BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MBABANE – Applications for the third edition of the Fashion Designer Programme at the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival are now officially open, offering emerging designers in Eswatini a platform to showcase their creativity on a national and regional stage.
Announced by Standard Bank Eswatini, the programme invites aspiring fashion creatives to apply for an opportunity that goes beyond the runway. The initiative is part of the upcoming Luju Festival, set to take place on 1–2 August 2026, and aims to nurture local talent while elevating African fashion narratives.
According to organisers, the programme will provide selected designers with mentorship, industry exposure, and access to experts in the fashion and creative sectors. Participants will also gain media visibility and the chance to present a curated collection that reflects bold, authentic African storytelling.
The call is open to rising designers across Eswatini who are eager to grow their brands and break into competitive markets. Interested applicants are required to submit their entries through the official online platform, with organisers encouraging early applications due to expected high demand.
Event organisers highlighted that the programme is designed not only to spotlight talent but also to equip designers with practical skills and networks needed to sustain careers in the fashion industry. “This is more than a runway moment; it is about building a future for African fashion,” the statement reads.
The Luju Festival, widely recognised for celebrating food, fashion, music, and lifestyle, continues to position itself as a key cultural event in the region. By investing in local creatives, it reinforces its mission of promoting innovation and cultural expression.
Aspiring designers have been urged to seize the opportunity and bring forward collections that capture the essence of African identity with originality and purpose.
Applications are currently open, with further details available on the festival’s official platforms.
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