Soul To Soul

If There Were Ever a Visual Representation of the Expression ‘wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve’, Lukhanyo Mdingi’s ‘soulful Ii’ Collection Would Be It, as Afika Jadezweni Finds Out

- Afika Jadezweni

As the title of his latest collection implies, the Cape Town-based designer creates each piece from the soul and through a considered creative process. The label prides itself on ‘celebrating the pure spirit of soulfulness’, and Lukhanyo Mdingi communicates the human condition through fashion that is intentional, purposeful and ethically produced.

Where do you see your work positioned in the contemporary African landscape?

We’re in flow and completely aligned with ourselves as well as our intentions. The reality is that we’re living in a space where individuality and diversity are abundant. Having to make comparisons when it comes to the work we create, and what already exists in our creative space, seems a bit improbable.

What’s the first thing you ever designed?

That’s a difficult one to answer – the trajectory that I’ve had thus far with design stems as far back as I can remember. Whether it becomes a tangible piece or not, the truth of the matter is that I’m always designing – constantly.

What is the most ‘spectacular’ garment you’ve ever made?