Local talented fashion designer, Lukhanyo Mdingi has recently been awarded the coveted Karl Lagerfeld Prize at this year’s LVMH awards.
Taking place at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, the year’s awards was judged by the prestigious #LVMHPrize Jury consisting of names like Virgil Abloh, Jonathan Anderson, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Marc Jacobs, Kim Jones, Stella McCartney, Delphine Arnault, Sidney Toledano and Jean-Paul Claverie. As part of the top nine, the overall LVMH Prize was awarded to Nensi Dojaka who will receive €300,000 as well as a one year mentorship deal with LVMH experts. However, due to the incredible talents of this year’s finalists, the Karl Lagerfeld Prize was awarded to three individuals being Lukhanyo Mdingi, Colm Dillane and Rui Zhou of which will each walk away with €150,000 and will also receive one year mentorship.
“I am very happy that the 2021 LVMH Prize has been awarded to Nensi Dojaka. Her sensual and tailored fashion breaks with the conventions of womenswear, combining confidence and style. Given the incredible talent of the finalists, the jury decided to award the Karl Lagerfeld Prize to three designers: Colm Dillane for KidSuper, Lukhanyo Mdingi and Rui Zhou for Rui. All three have sharp and unique visions of today’s fashion.”
– Director and Executive Vice President of LVMH, Delphine Arnault
Read More: Local Fashion Designer, Lukhanyo Mdingi Makes LVMH Prize Finalist List
Mdingi, who was thrilled at the exciting news took to his Instagram to post a picture of the award of which he dedicated to his close late friend who was also a talented fashion designer, Nicholas Coutts. He wrote, saying:
“We met the moment. A year ago Sophie Olympia Riese together with ISCP have steadily worked on creating a residency dedicated to Nicholas Coutts, focusing on the spirit of textile development. Nick celebrated every opportunity he had, seized every chance in order to use his time and talent as a means of service – he was perfect. It’s an incredible honour to represent Nicholas’ legacy with respect and sincerity. I’ll forever be grateful for the support of Lindsay, Emma and Mick Coutts – your son and brothers presence will never wane.”
To end off his post, Mdingi went on to give thanks to his Creator as well as all his supporters who rooted for his work from the very beginning of his career. The designer then concluded the post, saying:
“Siyakudimisa Thixo siya kuvuma ukuba unguYehova Umhlaba wonke ubedesha wena uYise ongunaphakade Zonke ingelosi zimemeza kuwe. Kwanezulu nawo onke amandla akulo. This is for all the homies that have been there since day one – you know who you are. I got you. Always.”
