By Phumzile Ndlovu
LUDZELUDZE – When fashion meets love, magic happens—and it certainly did at this year’s Makoti Festival, where designer Nelly Luju Ndlovu and her partner Nhlanhla Shongwe walked away with the title of Best Dressed Couple 2025.
The glamorous pair caught the eyes of judges and guests alike at the festival’s fourth edition, held on April 26, 2025, at the scenic Malkerns Country Club. Their impeccable style not only turned heads but also earned them a grand prize: a weekend getaway for two at the prestigious Olive Country Lodge.
The win was officially confirmed by Noma Xaba of the Makoti Executive Team, who commended the couple’s unique sense of style and coordination.
For Ndlovu, who is a professional fashion designer based in Ludzeludze, creating show-stopping looks is part of her everyday life—but designing for herself isn’t always the priority. “As designers, we’re always the last to put together our own outfits for events,” she laughed. “It actually took me two hours to create my outfit.”
She revealed that her fabric was sourced from Shein, and while she made her full ensemble, she also designed the top for her partner, with the pants purchased elsewhere. If clients wanted similar designs, she estimated pricing at E1 200 for a full outfit and E350 for a men’s top.
Ndlovu’s fashion journey began in 2008 when she was first hired as a machinist, and by 2015, she had earned a promotion. In 2016, she took the leap and officially launched her own business.
Now a full-time mother of four and a designer, she juggles both roles passionately—working from home while raising her children without a nanny. “I’m a mother 24/7, and that’s what takes up most of my time, aside from work. But I’m now considering getting a bigger space for the business,” she shared.
Her client base has grown beyond borders, with customers from Taiwan, Botswana, and South Africa finding her through social media. “I’m so thankful to the Makoti Festival team for hosting such a beautiful show. This was my second time attending—the first was last year—and I loved every minute.”
She extended her heartfelt gratitude to her clients, followers, and supporters who voted for her and her partner, saying, “It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”
Incredibly, this isn’t their first title together—the couple also won Couple of the Year at the Jumbo Festival in 2024.
As Ndlovu continues to build her brand and share her creativity with the world, one thing’s clear—she’s not just designing outfits, she’s designing memories, milestones, and moments that matter.
Follow her journey on: Facebook & Instagram @NellyLujuDesigns or by contacting her on 7663 1012.
