Mediocre fashion shows, fame hungry young man and woman being reffered to as ‘’models”, branding masters and overnight modelling agencies are what defines the Swazi fashion industry at present. In the midst of all this turmoil we have exceptional models, world class fashion shows and designers who meet international designs.
Imitsanyelo we Fashion Front is giving Swaziland well deserved fashion shows. The founders have given us fashion lovers and critics something to really look forward to. The whole production is outstanding.Imitsanyelo We Fashion Front gives one that Paris Fashion week or Milan fashion week front raw seat experience. I dare you not to miss The Jozi meets Swaziland Winter Fashion show in June.
The fierce Sasha Groening has given Swaziland an international standard modelling agency. The agency has casting calls with clear indications that not every Tom, Dick and Harry can be one of the agencies models. Unlike the other models where you get the directors number and instantly become a model. Face Modelling and Casting Agency has shown to understand the dynamics of the international modelling industry and the fact that quality is better than quality. The products agency is producing exceptional models such as Nandi Alexander who featured in the July 2012 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, page 35 and for the Steve Madden campaign in South Africa.
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| Model Coralee in Gazibo wear at the RVK Fashion Week |
Who can ever forget Phiwa Tshangela? Our very own Naomi Campbell. Ntshangela earned her striped when we woke up headlines of a Swazi model going to walk the ramps in Italy. Italy is a really big deal; Milan is one of the worlds fashion capitals. Extraordinary model include former Global Looks model Phumlile Mthande who has achieved in her own right global recognition. Having appeared on TLC ads as a promotional model for their wipes, South African magazines, various TV commercials and runway shows in London, she is still to date the only model who has achieved that much success outside of local boarders.
The antique JEREMPAUL and classy Elijah le’mark. Fashion houses in Swaziland by fashion designers that have creative prowess and skills at par with the likes of David Tlale.Khulekani of JEREMPAUL are our own Fashion God has taken the Swazi fashion industry to greater heights. Elijah le’mark the fashion house owned by Lihle Dlamini, a graduate of UNISWA has remained relevant and set the fashion trends. Master pieces, class and elegance are what Lihle is all about. His fashion visionary and strive for perfection always reflects in his work.
The RVK fashion week that took place at the Ditsong National Museaum for Cultural History from April 10 -12, proved that indeed there is light at the end of the tunnel. Swazi fashion house Gazibo proudly showcased at the RVK.Then we had our very own beautiful Model Coralee Vilakati open at the fashion show. Coralee is very ambitious, with a body to die for and certainly one to watch.
All those mentioned deserve a round of applause . Who are our unsung heroes or heroines of the Swazi fashion Industry? Our every own stars, all hail, we respect and honour you.
Thank you for giving us such a rich analysis of the fashion landscape in Swaziland. I believe our local media should play a centre stage in “unhiding,” promoting and advocating for the recognition our fashion heroes both by policy makers, local and the international audience. This could be achieved, amongst other measures, opening the media door to fashion columnists who, like you, can give us a continuous analysis of what Swaziland has achieved “so far,” and profiling the untapped potential of the Swazi fashion visionaries. Well done to our fashion ambassadors! You’re the new hope of the modern African art.
ReplyDeletePhiwa Tshangela my all time favorite. Beautiful inside out.Well according to me beauty and fashion without a good personality is meaningless. Thanks for the Swazi fashion insight. I think Imitsanyelo are doing a great job too, well marketed...Though it,s been a while since I personally heard from them
ReplyDeleteyah neh, you do not have to be in South Africa or the United States to showcase fashion, we have wonderful designers as you have rightly said, but with promotion local talent can not be realised, it calls for columninst like yourself to bring them out. before reading your post i did'nt have a clue about Imitsanyelo and the like. we would like to see local designs in our local shops sesidziniwe ngulabo made in USA, Made in China, please don't get me wrong i am not saying asitifuni letekuhamba but we also need our own, there is talent in this country and all that is needed is support, support, support.
ReplyDeletePhiwa Ntjangela is also my all time favorite with the legs that go on forever! The Goddess of the ramp!
ReplyDeleteThe industry needs strong and there is no better way to influencing growth than highlighting the positives.
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