Africa’s Most Sought After Stylist Talks Wins, Fashion Politics, and Mental Health

magine being a fashion stylist and Ihaving already styled 21 magazine covers before turning 21 - that's the story of Phupho Gumede In an exclusive interview with Uncutxtra magazine presenter, Chioma Ezeh, Phupho talks about his incredible careergrowthsofar,thepoliticsinthe fashionindustry,andsomuchmore

Hisjourneysofar

From one milestone to the next, my journey in the world of style and fashion has been a wild one It hasn't beeneasy,anditcanbetrickybecause you wouldn’t have thought the business of style or fashion would be lonely because you are always surrounded by people, but it is quite lonely,andwhenyoudosomuch,tick some boxes and achieve some major feats at a certain age you start ruffling some feathers in your spacesomething I never saw coming People want you to do well, but not toowell,youknowwhatImean? Iam constantly learning, and as they say, the universe will keep teaching you untilyoufinallygetit- thatiswhereI am at right now - always growing, alwayspushingforward.

If Anyone Ever Made Him

When He Fell In Love With Styling

The idea of being a stylist never even crossed my mind until I stumbled upon the profession. As a child, I was fascinatedbyfashionandspenthours watchingshowslike'FashionTV'and 'E! Star shows'. But it wasn't until I witnessed a particular fashion show that everything clicked into place - I knew I wanted to be involved in the worldofclothinganddesign.

Asayoungprofessionalwithafamous sister, I've had to navigate through variouschallengesinmycareer Every project I undertake is an opportunity toprovemyworthandshowthatIcan deliver s Unfortunately, not everyone shares my enthusiasm, and I've faced skeptics who think that my accomplishmentsaresolelyduetomy sister's fame I'll never forget the day when I was styling a billboard campaign for 'The Real Housewives ofDurban,'andoneofthefemalecast membersrefusedtoevenglanceatthe selectionsIhadpickedoutforher.She accused me of being hired because of nepotism, assuming that I only landed the job not because of how good I was, but because my sister is also in theshow andthrew thedress I picked for her on the floor, that she wasn’t wearing any of it. This kind of situation has become a recurring experience in my career, even when I startedworkingwithmoreinfluential celebrities, it is something that I have had to constantly deal with especially because of my age. People tend to doubt my experience because of my age,butIrefusetolettheirskepticism holdmeback.

Atthetime,Iwasn'texactlysurewhat role I wanted to play in the fashion industry All I knew was that I had a deeppassionforfashiondesign.Even asayoungchild,Ifoundmyselfgiving fashion advice to my sisters, helping them choose the perfect outfit, matching shoes, and accessories for theirevents.

When I was 13, my sister took a chanceonmeandaskedmetodesign her a red-carpet dress for an upcomingevent.Withdetermination and creativity, I set to work and managed to create a stunning dress that earned her the title of 'Best Dressed'. From that moment on, I knew for certain that I wanted to pursue a career in the fashion industry, specifically as a stylist. She becamemyfirstclient

Proudest Professional Accomplishment

Oh boy, you're really putting me on the spot! It's like choosing between mybabies,haha!

Styling 21 magazine covers before even turning 21 was a major flex for me, and proof to myself that I am capable.

And getting listed in Forbes' Under 30? Just a little something to show everyone that I am exactly the person I said I am. But if we're talking career highlights, then my work on Young, Famous,andAfricantakesthecake It wasn't just about showing off my styling skills, but also navigating the upsanddownsofworkingbehindthe scenes with explosive star power. I mean, we're talking about dressing Africa's biggest stars for Netflixthat's a whole new level of responsibility!SomethingIhadnever donebefore.

Experiencingboththehighsandlows that came with The Young, Famous, andAfricanchallengedmenotonlyas a stylist but also as an individual. The personal growth I gained from this experience tested my patience, resilience, determination, and perseverance For me, this has been the most significant achievement in mycareer.

What's even crazier is that I've never been nominated for or won an award in my home country of South Africa. All of my recognition and accolades have come from outside of the country I'veneverbeeninvitedtothe S.AStyleAwardsorGQ’sbest-dressed men awards, even though I regularly run into the same people who organize those events at other industryevents.

At first, I was really bothered by this andfeltlikeIneededtodomoretobe seen and recognized But over time, I'vecometorealizethatIdon'tneedto be in the same room or category as these other stylists to know that I'm doing great work. I've built a brand around myself and my work, and I'm insyncwithwhoIamasapersonand asastylist.

What Inspires You and Your Design?

When it comes to fashion, I don't just look at the surface level It's not just abouttheclothes,it'saboutthedeeper meaning behind them. I am so passionate about fashion that I dive deepintotheresearch,thetheory,and thehistorybehindit.Andsometimes, something mystical happens. And you might think I'm crazy, but I truly believe there's a spiritual element to fashion. As if some divine force is guidingmetowardstheperfectlooks, showing me visions of how a particular ensemble will come togetherlikeaworkofartonacanvas. It'sthisintangibleforcethatdrivesmy creativityandtalent.

EverFeltLikeGivingUp?

ABOUT THE FASHION/STYLING INDUSTRY

POLITICS!! You might be surprised to know that the fashion and styling industry is rife with politics. It's a cut throat world, and even the most successful stylists and designers have tofighttoothandnailtostayrelevant.

Take, for example, the recent resignation of Law Roach. When I heard the news, I immediately empathized with him because I know firsthand how intense the politics in thisindustrycanbe

Recently, there was a Fashion IndustryAwardsinSouthAfrica,and theentirestylistcategorywasgivento someone else - someone I'd never even heard of But a week later, I received an award in Nigeria. It just goes to show that when you trust in yourself and your abilities, recognitionwillcome-evenifit'snot from the people you expect. So don't sweat the politics in the fashion industry - focus on doing great work, and the rest will fall into place The thing is when God shows you your place,itwillbeignoranttostartcrying overthelittlethings

Thathappensalot!IrememberWhen I was with Young, Famous, and African I tried getting out of my contract more than once, during filming. Though, the pay was very goodhaha!

Eventhemostsuccessfulpeopleinthe fashion industry have had moments where they've wanted to throw in the towel I mean, let's be real, the mental and emotional toll that comes with thefast-pacedworldoffashioncanbe absolutelyexhausting.

It's like you're constantly working towards something that only lasts for amoment.Youpourallofyourenergy into a collection that will be showcased for mere minutes, and thenit'sontothenextone

I recently watched a documentary on some of the early superstar fashion designers like Lee Alexander McQueenandJohnCharlesGalliano, anditwaseye-openingtoseejusthow much pressure they were under Galliano, for instance, was churning out32collectionsayear-that'salotof pressureforanyone

Sometimes, it can feel like you're on a never-ending treadmill - you ' re constantly chasing that high, that rush of adrenaline that comes with a successful collection or a big fashion event.Butthenit'sover,andyou'releft wondering, "What's next?" It's in those moments that I think we all consider throwing in the towel But ultimately, it's our passion for fashion that keeps us going. Despite the challenges, despite the pressure, we keep pushing forward because we knowthatthisiswherewebelong.

What it feels like filming His First QueerRole

I was approached by someone, but sadly I really can’t talk much about it because it hasn’t been released yet. Hopefully,wecangobacktoitwhenit isreleased.

HisSexualityBeingQuestioned

I really don’t think people question my sexuality because I don't leave anything to the imagination! I'm an open book and I don't believe in hiding who I am. I've never felt the needtoscreamfromtherooftopthatI like men, because I've never been in a position where I had to pretend to be someone I'm not. If we are having a conversation, I would say ‘My boyfriend or my ex-boyfriend. I keep my love life pretty private, but that doesn't mean I'm hiding who I am. MysexualityisapartofwhoIamand Iembraceitfully.

HisLoveLife

Have you ever taken a hiatus from something you loved because of emotional exhaustion? That's what happened to me when my mum passed away I was so closed off emotionally that I couldn't give anything to anyone, let alone a romantic partner I didn't want to waste anyone's time, so I took a twoyear break from the dating scene During that time, I was like a robot, just working and sleeping to avoid dealing with the pain. But something interestinghappened-Ibecamemore productive than ever before! I accomplished so much because I was justfocusedonwork. Eventually, I realized that I couldn't postpone dealing with my emotional issues forever. So, I started therapy to work through the pain of losing my mum and my complicated relationship with my dad Andslowly butsurely,Ibegantofeelmoreopento the idea of dating again. However, when I jumped back into the dating pool, I was quickly reminded of how frustrating it can be. Despite this, I'm stillopentothepossibilityoffindinga meaningful connection with someone who is worth my time and effort.

HisRelationshipWithHisDad

Toxic relationships can be tough to navigate, especially when it comes to familymembers.Inmycase,itwasmy father who I had been trying to connect with for so long, but it never seemedtoworkout.Ieventuallycame totherealizationthatIdidn'tactually want to sort things out with him - I just needed to be honest with myself aboutnotwantinghiminmylife.

As a child, I remember constantly feeling like I was the one trying to maintain our relationship, and that's not something a child should have to do.EvenwhenIdistancedmyself,my father didn’t seem to notice for a long while, and for me, that was a confirmation that he didn’t really care Whenhetriedtocomebackinto my life, I felt like I didn’t need him anymore because I had already made peace with his absence and I was able to make the difficult decision to cut himoutofmylife It'snevereasytolet go of someone, especially a family member,butsometimesit'snecessary forourownwell-being.I'mgratefulto have found the love and support I needed from other sources, and I know that I made the right decision formyself.

If His Relationship With His Father isRustyBecauseofHisSexuality

AlthoughIdon'tthinkmysexualityis thesolereasonfortherustinessinour relationship, it definitely played a big roleinmydecisiontocuthimoff.

Icouldn'thelpbutwonder-whatifwe did eventually sort things out and then I revealed my true self? What if issues regarding my sexuality came up, and we were right back where we started?Iwasn'tsureifIcouldhandle going through all of that again, and I definitely wasn't ready to put myself throughthatkindofpain.

It's a tough pill to swallow, knowing that my father might not fully accept meforwhoIam.Butattheendofthe day, I had to do what was best for my own mental health and well-being. I hope that someday we can work throughourdifferencesandcometoa place of understanding, but for now, it'sbetterformetokeepmydistance

His Thought on the Law Recently PassedInUgandaAgainstGays?

Personally,Ifeelreallysadaboutwhat happened in Uganda. It's a sad reality that in 2023, we still have countries like Uganda passing laws against the LGBTQ+ community It's inhumane and downright wrong. It makes me question why we still have dictators and dictator-like societies in this day andage.

As someone who is from Africa, I can't help but wonder why our governments are so focused on policing people's sexuality instead of addressing the real issues that plague us as a nation. We need to focus on basic necessities like food, water, and electricity - things that are still considered a luxury in some parts of thecontinent.

It'sfrustratingtoseelawmakerswaste theirtimeandenergy on passing bills that only serve to further marginalize and oppress a minority group. We havesomuchpotentialasacontinent, andit'sashamethatwe'renotputting our efforts toward building a better futureforallAfricans.

For Those Hesitant to Embrace TheirIdentity

To those who fear stigmatization and judgmentfortheirsexuality,Isaythis: don't let anyone dim your light. You arewhoyouare,andthat'ssomething to be celebrated. Of course, it's important to prioritize your safety above all else - especially in countries where being open about your sexuality could be a matter of life or death.

It's okay to take things at your own pace and come out on your own terms. Just know that there is a whole community of people out there who willsupportyouandloveyouforwho you are You are not alone So hold your head up high, be proud of who you are, and never let anyone make youfeelashamedofthat.

His Key To Staying Relevant Over TheYears

To truly stay relevant in any industry, it all comes down to hard work and authenticity You can't rely on shortcuts or scandals to keep you in the spotlight - those things are fleeting and often backfire Instead, focus on doing the work and doing it well Make sure your workisalways visible and out there for the world to see. After all, if it's not seen, it doesn't exist. Promote and push your work constantly, and let it speak for itself. That's how you build a reputation for qualityandauthenticitythatwillkeep you relevant for years to come Real and long-lasting relevance comes fromdoingthework

Experience Styling The Uncutxtra Cover Star Volume11

Craziest rumour you have heard aboutyourself

The wildest rumor I've heard about myself is that I only made it to the Forbes Under 30 list by sleeping my way there When I first heard it, I was taken aback by how ridiculous it was. It's frustrating when people undermine the hard work and dedication it took to get where I am today, especially at a young age in a competitiveindustrylikefashion.But I know that kind of negativity usually comes from a place of envy and ignorance, so I don't let it affect me too much. People can be so quick to tearyoudownwhenyou'resuccessful ButIwon'tletitgettome.

Advice To Upcoming Fashion Designers

But living your truth is important. Believe in who you are and don't feel like you need to shout it from the rooftopsifyou'renotready

Working with the team was an amazing ride! We were bouncing ideasoffeachotherlikeagameofping pong.Thephotographer,YusufMitha was a magician behind the camera, capturing every shot with precision and flair And as for our cover star, Cindy Thando, well, she's such an amazing lady We'd collaborated on previous projects and I knew she'd bringherA-game,butseeingherown the style we'd created with such poise and elegance was truly something else It was an absolute honor to be a partofitall

In the fiercely competitive world of fashion, success is earned through hard work, collaboration, and perseverance. As an upcoming fashion designer, you must focus on the possibilities and connect with those who will appreciate your talent. Don't let naysayers dim your creative spirit or discourage you from pursuing your dreams. Remember, everything you desire is on the other side of hard work and dedication. So, unleash your inner magic and let the world witness your unique fashion vision.