Despite growing up in a small town on the East Coast of South Africa – far from any major fashion capital – Lukhanyo Mdingi cultivated a strong relationship with the industry from an early age. Determined to pursue a career in the field, he relocated to Cape Town and attended Cape Peninsula University Technology to study fashion design. A standout thesis collection and the groundbreaking work that followed put him on the map and landed him a place as a finalist in the ELLE Rising Star Design Award.

Although Mdingi is one of the most exciting voices in South African fashion, he still faces hurdles. With little infrastructure and resources in South Africa to support emerging designers – from manufacturing to funding – there are several hindrances for the young designer to overcome. This season, Mdingi makes his official New York Fashion Week debut to bring his vision to a global marketplace. We caught up with the designer to hear more about his journey to the industry and what to expect from his upcoming collection.

Can you tell us about your background and why you decided to pursue a career in fashion?

Fashion was an instant language to us. We began immediately after Fashion School in Cape Town, and since then, we’ve been on the quest to simply create something true, steady and powerful.

How would you describe your brand and fashion philosophy?

The core aim of it all is creating pieces that are steady and strong. Our chosen medium is fabric, so it’s essential that becomes the cornerstone and foundation of each design. We believe that there’s something powerful about focusing on the timeless essentials. Our intention is anchored by the foundation of considered and intelligent design – it’s exactly that story that makes the label what it is today.

What sets your brand apart? What do you hope it brings to fashion?

It’s the pure spirit of ease and sensuality. The reality [is that] we’re living in a space where everything is consumed incredibly fast. The aim for us to bring a sense of sensuality and stories that are simply beautiful. Nothing more, nothing less.

What was the inspiration behind your upcoming NYFW show? 

We looked into our personal archives for this particular season. We wanted something that was honest and completely rooted to us. That’s why we titled that the collection, PERENNIAL, creating something continuous in an organic and beautiful way.

Where do you see your brand in five years? Are there any goals you hope to achieve?

Simple – continuous and organic growth in the most positive way possible.