Courtesy of Andile Buka
Lukhanyo Mdingi is a South African fashion designer, known for his rich, tactile designs that feel uniquely one-of-a-kind, and the social impact work that has become a foundational part of his brand.
Lukhanyo’s eponymous label was born out of Cape Town in 2015 with a core belief in the preservation of craftsmanship, continually collaborating with artisans on the continent such as the expert weavers from Philani in Khayelitsha and textile artisans in Burkina Faso.
In our conversation he reflects on the sentiments woven into the fabric of Lukhanyo Mdingi, soulful serenades, freedom and those sweet spots moments
Courtesy of Kent Andreasen
Is there a particular era or place you wish you could have worked in?
“Truthfully I admire so much of everything and every era from the 1950’s to present, but with that being said, I can think of a better time to be alive and being a practising Designer - the amount of freedom, access and diversity is unmatched compared to the previous era’s that have been documented - I feel free.
Courtesy of Kent Andreasen
What’s an unusual source of inspiration that has found its way into your work?
“I wouldn’t say unusual but rather “underrated” the sentiment of experiencing those that I admire thrive. There are sweet spot moments that I’ve experienced through collaborations, the moment of the ‘yes’ - its times such a these that serve as the perfect spark of fire that fuels my aspiration to strive for more.”
Courtesy of Alina Asmus
Share a song that you listen to when feeling creatively challenged?
“Its not just one song, but rather a musical symphony that its serenaded by ANOHNI from Anthony and the Johnsons (Live at the Metropole Orchestra in Carre) its so rhythmic and soulful - its become a perennial experience that I find myself revisiting when i’m craving a sense of peace in my mind and clarity in my heart.”
Courtesy of Jhonathan Baena
What’s the ghost in your work—the thing that lingers but isn’t obvious?
“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.”
Courtesy of Luke Houba
What’s the question you wish people would ask about your work but never do?
”What is the love of your life?” I dont mean this in the romantic sense but rather the purpose that one strives to reach for on their trajectory of life.”