Congratulations are in order for South African designer, Thebe Magugu for winning the 2019 LVMH prize and lifting the flag of African higher.
Magugu made into the top 20 out of 1,700 applicants who applied this year from all over the world and emerged winner last Wednesda The 26-year old is also youngest designer to earn this prize.
The LVMH prize is the initiative of the LVMH group, one of the leading luxury conglomerates in the world and includes brands such as Louis Vuitton and Rihanna’s Fenty.
This year also saw two African designers Magugu and Kenneth Ize make into the prestigious list. The South African designer walked away with a cash prize of 300,000 euros and a year-long business mentorship in LVMH with Hollywood actress Alicia Vikander.
Speaking to the press after winning the coveted prize, Magugu expressed his deep appreciation to LVMH and other finalists.
“As a creative you’re always questioning yourself, but people around me told me there was no harm trying. I went into it like a child, and got the chance to speak to my design heroes like Clare Waight Keller and Nicolas Ghesquière. So no matter the outcome, I already felt like I’d won so many things. This is like the cherry on top.”
Magugu said
As part of being in the top 20, they had the opportunity to design a 20-capsule collection for 24 Sèvres, an e-commerce site owned by the LVMH group. Finalists also created outfits for British Vogue’s September Issue featuring Sudanese Model, Adut Akech.