<p><strong><em><a href="https://www.okayafrica.com/thebe-magugu-south-african-designer-wins-lvmh-prize/" target="_blank">Read: South African Designer Thebe Magugu Won the Coveted LVMH Prize</a> </em></strong></p><p>The International Woolmark Prize is the longest standing prestigious prize for emerging fashion designers. High fashion designers such as <a href="https://www.woolmarkprize.com/news/history-international-woolmark-prize/" target="_blank"><strong>Karl Lagerfeld</strong> and <strong>Yves Saint Laurent</strong> were the first winners of the prize in 1954</a>. Magugu, who is only 27-years-old, took to his Instagram to thank the Woolmark Company for the opportunity for being selected as one of the top six finalists. </p><div id="1ebfd" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="149554a24811a5a0ab8d494f4da032bf"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style=" background:#FFF; border:0;
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</div></blockquote></div><p>Magugu's designs have been described by<strong><em> Vogue</em></strong> writer, <strong>Janelle Okwodu</strong>, as an homage to the <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2021-ready-to-wear/thebe-magugu" target="_blank">classical flowing styles of a bygone cinematic era</a>. The silhouettes are a <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2021-ready-to-wear/thebe-magugu" target="_blank">reference to Black civil movements</a> both in the USA during the rise of Black Panther and in South Africa during Apartheid. In a statement to <strong><em>Vogue</em></strong>, Magugu explained that his LVMH win saw a rise in sales but <a href="https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2021-ready-to-wear/thebe-magugu" target="_blank">cancellations soon followed due to the coronavirus pandemic</a>. </p><p>Magugu reportedly currently produces his garments locally as part of his own socio-economic responsibility. The International Woolmark Prize might boost productions as finalists have the opportunity for their designs to be picked up by international brands. </p><p><div class="dfp_atf-slot" data-not-loaded="true"></div><script type="text/javascript">
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</script></p><p>The other four top finalists are <strong>Bethany Williams</strong> and <strong>Matty Bovan </strong>from the UK, <strong>Marie-Eve Lecavalier</strong> from Canada and<strong> Charaf Tajer</strong> from France. The six finalists were selected from 380 applications across 55 countries. Former supermodel, <strong>Naomi Campbell</strong>, was part of the selection committee. Winners will be announced early next year.</p>
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