Lukhanyo Mdingi

Lukhanyo Mdingi (born 1992) is a South African fashion designer. Quotes Truthfully I admire so much of everything and every era from the 1950’s to present The sentiment of ‘love’ and ‘consideration’ is always woven within the fabric of what I have the opportunity to create with my collaborators, there’s simply no ghost, but rather values & intregrity that is felt to the touch of who we are as a collective A Conversation with Lukhanyo Mdingi 5 May 2025 I don’t necessarily think about fashion in the sense of clothing. Fashion to me is rather about faces and key individuals that are using their time and talent as a means of service, pushing a narrative that is based on representation I believe that color is just like a language: it can be understood, misunderstood and even translated. Our identity is intrinsic and deeply rooted within us, trying to unravel it in a simple sentence doesn’t quantify our spirit. Yes, Africa has a rich cultural heritage, however sadly, a great deal of this heritage has been lost already Reinventing traditions is something that is inevitable in any social, cultural structure I’m keen to keep my intentions clear: leading by example and acting with purpose. Lukhanyo Mdingi: All Want To Be Seen, All Want To Be Heard N.d As difficult as it is at times, the sweet success of seeing your vision and message come to life makes every moment worthwhile I believe in the importance of using your time and talent to contribute to your country and making it what you envision it to be As rich as Africa is in its landscape and heritage, it’s a disheartening thing to see its poor infrastructure when it comes to the fashion industry and the little support that it has We lack machines, we lack textiles and we seem to lack the knowledge of how to run a solid infrastructure. As many struggles as there are, I believe that the designers from the past have a set a solid foundation for the designers of the present and future I know and value the importance of being a springboard of inspiration to others Africa needs to be ready for Africa first Africa needs to have those exact opportunities here in order for us to truly move forward in bettering our continent or me, it comes as no surprise that the world is casting a keen eye on Africa, we’re gold. GQ&A with fashion designer Lukhanyo Mdingi n.d