BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MALKERNS– A vibrant fusion of fashion, creativity and culture unfolded on April 29 as Dala Spaces, in collaboration with MTN Bushfire Festival, hosted the ‘Festive Style and Cocktail’ showcase at Malandela’s Lifestyle.
The event served as a curated preview of the upcoming 19th edition of the festival, offering attendees a glimpse into the lifestyle and creative experiences that define MTN Bushfire. Designed to spotlight the intersection of local artisanal craftsmanship and contemporary fashion, the showcase reflected the bold and expressive spirit seen annually at The Barn Marketplace.
Central to the evening was the unveiling of exclusive MTN Bushfire merchandise, inspired by the 2026 theme, ‘Juncture of Hum’. The collection blended seasonal branding with artistic storytelling and was presented alongside standout pieces from a range of local and regional designers. Beyond fashion, the merchandise carried a deeper purpose, as proceeds contribute to boMake’s initiatives supporting women and youth in rural communities across Eswatini.
The runway and exhibition featured a dynamic lineup of brands, including Honey Child Style, known for its modern African-inspired silhouettes; Crochet by Selu, which showcased intricate handcrafted knitwear; and Holy Cow, recognised for its distinctive cow print fabrics, silk designs and bold colour palettes.
Other designers who showcased their collections included Black Degree by Kwenzie Zwane, Indigenous Africana by Phila Nkambule, Baobab Batik & Apparel, Khokho Eswatini, as well as the sustainable Dala Spaces and Beads Emporium collaboration, which presented upcycled merchandise that transforms recycled materials into wearable art. The diverse collections highlighted a strong theme of sustainability, innovation and cultural storytelling.
Speaking during the event, Crochet by Selu founder Seluliwe Mdluli expressed appreciation for the platform.
“Being part of the designers who will be showcasing at the fashion show truly means so much for my business. It represents growth, increased visibility and valuable experience. Opportunities like this don’t just elevate my brand, but also open doors for me as a creative. I am really grateful to Dala Spaces and MTN Bushfire for creating such important platforms for creatives like us to be seen, heard and celebrated,” she said.
Mdluli also noted that preparations had gone smoothly, allowing her to present her collection with confidence.
The evening also featured a cocktail experience, creating a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere where fashion enthusiasts mingled, drew inspiration and celebrated local creativity.
As anticipation builds towards the main festival, scheduled for May 29 to 31, 2026, the Festive Style and Cocktail showcase successfully set the tone, leaving attendees inspired and ready to “bring their fire” through fashion.
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