Rich Mnisi

Rich Mnisi
Born
Rich Fumani Mnisi

(1993-12-14) 14 December 1993
Johannesburg, South Africa
EducationLeaders in the Science of Fashion (LISOF)
Occupations
  • Fashion designer
  • businessman
Years active2012–present
Known forRICH MNISI

Rich Fumani Mnisi (born 14 December 1993) is a South African fashion designer and businessman. He is best known as the founder and creative director of a luxury fashion brand RICH MNISI, founded in 2015. He appeared on Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list in 2019.

Early life

Rich Mnisi was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.[1][2] He developed an interest in fashion and design at a young age and later pursued formal training in fashion design.[3][4] He graduated from the Leaders in the Science of Fashion (LISOF) where he obtained BA in Fashion Design and Business Management in 2014.[5][6]

Career

Following his graduation, Mnisi launched his first design studio, initially operating under the name OATH Studio and received early industry recognition after winning the Africa Fashion International for Young Designer of the Year award at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa in 2014.[7][8] In 2015, he rebranded the label as RICH MNISI,[9] establishing a design identity focused on seasonless collections, fluid tailoring, and conceptual storytelling influenced by his Tsonga heritage and lived experiences.[10][11] In 2019, he was named on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list in the creative category.[12][13][14] He received the Emerging Designer of the Year award at the Essence Best in Black Fashion Awards in late 2019.[15][16] In 2020, he was listed with Laduma Ngxokolo (MaXhosa) in British Vogue's list of 7 African fashion brands.[17][18][19]

In 2021, Mnisi expanded his practice beyond fashion into furniture design and have been exhibited internationally.[20][21][22] He has collaborated with global and regional brands, including Adidas in 2022,[23][24] and H&M for street wear collection, bringing his design philosophy to a wider commercial audience.[25][26][27] In 2024, he won the Best Designer award at the Africa Fashion Up competition during Paris Fashion Week, further establishing his presence on the global fashion stage.[28]

Personal life

Mnisi is openly gay, having come out to his family at a young age before publicly addressing his identity as a "visual language" through his fashion.[29][30] He was raised in a Christian household, he has spoken candidly about the journey from initially praying against his sexuality to eventually embracing his queer masculinity and Tsonga heritage.[31][32]

In 2023, Mnisi is a prominent advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and frequently collaborates on global Pride campaigns with brands like Adidas for adidas x RICH MNISI "Let Love Be Your Legacy" campaign, which focused on active allyship.[33][34] He often uses his platform to support queer visibility in Africa, notably donating proceeds from his work to The Pride Shelter Trust to support LGBTQIA+ individuals in crisis in 2021.[35]

Public image

Mnisi has upgraded his status as a "global visionary" by dressing an elite roster of international icons and local superstars. His brand gained significant global momentum when Beyoncé dressed a custom blouse and skirt during her 2018 visit to South Africa,[36][37][38] followed by Ciara, who featured his avant garde designs in her "Freak Me" music video and on high profile television appearances.[39] Supermodel Naomi Campbell further amplified his reach by wearing a signature Mnisi jumpsuit for a major United Kingdom broadcast.[40] In 2020, he launched the most expensive face mask during COVID-19, costs R2000 named Alkebulan and made with Swarovski Cherry Leopard Crystals.[41][42][43] In 2021, South African citizens were shocked of RICH MNISI's Xibelani skirt cost R60 000.[44][45]

In December 2024, he hosted the 5th Annual 2 Million Icons Part which was attended by local celebrities and went viral on social media.[46][47] He is the designer of choice for South Africa’s most influential figures, including Bonang Matheba,[48] Pearl Thusi,[49] and Black Coffee,[50] and he recently featured veteran actress Connie Ferguson in a major 2025 campaign.[51]

References

  1. ^ Dzimbili, Siyabonga (2019-12-20). "4 local fashion designers that are making waves on the global stage". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  2. ^ "10 Things you should know about Rich Mnisi". StartUp Magazine South Africa. 2020-09-02. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  3. ^ Dipa, Karishma (2022-01-29). "Rich Mnisi's Adidas range is inspired by his Tsonga roots as he intends to make fashion more diverse and inclusive". IOL. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  4. ^ Biggs, Caroline (2021-09-02). "This South African fashion designer sees furniture design as fluid". Business of Home. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  5. ^ Ugwu, Uzomah (2024-02-28). "A Thrilling Conversation with Rich Mnisi". Arte Realizzata. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  6. ^ York, Michael (2023-12-11). "Rich Mnisi: Crafting a legacy of love and equality". Mamba Online. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  7. ^ Siegal, Nina (2021-12-17). "In South Africa, Rich Mnisi Is Taking Biomorphic Design to the Next Level". 1stDibs Introspective. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  8. ^ Mhlungu, Gugulethu (2015-12-15). "#Trending Awards 2015 - the year in fashion". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  9. ^ Kwateng, Danielle (2017-05-23). "Meet 15 South African Designers Who Are Shaking Up the Industry in the BEST Way". Teen Vogue. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  10. ^ Tjiya, Emmanuel (2025-12-08). "Celebrating 10 years of Rich Mnisi". Sowetan. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  11. ^ Zwane-Ejike, Nokuthula (2026-01-03). "Rich Mnisi's fashion empire: red carpet success and global partnerships". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  12. ^ Mun-Delsalle, Y-Jean. "The South African Design Scene Is One To Watch". Forbes. Archived from the original on 2025-02-28. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  13. ^ Mwendera, Karen (2019-07-01). "30Under30 Creatives Category 2019". Forbes Africa. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  14. ^ "Burna Boy, Alex Iwobi, Ijeoma Balogun, Richard Akuson. Meet Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 Class of 2019". BellaNaija. 2019-06-28. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  15. ^ "Rich Mnisi bags the Emerging Designer of the Year at the Essence Best in Black Fashion awards". Glamour. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  16. ^ "Rich Mnisi Wins "Emerging Designer of the Year" At Essence Best In Black Fashion Awards!". BN Style. 2019-09-06. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  17. ^ Morkel, Graye (2020-06-29). "Rich Mnisi and Maxhosa make it onto British Vogue's list of 7 African fashion brands to know". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  18. ^ Owoh, Ugonna-Ora (2020-07-27). "The future of African fashion, post-Covid-19". Vogue. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  19. ^ "7 Inspiring African Fashion Brands to know and wear now". Glamour. 2020-05-13. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  20. ^ Saunders, Amy (2021-07-27). "Rich Mnisi's first solo exhibition of collectable furniture". Glamour. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  21. ^ Maesela, Lolita (2022-01-20). "Meet the South African Designer Challenging Prejudice to Build His Brand". The Business of Fashion. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  22. ^ Mamaila, Mzwandile (2024-08-05). "Rich Mnisi and other prominent creatives with home décor lines". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  23. ^ "Adidas x Rich Mnisi presents a collection that celebrates heritage and identity". Glamour. 2022-01-21. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  24. ^ Abad, Mario (2022-01-20). "Adidas Collaborates With South African Designer Rich Mnisi". Paper Mag. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  25. ^ Volkwyn, Marian (2023-07-24). "Rich Mnisi Collaborates with H&M This Winter". Woman and Home Magazine. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  26. ^ "H&M South Africa collaborates with designer Rich Mnisi". Glamour. 2023-08-08. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  27. ^ "H&M joins forces with Rich Mnisi to create a graphic streetwear collection". Sowetan. 2023-07-20. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  28. ^ Mazibuko, Thobile (2024-07-01). "Rich Mnisi and Gugu by Gugu win Best Designer at the Africa Fashion Up competition in Paris". IOL. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  29. ^ York, Michael (2023-12-11). "Rich Mnisi: Crafting a legacy of love and equality". Mamba Online. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  30. ^ Williams, Anna (2026-02-22). "Is He Single Married or in a Relationship". Saint Augustines University. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  31. ^ Grootboom, Jamal (2019-01-17). "6 young South African LGBTQI+ creatives you should know". IOL. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  32. ^ Mazibuko, Thobile (2024-06-12). "This Pride Month, meet Mzansi's celebrated LGBTQIA+ advocates". Cape Times. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  33. ^ Diva, Luke (2023-05-16). "Adidas and Rich Mnisi unveil collection for pride 2023". GQ. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  34. ^ "Rich Mnisi releases 'LOVE UNITES' Pride collection with adidas, for iconic football club Manchester United". CEC. 2023-12-06. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  35. ^ "South African Designer Rich Mnisi Launches Pride Capsule Collection". Scaffold Culture. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  36. ^ Ramalepe, Phumi (2025-03-31). "Rich Mnisi celebrates 10 years of iconic style with milestones and muses from Beyoncé to Naomi". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  37. ^ "'If Beyoncé can do it so can I': Rich Mnisi on taking South Africa global". Dazed. 2022-01-19. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  38. ^ Grootboom, Jamal (2020-07-22). "Rich Mnisi talks all things Beyoncé, local luxury brands and his latest collaboration". IOL. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  39. ^ Dorsey, Avon (2020-10-23). "Afro Chic! Ciara Gives Us South African Fashion Vibes With Her New Music Video". Essence. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  40. ^ Jadezweni, Afika (2018-12-04). "Beyoncé and Naomi Campbell prove they love these local designers as much as we do during their Global Citizen Festival visit". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  41. ^ Jadezweni, Afika (2020-05-29). "Rich Mnisi launches premium mask range to contribute towards Covid-19 relief". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  42. ^ "Rich Mnisi unveils 2K mask". TimesLIVE. 2020-06-01. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  43. ^ "Designer Rich Mnisi's R2K Swarovski crystal studded face mask". IOL. 2020-06-04. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  44. ^ Mbendeni, Alutho (2021-02-03). "South Africans react to Rich Mnisi's R60K Xibelani skirt". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  45. ^ Naidoo, Deepika (2021-02-03). "Mzansi shook by Rich Mnisi's R60k Tsonga xibelani skirt". The Herald. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  46. ^ Lesemane, Lineo (2024-12-03). "Who nailed their look at Rich Mnisi's 2 Million Icons party?". The Citizen. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  47. ^ Mamaila, Mzwandile (2024-12-03). "Sithelo Shozi and others spotted at Rich Mnisi's 2 Million Icons party". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  48. ^ Selisho, Kaunda (2021-02-03). "Two million! Bonang warned us about Rich Mnisi". The Citizen. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  49. ^ Mphande, Joy (2023-06-17). "Risque fits and iconic appearances. Inside Rich Mnisi's party". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  50. ^ "Man style Monday: The Real Black Coffee". IOL. 2018-10-01. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
  51. ^ Khulu, Ntombi (2025-10-09). "Connie Ferguson and more star in latest Rich Mnisi fashion collaboration". News24. Retrieved 2026-02-22.
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