Fashion: The New Establishment is a new podcast series aimed at providing a broader perspective by featuring discussions with a new class of successful professionals in the fashion industry, including photographers, agents, art directors, influencers, editors and CEOs. Curated by Mimma Viglezio, this series delves into their work and the past that lead them to success as we believe this young individuals are the one shaping the industry of tomorrow.
Episode 1: Thebe Magugu
The first episode of the series, conducted by Mimma Viglezio in front of hundreds Undergraduate and Master students inside Polimoda’s Aula Magna in Florence, offers a unique educational opportunity: a conversation with Thebe Magugu.Â
Thebe Magugu is a renowned South African fashion designer and the creative force behind his eponymous luxury brand. He gained international recognition by becoming the first African winner of the LVMH Prize for young designers in 2019. Magugu’s designs are notable for their bold prints, silky textures, and retro-inspired silhouettes, often infused with cultural and political themes from post-colonial Africa. Drawing inspiration from his personal life, including influences from his mother, aunt, and grandmother, his collections creatively revolve around school subjects.Â
Magugu places a strong emphasis on comfort, functionality and sustainability in his creations, utilizing local craftsmanship and innovative fabric techniques. His work not only celebrates South Africa’s socio-political and economic strides but also aims to retell African stories through the lens of fashion, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the global fashion landscape.
@polimoda A new #Podcast series! Fashion: The New Establishment with @Thebe Magugu. #polimoda #fashionschool #fashionstudent #thebemagugu ♬ original sound - Polimoda
Key Points
The episode with Thebe Magugu covers several important aspects of his career in the fashion industry:
- Background and Influences: Magugu discusses his upbringing in Kimberly, South Africa, and the influence of his mother’s style on his early interest in fashion.
- Educational Journey: He shares his experiences of applying to Central Saint Martins, his rejection and his subsequent education at LISOF, where he studied Fashion Design, Photography and Media.
- Career Development: The episode touches on Magugu’s initial job experiences, the challenges of starting his own brand and his path to recognition in the fashion industry.
- International Exposure: Magugu’s first major international exposure through Vogue Italia and his participation in the International Fashion Showcase are also discussed.
Follow the Series
Listeners interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the fashion industry are encouraged to follow Polimoda’s Spotify channel. The channel will feature upcoming episodes of Fashion: The New Establishment, each providing informative and detailed insights into different facets of the fashion world.