SA designer Thebe Magugu on Naomi Campbell’s radar

by Staff Bona

Renowned supermodel Naomi Campbell has turned her attention to South African designer Thebe Magugu.

In a recent interview with i-D Magazine, the runway legend, who’s strutted for Versace, Chanel, and Dior, was quick to praise Magugu’s groundbreaking work.

When asked about the designers she’s watching, Naomi didn’t miss a beat, calling Magugu someone who is “transcending fashion entirely.”

She also described his new Johannesburg space as “revolutionary.”

Magugu House, located in Dunkeld, isn’t just a fashion studio but a vibrant physical archive of his pioneering collections. It offers a dynamic space filled with stunning garments, installations, and events that celebrate the richness of Africa’s cultural narratives.

Thebe Magugu launched his brand in 2017, aiming to create an afro-encyclopaedic approach to fashion, and he quickly made waves on the global scene.

His big break came when he won the Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) Prize in 2019, followed by major collaborations with Christian Dior, adidas, and Valentino.

His shows at Paris Fashion Week have further cemented his status in the international fashion arena.

In 2023, former US First Lady Michelle Obama wore custom pieces by Magugu during her philanthropic visit to Cape Town, helping to shine a light on local luxury designers.

In 2024, Magugu continued pushing boundaries, partnering with the non-profit organization RED for the second edition of his ‘Heirloom Project,’ allowing people to honour their loved ones through clothing.

 

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And if that wasn’t enough, he could hardly contain his excitement when his collection was selected for exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute – just in time for the prestigious Met Gala.

Words: Fame Frenzy