29 min listen
Designer Lukhanyo Mdingi on Navigating Tomorrow's Promise Within Today's System
Designer Lukhanyo Mdingi on Navigating Tomorrow's Promise Within Today's System
ratings:
Length:
31 minutes
Released:
Jan 8, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
Trailblazing South African fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi's brand story is as distinct and vibrant as the fashion he creates. From early influences of pop culture in the Eastern Cape to the launch of his post-graduate show, Mdingi's journey is a testament to the power of visibility and mentorship in the fashion industry. Winning the LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize in 2021 and the Amiri Prize in 2023 bolstered his eponymous label's global presence and solidified vital industry connections; it also revealed the systemic challenges faced by brands emerging from developing countries. Yet, despite these challenges, he affirms his brand will remain in South Africa, articulating a strategic approach to building a regional direct-to-consumer model, recognizing the potential for growth and revenue generation, and instilling a sense of empowerment within local infrastructure and craftsmanship. A key focus for Mdingi is collaboration: His partnership with the Ethical Fashion Initiative and his label's work with South African artisans highlights the unique, rich histories and the particular needs of regional communities and markets. By nurturing homegrown success while keeping an eye on the global horizon, Mdingi thrives in a dynamic industry, wittingly weaving together talent, purpose, and the transformative potential of fashion.
Released:
Jan 8, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (47)
Benjamin Huseby and Serhat Işık on Social Codes and Distinct Brands: <p>The creative duo <a href="https://www.instagram.com/benjaminhuseby/" target="_blank">Benjamin Huseby</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/serhatisik__/">Serhat Işık</a> is behind such brands as GmbH—the label they started out of Berlin—and the century-old Milanese fashion house Trussardi. Bringing diverse backgrounds in fashion photography and design, they discovered in each other the perfect collaborator. Today, they break down the social codes of different cities, explore the importance of creating communities, and learn how to lean into the cultural wealth, which at times left them marginalized, sees them sought out by a world where luxury constantly seeks a renewed and contemporary iteration. Generously sharing their personal journeys, we can glimpse the many ways that the past has ultimately informed their work today.</p> <p>Episode Highlights</p> <ul> <li>Exploring and figuring out a brand’s ethos, is by What's Contemporary Now?