Two African Designers Finalists For the LVMH Prize

Kenneth Ize and Thebe Magugu offer a personal and bold approach to fashion, infusing tradition and modernity in designs inspired from the African continent. Meet two designers with striking aesthetics.

1700 applicants. 100 countries. 20 selected. 8 finalists. To say the competition was tough would be an understatement. For the first time since it’s creation 6 years ago, 2 African designers have been selected as finalists of the LVMH prize for young designers.

Kenneth Ize

Nigeria

Kenneth Ize, trained in Austria and established his brand in Lagos in 2013. His inspiration comes from his particular background being born and raised in Europe from Nigerian parents. This influence is reflected in his aesthetics choices; His designs present Nigerian traditional craft in woven fabrics and contemporary cuts. His gender neutral designs mean clean lines, comfortable shapes and a mix of bold and deep colors that work for men and women. Making sustainability a pillar of his brand, Kenneth works directly with local Nigerian artisans to create his fabrics, which not only guarantees that heritage is preserved and promoted, but also provides work and safety while making them part of his design process. I personally love his capsule collection below - it encompasses all the trends for 2019 - lilac, color block, embroideries, fringes and that fabulous 70s retro vibe going on right now. If there is a wardrobe that you can share with your significant other, this is it.

Thebe Magugu

South Africa

The South African, Thebe Magugu is probably my favorite from the lot with the cool girl vibe that pervades his designs. Focusing on womenswear, he draws his inspiration from women in his family but also from the South African political fluxes. His designs take us back to school with styles that work for the active modern woman. His muse is not afraid to play with asymmetric hemlines and to mix fabrics and volumes for a feminine, daring yet functional look. 2019 is shaping up to be Magugu’s year since he also won the International Showcase Award. Simplicity and high impact is what defines best his style.

The other competitors for the LVMH prize for young fashion designers span from the United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Israel. The winner will take a $300,000 prize and selected in June 2019. Guess who I am rooting for?