jet black couture feathers around the bicep line.
Worn with the “After Tears” Kitten Heels.
Whether carved on stone or retold orally from generation to generation, Africans have always had poignant, urgent stories to tell and preserve. This season, I wanted to profile some of those stories we were brought up on - from mermaids steering ships to wreck & conspiring tigers, to a cunning poltergeist of whom one should never call by name, translating it into a key collection for everywoman.
Prosopography SS20 is a collection inspired by the Black Sash, a revolutionary group of South African women who, from the 50’s onwards, fought for the rights and dignity of P.O.C. Hand-painted Suminagashi Shirt Dress with Pleated Back Panel + Dungaree Belt [Woven in South Africa]
Suminigashi Painting by @donlarissa
Music Note Earrings created in collaboration with @for_lorne
A selection of looks from SS22’s “DOUBLETHINK” collection feature a reinterpreted bandana print, featuring the Thebe Magugu Sisterhood Emblem in shades of pastel and mustard yellow.
Discover Thebe Magugu first mens offering, and it’s recommended reading, on the updated collection library on www.thebemagugu.com
Poet & Activist @amandascgorman covers @portermagazine wearing the Oxide Shirt Dress and Apron, created by rusting sheets of corrugated iron against white merino wool.
Red Flora Printed Twill Coat with Bra Inset
Syntiche reads from a red-lacquered pocket bible wearing the SS23 Power Red Handkerchief Knitted Dress with Roped Neckline. Framed in the background is an aspirational sports car.
The Zebra Mud Set is quite special because it passed through a few incredible hands and applications to get to it’s final form. The red sashes that give the garment a psychedelic, 70’s mood are actually handprinted with a solution of red clay mud from a traditional healer in Lesotho and a chemical to ensure the print stays through washing. This was facilitated by Larissa Don, a marbling-expert in Ladysmith, South Africa. The dyed cloth then came back to Johannesburg, and sent to Pfadzani and her group of pleaters, who created this incredible pattern which goes from straight pleats into a fishbone/chevron shape. This was then sewn and completed at Thebe Magugu studios.
Thuso Mbedu (@thuso.mbedu)
The phenomenal Thuso Mbedu (@thuso.mbedu) in a selection of Thebe Magugu collection looks.
Zozi (@zozitunzi) wears the Sangoma Bone Two Piece in a print created between Thebe Magugu (@thebetsilem) & traditional healer Noentla Khumalo (@makhosinoentla).
Available in key stores worldwide.
Conclusion
Thebe Magugu's journey from a small town in South Africa to the international fashion stage is nothing short of remarkable. His unique approach to design, blending contemporary fashion with African heritage and culture, has captured the attention of the global fashion community. Through his commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, he is not only making a name for himself but also setting an example for the entire industry.
As Thebe Magugu continues to push the boundaries of fashion, his influence on the African fashion landscape and his ability to challenge conventional notions of what African fashion can be, make him a true trailblazer in the industry. We can expect to see more remarkable achievements from this young designer in the years to come.
