Thebe Magugu was born and raised in South Africa in 1993. Magugu's early fashion career came with obstacles. After being rejected from Central Saint Martins, he enrolled at Stadio’s School of Fashion in Johannesburg. Following his graduation in 2016, he launched his own label, overcoming financial and logistical difficulties.
His breakthrough came when he was chosen by Woolworths to create a capsule collection for Spring/Summer 2017, which was shown at South African Fashion Week. He has collaborated with major brands such as Dior, AZ Factory and Adidas and is stocked at Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-Porter and Dover Street Market.
Thebe Magugu draws inspiration from his South African heritage. His designs incorporate African motifs, craft and silhouettes to create vibrant and celebratory looks that reflect the history, culture, and politics of the continent. His works investigates themes of storytelling, education, family and ancestry.
One of his most significant collections “African Studies” is an introspective collection inspired by motifs & references from South African culture. From tailored blazers with graphic prints reminiscent of textbook illustrations to flowing dresses recalling the pages of a well-worn novel, each garment is a testament to the power of storytelling and the beauty of African heritage. Thebe Magugu stated that – “with this collection, I wanted to portray my Africa – not the Africa assumed through an auto-exotic gaze.”
The collection is a celebration of Africa's rich intellectual tradition and its impact on shaping global discourse. With meticulous attention to detail and innovative design techniques, Magugu elevates the mundane into the extraordinary, infusing each piece with layers of meaning and symbolism.
Through his work, he strives to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, paving the way for greater representation and empowerment within the industry. As the founder of his label, Thebe Magugu Studio, Magugu continues to push boundaries and set new standards for excellence in African fashion. With each collection, he invites us on a journey to experience the vibrant tapestry of African culture, celebrating its beauty, resilience, and boundless creativity.
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