JOURNEY IN FASHION
Designer Thebe Magugu knew from the get-go he wanted to be in the fashion business. This year he showcased in two international fashion capitals, his faux ostrich pink coat is now part of the permanent collection in a New York fashion museum and his SA Fashion Week collection amazed the audience. “After I matriculated in Kimberley, I came to Johannesburg to study fashion design, fashion photography and fashion media, which have always been my three big loves,” Magugu said.
Then he did a few internships and decided that it was time for him to take a leap of faith and start his own business.
“At that time, I really felt inspired and truly wanted to tell my story through fashion.
“It’s been like that ever since,” he added. tries not to let any hiccups disrupt his mission to tell a story though clothes.
“I don’t have the most resources in the world, but I have inspiration. I try to take the little that I have and make it work in a way that allows me to communicate what I need to.
“It’s about pushing yourself and seeing what you can do with limited resources.”
The designer says every season is named after a subject.
“We have had geology and gender studies to name a few.
“For South Africa Fashion Week, I wanted to take artistic motifs and subject matter from South African art, surrealist prints and colour and mix it into silhouettes and shapes that have a conservative and slightly ecclesiastic feel.”
Magugu said his aim was to match South Africa’s very artistic side with its traditionalism and history to explore the contrasting planes.