SJAVA SHUTS DOWN STANDARD BANK LUJU FESTIVAL

MBABANE – The sun rose over the picturesque venue of House on Fire in Malkerns yesterday, signalling the start of day two of the highly-anticipated Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival.

As festival-goers streamed in from as early as 11am, the air was filled with an electric buzz of excitement and anticipation. This year, the fashion scene was set abuzz as ankara fabrics took centre stage, adorning the stylish festival attendees in a vibrant tapestry of colour  and culture. Ankara is a type of fabric with colourful patterns and prints, mostly of symbolic content, that is most commonly used by East and West Africans. It is produced using a wax-resist dye technique and can be sown into various fashion styles for clothing. The vibrant hues and intricate designs of ankara weaved a narrative of tradition and modernity, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the festival.

Buzzing with activity

The once deserted photobooths, which had idled on the first day, were now buzzing with activity, with long queues of eager individuals waiting to capture their festival memories in these creatively decorated stands. The 2024 Luju Fashion Theme was ‘African Futurism’. Luju was celebrating the revolutionary power of fashion with this artistic and cultural philosophy that embraces African history and heritage, blending fantasy, technology and futuristic concepts to envision a future driven by Africans.  It was safe to say that with the fashion seen on the ground, the people had kept to the theme. Among the crowd, a familiar face was spotted striking a pose in a booth, none other than the 2022 Best Dressed title winner, Sthombesihle Dlamini.

When asked about his presence at the event, he expressed his admiration for the festival, citing his passion for fashion and his love for witnessing people dressed in their finest. Dlamini’s endorsement of the event as a fashion enthusiast added to the allure of the festival, drawing attention to the sartorial splendor on display. As festival-goers swayed in, in celebration of food, love and music, the fashion landscape became a visual feast, showcasing the creativity and diversity of ankara-inspired ensembles.

Amid the culinary delights and rhythmic beats, there was an air of anticipation surrounding the coveted title of Best Dressed. Fashion enthusiasts and onlookers eagerly awaited the unveiling of the most stylish and trendsetting individuals, each vying for the prestigious accolade. The fusion of ankara fabrics with contemporary styles gave rise to a captivating spectacle, as attendees showcased their unique interpretations of fashion, blending tradition with modern flair. As the day unfolded, the festival became a vibrant tapestry of ankara-clad fashionistas, each adding their own chapter to the evolving story of style and culture.

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