Lindokuhle Mdluli is a Johannesburg-based multidisciplinary artist currently studying fashion design at University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture. He loves music, photography, and digital illustration. “My journey into fashion was kickstarted by interest in style. I use garment construction as a medium to express my style. I believe my style dictates my path and will ultimately shape my life. I’m still a student, always learning.”
Lindo was one of four young fashion design residents at the recent Nike Air Max Residency in March 2026. He was mentored by acclaimed South African fashion designer Thebe Magugu at Magugu House in Johannesburg for two weeks. At the end of the residency, the designers exhibited their final garments at Keyes Avenue in Rosebank, Johannesburg, on 28 March. We asked him to tell us about his approach to design and to reflect on the residency.
What keeps you motivated?
The love and support people show me; seeing how much they believe in my vision is a huge driver. Beyond that, it’s a deep curiosity about my own potential. I’m constantly motivated by the thought: what could actually happen if I just lock in for two straight months.
What did the Nike Air Max Residency mean to you?
It was exactly what I needed. It shifted me completely. It healed parts of me and reminded me of who I am and what I am capable of. Before the residency, I found myself getting lazy and procrastinating, but this experience brought my creative process back to life. That intense two-week pressure cooker was entirely worth it.
Engaging with a global brand showed me that collaboration is key. Being in a space with other people who make art whether that is music, fashion, or visual arts is incredibly inspiring. It reinforced my belief that these disciplines go hand in hand. It’s a multidisciplinary ecosystem, and having all that energy in one room elevates everyone’s work.
What have you learned?
The biggest takeaway is that time waits for no man. If you are working on a piece of art, you have to put your entire heart, mind, and soul into it. You can’t half-step; the work demands total commitment.
Describe the garment you made during the residency?
Image: Courtesy Lindokuhle Mdluli
I created “The Outlier Coat.” The concept was heavily inspired by the microscopic resilience of nature and its colours in relation to life itself. I chose to work with seeds. On the garment is a lotus seed pod in green with purple seeds on the inside…the shell is green and the inner lining is purple fused with a minimalist, “Studio Tech” aesthetic. For the execution, I used a white satin twill that was custom-printed. The inner lining was an iridescent purple light satin. To achieve that rigid, utility-driven silhouette and to ensure the coat stood out as an “outlier,” every piece was fused for structure before construction.
How did Thebe Magugu shape your design?
Image of Thebe Magugu: Courtesy Nike South Africa
Working with Thebe was amazing. He is incredibly calm and approaches design through the lens of problem-solving and staying authentic to oneself. He reminded me that a true designer is a problem-solver first. He taught me that while inspiration is everywhere, we shouldn’t forget to look within ourselves for answers. His eye for colour completely challenged me; he explicitly told me to avoid obvious choices and pushed me to select colours that feel new to the eye, which shifted the final look of my garment.
Describe an ‘aha’ moment during the residency.
Image: Courtesy Nike South Africa
Around day eight of the residency, in the thick of constructing the coat, the pressure was at its highest. Pushing through that technical wall shifted my perspective. It made me realise that my future isn’t just about making clothes; it’s about executing complex ideas under pressure. I had to push myself. It proved to me that my philosophy – treating design as a disciplined, artistic practice – actually works in high-stakes environments.
What is the relationship between fashion, sport and youth culture in South Africa?
In South Africa, they are completely intertwined. Youth culture takes the functionality of sportswear and elevates it into everyday expression of identity. It’s a space where utility meets highly curated taste. We are moving toward a future where performance gear is the canvas for our daily lives.
What would you like people to know about emerging South African designers?
First thing is, please stop calling us “creatives”. We are artists. I want the world to understand that emerging South African designers are not just creating moodboards for the rest of the world to extract from. We are building the future out of nothing. We don’t have the same resources or big budgets as the rest of the world. Our style and our drive are unmatched. Some people think that because we are from South Africa, we make basic stuff or traditional prints, when we are doing world-class, high-level technical problem-solving. We take inspiration from our heritage, from our African interior design and Kasi culture, and turn it into something the whole world is trying to copy. We are not making clothes to look cool; we are making art and proving that our technical execution is just as good as anyone else’s out there. They shouldn’t underestimate our minds.
How will your work evolve after this experience?
My work is going to be seen for exactly what it is, and it’s going to evolve on its own terms. I honestly don’t even know the limits of what I’m capable of yet, but I know my vision constantly sharpens. I truly believe I will create my great pieces as long as I stay driven purely by my taste in art. I’ve finally ‘found the god in my art’, and that is what will guide my evolution.
- Lindokuhle Mdluli was one of four young fashion designers selected to participate in the Nike Air Max Residency in March. Over two weeks in Johannesburg, the emerging designers worked closely with Thebe Magugu at Magugu House. At the end of the residency, they showcased their final designs. The other designers are Thato Mengwai, Siphesihle Mkhabela and Khanyisile Masina
- You can follow Lindo on instagram here
- Images supplied by Nike South Africa
- This is a sponsored post
