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Fashion Stylist Phupho Gumede Talks all Things Fashion in Netflix’s Young, Famous & African with GQ South Africa

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South African stylist to the stars Phupho Gumede ‘Kardashian‘ is known for his dapper style and bespoke fashion aesthetic, Phupho is no stranger to the limelight as he was featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in June of last year and has notably styled over 20 magazine covers before the age of 21, A huge milestone if we might say.

Adding to his long list of accomplishments, Phupho was offered the role of styling the international cast of Young Famous and African seasons one and two and he couldn’t be more elated about it as seen in his recent interview with GQ South Africa.

Here are some excerpts from the interview:

GQ: How did you bag the gig to dress the stars of Young, Famous & African?

Phupho Gumede K: I got offered the role to style the international cast of Young Famous and African (Annie, 2Face, Diamond, Zari) for the first season and I immediately said yes. After the success of the show, the fashion (of the people I styled) was what everyone was talking about worldwide, so we had to do it again.

But because I now understood how the show works, the fast-paced mess of it and generally dealing with the star power that was the cast, I was approached to lead the team so we could take it to the top. And that’s how I became the Head of Department (wardrobe).

GQ: How do you balance your own creative vision with the desires and preferences of your clients, especially when they may have different ideas about what they want to wear?

PGK: Consistency and synchrony are key in image architecture. When you are on the same page about what you are trying to communicate, you also become on the same page about how often it has to be communicated. So that really helps with differences of opinions. As a stylist you eventually study your client, and you find ways to sway them towards your ideas.

GQ: What advice would you give to aspiring celebrity stylists who are just starting out in the industry?

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PGK: I would say find ways to collaborate with others, that’s one way to fast track your career. And also stand your ground. We barely talk about the disrespect one endures as an image-maker in this industry. I wish someone had told me to stand my ground earlier in my career.

I thought I needed to have a certain level of success to earn some respect, but it doesn’t work like that. People don’t suddenly decide to respect you because you’re accomplished, they respect you because you demand it.

Read the full story HERE

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