Legendary British supermodel Naomi Campbell has hailed South African designer Thebe Magugu as one of the most exceptional fashion creatives in the world today.
In a recent interview with i-D Magazine, Campbell was asked which young designers she had her eye on. She immediately mentioned Magugu, highlighting his influence and innovation in the fashion industry.
“There’s Thebe Magugu from S.A, who’s transcending fashion entirely. His space in Johannesburg is revolutionary—part store, part cultural hub, spotlighting other creatives through exhibitions and panels. These designers represent the future I’ve been envisioning,” Campbell told the publication.
Naomi Campbell: "There's Thebe Magugu from S.A, who's transcending fashion entirely. His space in Johannesburg is revolutionary-part store, part cultural hub, spotlighting other creatives through exhibitions and panels. These designers represent the future I've been envisioning" pic.twitter.com/D1tzzYEv45
— Thebe Magugu (@_ThebeMagugu_) March 11, 2025Magugu and Campbell have known each other for years, with the designer often expressing his admiration for the supermodel. In 2022, he shared a picture of them together, thanking Campbell for her support.
“Always so much fun with you @NaomiCampbell – thank you for having me in Doha and congratulations for your stellar and important work for EMERGE and FFR. Bag: Thebe Magugu x DIOR – coming soon,” Magugu wrote at the time.
Always so much fun with you @NaomiCampbell – thank you for having me in Doha and congratulations for your stellar and important work for EMERGE and FFR 
Bag: Thebe Magugu x DIOR – coming soon pic.twitter.com/2uK2Px8Zeu
— Thebe Magugu (@_ThebeMagugu_) October 25, 2022Founded by Thebe Magugu, “THEBE MAGUGU” is a South African luxury fashion brand that blends cultural heritage, modernity, and innovation. The brand offers ready-to-wear collections while experimenting with multidisciplinary projects.
“We constantly seek new ways of presenting women & men with clothing that embraces and enhances their everyday experience. Sleek, forward-looking design intersects with motifs & details that draw from our continent’s storied past, complex present, and exciting imagined futures,” Magugu’s brand states.
Earlier this year, in celebration of Valentine’s Day, Magugu launched the Magugu FC Training Kit, which included a Women’s League Magugu FC Shift Dress with an Obi-Belt and a Men’s Magugu FC Pink Jersey. The collection featured celebrity couple Zakes Bantwini and Nandi Madida as models, further proving his brand’s appeal among top South African stars.
The designer also introduced a personal touch to the collection, stating:
“When you purchase this training kit, the player name on the back will come automatically customised with the surname you used to make the purchase.”
With Naomi Campbell’s stamp of approval and a growing global fanbase, Thebe Magugu continues to push boundaries, redefine African luxury, and shape the future of fashion.
