… each wins E3 000 and prizes for bringing this year’s theme to life
MALKERNS – Style and storytelling took centre stage on Day 1 of the 8th Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival as Bafana Mavimbela and Lindo Dlamini were crowned Best Dressed Male and Female. Each walked away with E3 000 in cash plus other prizes.
The two were singled out by judges for how clearly they demonstrated the theme of the year, with looks that mixed heritage, modern tailoring and festival spirit.
Bafana Mavimbela: The Future Meets The Past
Bafana Mavimbela, who won Best Dressed Couple with his partner last year, returned to Luju and claimed the solo male title.
His outfit fused traditional elements with contemporary cuts bold, clean lines paired with African print and statement accessories. The result was striking without being overdone.
South African fashion guru and this year’s judge Thula Cindi summed it up best on stage: “He looked like the future and the past all in one.”
Judges said Bafana’s look felt rooted in culture, but forward-looking enough to set a tone for where Eswatini fashion is going.
Lindo Dlamini: Theme Personified
Lindo Dlamini took the female title with an outfit judges said “clearly demonstrated the theme of the year.”
She wore a flowing, sculpted silhouette in rich tones, layered with beadwork and fabric choices that nodded to Eswatini heritage while staying fresh and modern. Her styling, from accessories to shoes, was complete and deliberate.
Lindo carried the look with confidence across the festival grounds, becoming one of the most photographed guests on Day 1.
Both winners received E3 000 each, along with sponsor gift hampers, which were presented to them on the main stage.
Festival organisers said the Best Dressed competition continues to celebrate creativity and the talent of regional designers.
After winning as part of a couple in 2025, Bafana has now proven his individual style. And with Lindo matching him for poise and theme interpretation, Luju’s fashion conversation was set early.
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