MBABANE – Eswatini fashion talent took to the regional stage last week for the Fancy Africa in Mozambique, a local delegation represented across the runway and production.
The delegation included five Swati models, fashion stylist Nhlanhla Lukhele, Luju Project Manager Penny Bouwer, Luju fashion consultant Noentla Khumalo and Luju Festival Programme Curator Philippa Thorne, with Swati designer Black Degree showcasing on the Fancy Africa runway. The participation was the result of an ongoing collaboration between Luju Festival and Fancy Africa, strengthening regional connections and creating opportunities for Eswatini’s fashion industry beyond the local market. Fancy Africa Founder King Levi has showcased at Luju Festival for three consecutive years, demonstrating how sustained relationships between regional creative platforms can develop meaningful opportunities for designers and the wider fashion ecosystem.
For the participating delegation, the experience provided valuable exposure, professional networking, collaboration and knowledge-sharing, while creating opportunities to connect with potential new clients and build stronger portfolios through regional work. Philippa Thorne, Luju Festival Programme Curator said the collaboration forms part of a broader commitment to developing a sustainable creative industry in Eswatini through access to regional networks, platforms and opportunities. “We want to grow a sustainable industry in Eswatini and to do that goes beyond any single event. We need to work on knowledge, resources, capacity building, learning and exposure. As a small country, we can benefit enormously from wider networks and access through our regional partners. These experiences give our creatives the opportunity to learn, collaborate, build their portfolios and open doors to new markets,” said Thorne.
Penny Bouwer, Luju Festival Project Manager commented that being a part of Fancy Afrika gave local models and designer’s valuable exposure and new connections. “I strongly believe that this platform was an opportunity to showcase our talent on a broader African platform.”
