Phupho Gumede-K, a renowned stylist, has become a prominent figure in the world of fashion through his exceptional talent showcased on the Netflix reality show, ‘Young, Famous & African.’ In a country often filled with public drama, primarily centered around the government and negatively impacting daily lives, this uniquely South African show offers a refreshing escape by focusing on the extravagant and excessive lives of celebrities in the City of Gold.
The series not only captivates viewers with its dramatic narrative but also enthralls them with its captivating fashion choices. Phupho Gumede-K, the stylist to the stars, takes center stage as the show’s fashion guru. With his extensive experience styling for reality TV, Gumede-K has left his mark on our screens for years. He previously worked his magic on South African star Ayanda Ncwane during her stint on ‘Real Housewives of Durban.’ This experience, combined with his deep understanding of local television, empowered Gumede-K to bring his signature style to the glamorous streets of Sandton, where he dressed the stars of ‘Young, Famous & African.’
Gumede-K’s Instagram page offers a glimpse into his dazzling life, showcasing his love for all things glamorous. With his double-barreled surname, Gumede-Kardashian, and his constant jet-setting lifestyle, attending events and working on glamorous photoshoots, he has become a celebrity in his own right.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Gumede-K and delve into what it takes to style some of Africa’s most famous faces. According to him, a stylist’s role extends beyond imposing their own ideas on clients. Instead, it involves working collaboratively with each celebrity, understanding their unique style, preferences, and concerns. For some, a stylist acts as a personal shopper, while for others, they bring a variety of options to the table. In some cases, stylists fulfill multiple roles, serving as a friend and confidant. Gumede-K emphasizes that his work is not about reinventing his clients but rather about pushing style boundaries and giving local brands a global platform.
One of the stars styled by Gumede-K for the show is Annie Idibia. Gumede-K strived to strike a balance between his own taste and Annie’s specific preferences, as she is a celebrity with a distinct image. A notable look created for Annie is the striking black and yellow Gert-Johan Coetzee ball gown. The ensemble exuded a definite wow factor, and the combination of the dress with her short hair and natural-looking makeup ensured a sophisticated look without appearing over-the-top.
Another celebrity styled by Gumede-K is Diamond Platinumz, whom he describes as easy-going and open to pushing fashion boundaries. With Platinumz, Gumede-K took charge of the wardrobe, and their collaborative trust resulted in some of the most iconic looks of the show, including a three-piece suit paired with a turtleneck.
A standout moment on the show was a special collaboration between Gumede-K and Khanyi Mbau. The stylist paired a dress designed by Orapeleng Modutle with a Jozi-style crown, creating a maximalist style extravaganza that caught everyone’s attention. Gumede-K found styling Zari the Boss Lady to be both effortless and familiar, as she gracefully pulled off every look, reminiscent of his experience styling Ayanda Ncwane.
Gumede-K’s years of styling have solidified one thing for him: “Local style is best.” He is not only on a mission to transform each star of the show into a fashion icon but also to provide a platform for local designers to showcase their talent. Whether he sources pieces straight from the runway or collaborates with stars and designers, Gumede-K firmly believes that our local fashion creators are on par with global industry leaders
