BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MALKERNS– Fashion will once again take centre stage at this year’s Luju Festival as award-winning South African designer Mzukisi Mbane headlines the annual Luju Fashion Runway under the theme ‘Kwasukasukela’.
The theme, inspired by the siSwati expression meaning “Once Upon a Time”, celebrates African storytelling, heritage and craftsmanship while encouraging designers to reimagine tradition through contemporary fashion. It also aligns with this year’s festival theme, ‘A Return to the African Future’, which invites creatives and festivalgoers to reconnect with African histories, symbols and cultural identity. The theme was officially unveiled by House on Fire Marketing Officer Phiwo Dlamini during the 2026 Standard Bank Luju Festival launch held at House on Fire in Malkerns last Friday.
Mbane, founder and creative director of the South African fashion brand Imprint, is recognised as one of the continent’s leading fashion designers. Recently crowned Africa Fashion Up 2026 winner and recognised as South Africa’s Best Heritage and Cultural Designer, he is renowned for blending indigenous identity, original textile innovation and contemporary African luxury.
His Afro-futuristic designs have earned international recognition, with showcases spanning from Johannesburg to Paris. His appearance at Luju is expected to be one of the highlights of the festival’s fashion programme.
Adding to the excitement, 11 talented Eswatini designers will showcase their latest collections during both the Emerging Designers Showcase and the Luju Fashion Runway. Their creations are expected to reflect a new generation of creative voices drawing inspiration from African heritage while shaping the future of fashion.
The fashion showcase continues to position Luju as one of Southern Africa’s leading platforms for fashion innovation, providing established and emerging designers with an opportunity to present their work to a diverse regional and international audience.
Festival organisers say the fashion programme remains a must-attend attraction for style enthusiasts, celebrating African creativity, culture and craftsmanship through bold, innovative designs.
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(Courtesy Pic)
