BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Inspired by Uncle Waffles’ taste in fashion and motivated by her mother, Thembisile Ngwenya, meet Temalangeni Dlamini.
She hails from the tiny town of Lushikishini Emashayineni in Mankayane. Dlamini (22) had a big moment at the recent Phakama Festival which was held in Mbombela where she showcased her designs. She studied Fashion Design for two years at Ngwane Park Tvet College.
She is appealing for sponsors to help her purchase equipment to make more fashion statements.
We had trekked her down to tell us more about her milestone in her young career. This is what she had to say;
YOU RECENTLY SHOWCASED YOUR DESIGNS AT THE PHAKAMA FESTIVAL HELD TWO WEEKS AGO, TELL US MORE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE.
“It was my first time to have a show outside the country, and I enjoyed the experience from the time I left the country to the time I showcased on Sunday evening. I made seven outfits.
The crowd’s reaction was astonishing when they saw my designs. Most people didn’t believe that I was the designer of such beautiful outfits because of my petite size. But overall I am truly grateful to God for allowing me to showcase on such a bigger platform. I have been receiving calls enquiring about my designs and orders. It was a beautiful experience”.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A FASHION DESIGNER?
At first I never wanted to do fashion and design, because I never took it seriously. My mom thought it was good for me to do it, so I did. I enrolled at Ngwane Park College in 2022.
It was hard for me because I did not understand anything. Through the support of my mom and my hard work I eventually learnt the ropes.
WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU DESIGNED AN OUTFIT?
I designed my own outfits for my 21st birthday 25 April last year.
WHOM WOULD YOU LIKE TO DESIGN AN OUTFIT FOR LOCALLY OR INTERNATIONALLY?
I would love to design for Uncle Waffles, since my outfits are inspired by her.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE FASHION DESIGNER?
I don’t have any favourite fashion designer. I am my own favourite fashion designer because my designs a unique and rare.
