Lukhanyo Mdingi’s latest collection, entitled Relic, continues his pursuit of purity. The Cape Town-based designer is known for his pared back approach to menswear that values the highest quality materials and results in soulfully crafted pieces. Having shown at NYFW last year and been recently selected for the Ethical Fashion Initiative’s Accelerator 2020 programme, Mdingi has honed his ability to steep his seasonless designs in mindful provenance.

Relic uses South African kid mohair and merino felted wool as well as linen – fabrics the label has been developing over time – to shape simple suits, shirts and trench coats layered with gossamer polo tops and draped vests. Natural textures and quiet detailing add up to a wardrobe that whispers ‘cherish me forever’.

Of the collection, Mdingi says:

“Outside the material boundaries of converging space and time exists a realm in which linear modes of experience are transcended; where timelessness reigns beyond construct and contradictions. It is in this state that the ages are forged; matter, distilled by form and essence, is set in motion to bring direction to the physical planes.

Relic signals a conscious re-collection of this spirit as the fundamental approach to design. We’re forever inspired by the essentials with a sincere and considered approach to fabric selection and pragmatic tailoring in order to create a practical closet. We are in reverence of our ever-growing inquiry into pure design as human beings – knowing that conclusions and answers only function to bring about an absolute end.”

Photography Rudi Geyser
Model Pivot Aurel
Make-up Inga Hewett
Words Helen Jennings

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Published on 25/10/2020