Magugu wins big at London fashion gig
Contestants from 16 nations entered
Fresh-faced SA fashion designer Thebe Magugu is getting international recognition in a big way.
The 26-year-old womenswear designer scooped the prestigious International Fashion Showcase (IFS) award at the historic neo-classical building, Somerset House, in London, on Monday. Magugu was competing with up-and-coming designers from 16 countries such as Brazil, Canada, Colombia, India, Italy, Kenya, Lebanon, the Netherlands and Rwanda. The prize is awarded by a team of cultural and commercial fashion experts chaired by the esteemed Sarah Mower – chief critic at Vogue.
“I was in a bit of disbelief because all the other designers are so incredible at what they do,” Magugu told Sowetan.
“It feels incredible. It’s one of the biggest honours to date in my career.
“The British Fashion Council, who organise London Fashion Week, take care of designers from Alexander Mc- Queen to Burberry, so to just be in that space is incredible.” The competition sees emerging designers from across the globe showcasing a series of installations to represent their respective country through their clothes. Titled “Dawning”, the Kimberley-born talent described to Sowetan yesterday his installation that won him the top prize: “I wanted to celebrate the progress SA has made these past few years…” he said. The judging panel had the following to say about Magugu’s work: “Magugu is a leader of his generation, and his work has a strong sense of responsibility that comes with being a voice for one’s culture.”