When South African fashion prodigy Thebe Magugu first unveiled The answer came from a case in Rome containing a Valentino couture by Pierpaolo Piccioli, which he immediately recognized as a dress worn by Tracee Ellis Ross 84 Emmys. This is Piccioli’s choice of costume and Magugu will be in charge of reimagining it as a second Chapter Vogue’s Dress Up Project (see last September’s issue for ideas from Tomo Koizumi and Maison Margiela’s John Galliano): Two designers transforming through their own alchemy Works of other creators. For Piccioli, the project has a special resonance. “I like the idea of reinterpretation,” he explained, “but I prefer the idea of creating a moment between two identities, two cultures — a dialogue that creates a new energy.”
at Magugu’s Johannesburg studio, talking from Piccioli’s blooming fuchsia ball gown The miracle began, and it was soon revealed that it was supported by a thin net and a sturdy bottom skirt, which burst into a fluffy ruffle over the bodice and delicately pleated into a slender waist. No wonder Rose later declared her appearance to be “what you call a fashion moment…I’ve never felt prettier in my life.”
Magugu’s first instinct was to try on the dress, “I regretted it right away – this A very harsh reminder that I’m not a mock-up anymore,” he joked. Putting it on a cutting table and then wearing it on a mannequin, Magugu “was really drawn to its beauty. I can take a few lessons from Pierpaolo’s career and work: his dedication and celebration of women; and family Thoughts – me too. When I go back home in Kimberley (his hometown in South Africa) and interact with my mum, uncle, auntie, I always feel refreshed and refreshed because in so many ways it’s My work provides motivation. Pierpaolo’s work is full of joy and freedom, something we need now more than ever.”
Still, he wanted to fit this masterpiece “into my background and my way of working” — to transform this very special piece into something that a lot of people can wear and see themselves in.” As Magugu puts it, that would involve “fundamentally deconstructing the dress and re-stitching it, almost like Frankenstein. Same, from my universe into a very advanced trench coat.”
