Thebe Magugu is the moment! After watching the South African designer’s artistic process behind reinventing Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli’s dress we know he’s the African threader to look out for.
Thebe Magugu founded his namesake fashion label in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2016. Since then he’s garnered recognition for his culture-driven and imaginative design collections that celebrate African history and remark on politics.
When asked about the inspiration behind his designs, Thebe’s didn’t thread lightly.
“I don’t think my work is rose-tinted. I’m not portraying this fantasy of being a South African. There are so many distinctions between South Africa and North Africa—including things that might not necessarily even read as “African.”
Thebe Magugu’s work is iconic. And iconic meets iconic with most of his collaborations. A case in point being when he wrapped up Rihanna in his Merino Wool Fringe Knitted Dress for when she launched Fenty Beauty Africa campaign.
Thebe Magugu is definitely going places and as Africans we’re here for it.
To celebrate him and his work here are 10 photos that prove why Thebe Magugu is the icon Africa needs.
When Thebe Magugu transformed a Valentino designer’s outfit and made it his own.
When he garbed Burna Boy in a custom bandana bomber jacket
When the iconic Grace Jones performed in his Jumping Meerkat Caftan piece.
When the soulful Corrine Bailey Rae wore one of Thebe’s tufted dresses ahead of her US tour.
When Michaela Coel tore it up in Thebe’s half cape wool suit at the 2021 Emmy’s after party
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When Elsa Majimbo slayed in one of Thebe’s pieces for the cover of Native Magazine
When his designs featured in Solange’s art film Passage
When his designs featured in hit series Insecure! On Issa Rae herself no less!
When Queen Rania of Jordan shone in one of his outfits from his AZ Factory collection
When the iconic Dionne Warwick stunned in one of Thebe’s designs.
For more on Thebe Magugu and his genius check and out his work here.
