MBABANE – Eswatini boasts exceptional creative talent, yet local fashion designers often lack dedicated platforms to showcase their work to a global audience.
To bridge this gap, a group of local visionaries will host the Eswatini Fashion Expo, an initiative designed to propel emerging fashion entrepreneurs into the spotlight and bolster the national economy.
One of the organisers, Sithenjisiwe Mabuza emphasise that fashion in Eswatini is frequently dismissed as a casual hobby rather than pursued as a viable career. The upcoming expo aims to challenge this perception, elevating local talent and positioning kingdom’s designers on regional and international stages. “I see Eswatini has the talent and not much of the platform. It is so rich with the most gifted fashion designers that the world has to see and know. It is my dream to see eswatini young designers rise up and grow to be recognised all over the world. And this is only the beginning. We thought to ourselves, if not now then when? Eswatini fashion industry must rise. Our wish is to see more young fashion entrepreneurs in Eswatini rising and raising the economy of our country,” she said. Mabuza added that fashion is still seen as a hobby more than a career in the country, yet the country has some of the best designs but they are hidden or not taken seriously. The potential of Eswatini fashion industry is just too massive and the Fashion Expo will take local designers to greater heights, as it will put them on spotlight not only in Eswatini or Africa, but internationally.
The organising team comprises prominent figures across the local arts and marketing sectors. Ziyawa Ka Zitha, a leading musician and DJ, brings significant industry experience alongside his upcoming lifestyle label, ZK. Philani Mpanza, founder of the iconic clothing brand Sgonian Republic, contributes extensive expertise as a seasoned fashion entrepreneur and marketing professional.
Sinqobile Mabuza, founder of Eliboqnis couture and co-founder of the expo, remains committed to promoting youth empowerment. She believes the kingdom holds immense creative potential that extends far beyond its traditional mineral wealth. Former model and photographer Chris Anderson, known as Gandzela, joins as a guest judge and audience advocate supporting emerging talent.
Mabuza emphasises that Eswatini fashion is at a growing stage and they have a lot of talent and the chain from designers to media on the runway is still being built and it is growing. “We have very gifted designers, but they need more regular runway opportunities, more fashion media and more retail platforms. That is why fashion expo is important,” she concluded.
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