By Phumzile Ndlovu
MALKERNS – Designers, get ready: Luju Runway calls you!
It’s that time of year again — and Eswatini’s most stylish celebration is calling all bold designers to the runway. Luju proudly announces the return of the Fashion Designer Programme, now in its second edition—and applications are officially open!
The announcement was of applications opening was announced over the weekend on the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle page.
To apply: https://bit.ly/LujuFashionDesignerCallOut
The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival is back for its 7th edition of #EatSwayLove from Friday, 1st to Saturday, 2nd August 2025 at the iconic House On Fire in Malkerns.
Luju 2025 promises another unforgettable weekend of Pan-African music, cutting-edge fashion, culinary artistry, and creative expression that celebrates the richness and sophistication of African culture. As one of Southern Africa’s premier food and fashion events, the festival continues to grow in global reach and creative impact.
In 2024, over 10,000 attendees from 23 countries flocked to Luju to enjoy 47 live acts on five stages, six culinary showcases, and a show-stopping fashion show featuring designers from Eswatini, South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.
This is not just a fashion show—it’s a career-shaping platform. Selected designers will receive:
Mentorship from industry leaders like ZYLE Clothing
Regional media exposure
Creative direction and styling support
Runway showcase opportunities at Luju 2025
Last year’s standout showcase by Alvah, titled “Imprint Africa in Corporate”, redefined African fashion in the workplace—proving that prints, power, and professionalism can coexist beautifully. It was a moment that showed just how far Eswatini’s creative talent can go.
Behind the 2024 runway magic was a powerhouse team:
Creative Direction: Philippa Thorne
Stylists: Vanessa Gwebu & SASA LU
Mentorship: ZYLE Clothing
Hair Styling: Perfect Choice Africa
Hair Extensions: LUSH HAIR
Makeup Artistry: Lolo Shongwe
Festivalgoers can look forward to:
Culinary demos by celebrity chefs
Wine and whiskey tastings led by connoisseurs
A world-class fashion showcase
Live performances from some of Africa’s finest music acts
#EatSwayLove | #SBLujuFestival2025 | #LujuFashionProgramCallout
(Pics By: Luju Festival)
