South African Fashion Designer, Lukhanyo Mdingi, Wins Coveted 2023 Amiri Prize, Featuring in North West’s ‘i-D’ Magazine
South African fashion designer, Lukhanyo Mdingi, has emerged as the winner of the coveted 2023 Amiri Prize. Mdingi, recognized for his distinct vision and dedication to local artisans, will receive a $100,000 grant and a mentorship with Amiri creative director, Mike Amiri. This prestigious prize aims to support emerging fashion talent, and Mdingi’s incorporation of local craft-making traditions into his contemporary designs impressed the jury. Mdingi expressed gratitude for the mentorship opportunity and hopes to use the platform to make a significant contribution to the fashion industry. In a stunning display of style at just 10 years old, North West, the daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, has graced the cover of i-D magazine’s The New Wave Issue. The photoshoot showcases North West wearing clothes from her own closet, solidifying her influence in the fashion world at such a young age. In an interview with the magazine, North West embraces her role as a pop culture princess and shares her aspirations of owning popular brands like Yeezy and SKIMS. She also expresses her desire to become a business owner, proving that she is not just a fashion icon but also a budding entrepreneur. South African designer Lukhanyo Mdingi has been named the winner of the prestigious 2023 Amiri Prize. The prize includes a $100,000 grant and a mentorship with Amiri creative director Mike Amiri. Mdingi launched his brand in Cape Town in 2015 and is recognized for his unique vision and dedication to collaborating with local artisans. The Amiri Prize aims to support emerging fashion talent who may have previously been overlooked. Mdingi is the third recipient of this esteemed award, established by renowned fashion designer Mike Amiri. The jury was particularly impressed by Mdingi’s ability to incorporate traditional craft-making techniques into his contemporary designs. As part of his winnings, Mdingi will receive a year-long mentorship with Amiri. Mdingi acknowledges the incredible opportunity this mentorship presents for scaling his business and staying true to his commitment to local craft. He expressed gratitude for the mentorship and hopes to use his platform to uplift others in the fashion industry. In an engaging interview for Interview magazine, editor-in-chief Mel Ottenberg sits down with designer Rick Owens. The conversation covers a range of topics, from aging and Owens’ fashion career to his bad habits and thoughts on plastic surgery. It promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking read for fashion enthusiasts. Turning our attention to a more somber note, Bangladesh garment workers staged a protest in Gazipur, resulting in a factory being set on fire and tragically claiming two lives. This incident sheds light on the dire working conditions and low wages faced by workers in the garment industry. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges and the need for improved labor practices in the fashion industry. In other news, Tory Burch has enlisted the services of Morgan Stanley to explore strategic options for the brand. This includes considering the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO) or bringing in new investors. If an IPO is pursued, Tory Burch would be facing competition from brands like Skims and Shein. However, the company has yet to provide an official statement regarding their strategy, keeping us eagerly waiting for further updates. That’s all for now. Stay tuned for more trending news and exciting developments in the fashion world.