BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE — Uncle Waffles’ brand continues to attract international attention from top fashion designers. The global sensation recently received a special invitation from French designer Jacquemus to attend a fashion preview.
On Sunday, Uncle Waffles attended a fashion show hosted by Simon Porte Jacquemus, the French designer and founder of the Jacquemus fashion label, in Paris, France.
Born Lungelihle Zwane (24), she expressed her gratitude to the French designer, writing on social media, “Tnx baeeee @jacquemus, so good.” The Jacquemus brand, established in 2015, is renowned for its specialisation in bags, offering an approachable introduction to the world of high-end fashion. While maintaining its luxury status, the brand provides various options at more accessible prices. It offers clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories for women and men on its official website: Jacquemus.
This marks the second collaboration with a renowned designer for Uncle Waffles. She participated in a Louis Vuitton photo shoot in June last year after meeting Pharrell Williams, the men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s most prestigious clothing brands. The shoot, where Uncle Waffles was dressed in Louis Vuitton designs, also took place in Paris, France.
Notably, Pharrell Williams, the celebrated American singer, songwriter, record producer, rapper, and fashion designer, became Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director on February 12, 2023. His first collection debuted in June of the same year during Men’s Fashion Week.
The Eswatini-born DJ, who boasts 2.8 million Instagram followers, is also a record producer in South Africa. According to her official profiles, Waffles has received recognition from prestigious outlets such as Rolling Stone, Forbes, CNN, Variety, The New York Times, and Complex UK for her remarkable accomplishments throughout 2023. These include the release of her “Solace” and “Asylum” Extended Play (EP) albums, performances at Coachella, and sold-out shows in New York.
Renowned for her work in the Amapiano genre and her captivating dance abilities, Billboard has dubbed her the “Princess of Amapiano.” Her debut single, “Tanzania,” reached number one and went platinum in South Africa. She has also caught the attention of global icons, including Canadian rapper Drake.