Known for his thoughtful approach to design, Lukhanyo Mdingi is a creator merging heritage and modernity within the African fashion landscape. His collections showcase meticulous attention to detail and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Inspired by the rich cultural narratives of his homeland, South Africa, Mdingi creates pieces that resonate with authenticity and purpose. As a proponent of slow fashion, he highlights local craftsmanship while reflecting a commitment to ethical practices and community engagement, inviting wearers to thoughtfully engage with their clothing.
We chat to Lukhanyo Mdingi as we approach his showcase at Mount Nelson.
You are building a community with the wearers of your garments and with your collaborators. Why do you put so much care into fostering these connections
For me, it’s about people using their time, talent, and trust as a means of service to others. I value the importance of design, but I find that both human ingenuity and trust are characteristics that I’m grounded by, so I have woven them into the fabric of my career, through the best and most challenging of times.
Through a very slow, intentional approach to textiles and design, you humanise fashion, making it kinder, and gentler -was this intentional?
Over time it has been. And this has been yielded by those who support the bigger picture of the label’s point of view.
As an event dedicated to celebration slow and ethical fashion from Africa, How does CXC support your unique design practice
It’s nuanced and keeps the value of consideration in mind. This is a sentiment that we are continuously in pursuit of within the context of design, collaboration, and community.
