Renowned South African designer Lukhanyo Mdingi’s acclaimed label has long served as a conduit for design as a powerful form of expression. With each creation, Mdingi captures a rich tapestry of contemporary and historical narratives, reflecting the depth of human creativity in South Africa and across the continent. His latest endeavour, “The Provenance Part II,” is set to debut at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on Thursday, April 4th, running through June 17th.

Following his joint victory at the LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize and subsequent showcases at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Mdingi’s label has meticulously crafted its distinctive perspective, garnering recognition culminating in the recent AMIRI Prize win for 2023.

Co-curated by visual artist Banele Khoza, “The Provenance Part II” delves into the preservation of archives, exploring the profound lineage of Bantu indigeneity and Black Consciousness in South Africa. Through thematic explorations of textiles, literature, and music, the exhibition ignites intellectual and creative discourse, shedding light on the profound influence of colonialism and mission-work on South Africa’s cultural landscape.

For Mdingi, research is intrinsic to the design process, offering invaluable insights into the conceptual genesis of his work. “The Provenance Part II” serves as an invitation for audiences to delve into the roots and principles underlying Mdingi’s creative approach, fostering a deeper understanding of the narrative woven into each creation. Through the medium of curated exhibitions, Mdingi extends a communal embrace, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the rich tapestry of African heritage and innovation.

“The practice of research is inherently already part of my design process,” says Mdingi. “There is so much that people see of the finished result, however so little within the development and research process, which is just as important. The intention here was to invite a larger community to understand the root and premise of what we do and how we approach. The format of curating an exhibition felt like the most natural way of achieving this.”