From the quiet village of Mbekelweni to the vibrant high-fashion red carpets of Eswatini, Sthombesihle Dlamini is carving out a distinctive space as one of the kingdom’s most compelling personal stylists. His journey explores the power of authentic self-expression, blending rich local heritage with crisp modern tailoring.
Roots of Style
Dlamini’s story begins in rural Eswatini. “I grew up at Mbekelweni, where I did my primary school and I did my high school at Hillside High. I then proceeded to Ngwane Teachers College for a Diploma in Applied Sciences,” he shares, outlining an academic path that eventually yielded to a creative calling.
His passion for sharp dressing bloomed early within classroom corridors. “My love for fashion started at school, I think. In primary, I must say, I had a role model teacher who looked nice every day and I was like, one day I want to dress like him. High school made me love my school uniform more and I did swenka nge uniform every Friday. Moments where I knew this was meant for me, were when I won the Luju Festival Best Male dressed for the second time and I was like, ok this is definitely my path,” he said.
That defining moment at the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival paved Dlamini’s passion into a serious career. Today, his signature aesthetic balances timeless elegance with deep cultural pride. “My style is versatile, elegant and sophisticated. My Swati culture definitely influences my style. I have a lot of clothes that have a touch of imvunulo on them,” he explains.
Integrating traditional garments like imvunulo requires a careful artistic touch to avoid feeling like a costume. “How I blend traditional elements depends on the design I’m wearing or styling. Remember this is art, it really has to look good without losing its authenticity,” shared Dlamini.
Industry
Navigating the styling industry in Eswatini comes with unique creative rewards and operational hurdles. When taking on new clients, Dlamini strikes a balance between collaboration and authority. “Whenever I get a client, I start by asking my client what he or she has in mind and try to modify it to something very classy for that event that they are attending, but if they do not have anything in mind, we automatically go with my ideas, because you must look good and that is why you called for my services in the first place, right,” he says with a chuckle.
However, operating as a professional stylist in a developing market requires ongoing public education. “My biggest lesson in this business is that people from my country do not fully understand this kind of service. Some of them expect me to come with my clothes, they think that money includes even the clothes, so I think we need to educate people more about it,” he shared.
Navigating social perceptions presents another hurdle. “Misconception I face as a male creative in fashion is that people conclude otherwise about my sexuality without me saying anything, I’m now even used to it,” he said.
Inspiration and Local Vision
Despite these challenges, Dlamini remains deeply inspired by global African trendsetters while championing local talent.
“My style icons are Swanky Jerry from Nigeria and Rich Mnisi, I believe Fashion 21st by Lindizwe Mamba is putting Eswatini fashion on the world stage right now because of the designs he is making every day, as they are out of this world, trust me,” he said.
Dlamini notes that clothing is ultimately a gateway to personal empowerment. “Beyond looking good, I hope people are confident enough to slay down that outfit and self-love.”
When it comes to current trends, Dlamini is firm about leaving certain wardrobe items in the past. “Ripped jeans, skinny jeans, guys!!! May we please leave those alone, we have had enough now, asiyekeleni,” he said.
Dlamini feels that people should lean into baggy clothes as we are approaching summer because of how they are loose and very comfortable.
His advice for aspiring fashion enthusiasts remains pragmatic and encouraging.
“My advice is start where you are and use what you have for that particular time, style and modify what you have in whatever way you like, “he concluded with telling fashion enthusiasts that they should not mind what people think of them and just wear your clothes with confidence.
Leave a comment