Phupho Gumede reflects on his journey as a celebrity stylist and the lessons learned
South Africa fashion stylist, Phupho Gumede has worked with several top celebrities in Africa.
Image: Instagram/@phuphogumede
Award-winning pan-African celebrity stylist, creative director, and reality television star, Phupho Gumede, has an impressive career, having dressed some of the country’s most famous faces.
He has styled some of Africa's biggest celebrities, including Diamond Platnumz, 2face Idibia, Khanyi Mbau, Zari the Boss Lady, and Annie Idibia.
In an interview with YFM Ayanda MVP, the stylist dropped the bombshell that the time had come to close the chapter on being a celebrity stylist
Now, only time will tell if he will really hang his coat as he continues to evolve in his career in the entertainment industry.
In a candid interview with IOL, the larger-than-life personality delved into his illustrious career, from highlights to the lessons learned.
Gumede explained that throughout his career, he has learnt the importance of reliability. “Trust is earned through consistent reliability over time and being reliable in what you said you would do has such an important domino effect.”
He has also learnt the importance of standing up for himself in the industry and knowing his value. “The industry taught me the hard way: having to know my value and what I bring to the table and being okay with not being part of the tables I'm not respected at.”
Gumede's work as a stylist for the initial season of Netflix's "Young Famous & African" propelled him into the industry spotlight, a position solidified when he became the head of wardrobe for the second season.
“It was Africa’s first show of its kind and the world was watching, wanting to critique it and they had nothing but good reviews when it came to the looks. Truly my Opus Magnum.”
Defining moments of Phupho Gumede's styling journey
- Styling the 2025 Miss SA host Nomalanga Shozi
- Styling Lerato Kganyago when she hosted the Metro Music Awards
- Styling the Dec 2020 GQ and Glamour Magazines Christmas Card.
IOL