Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
Bulawayo fashion designers Sibusisiwe Falala of Isigqoko Empire/SLF Apparels and Langelihle Ndlovu of GkLAN Designs have returned from their debut appearance at the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) with lessons in craftsmanship, storytelling, collaboration and the commercial opportunities of taking Zimbabwean fashion beyond its borders.
The two were among over 85 designers who showcased at the 15th edition of the DFF, hosted by eThekwini Municipality from September 16 to 18 at the Durban Exhibition Centre under the theme “Where Legacy Lives”.
The event featured 20 emerging designers from the DFF Class of 2026 and attracted participants from Zimbabwe, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia and Seychelles.
The fair also strengthened the longstanding creative partnership between Bulawayo and eThekwini Municipality, which has enabled local designers to participate in the event over the years.
For Ndlovu, the fair demonstrated how African heritage can be transformed into contemporary fashion while remaining commercially relevant.
“At Durban Fashion Fair, I learnt that cultural heritage can be translated into fashion that is both meaningful and commercially relevant.
“Seeing designers from across Africa interpret their heritage in contemporary ways showed me that our stories can connect beyond our borders,” she said.
Ndlovu said the experience had encouraged GkLAN Designs to place greater emphasis on storytelling, quality construction and brand identity.
“Moving forward, GKLAN will continue to draw from Zimbabwean heritage and everyday African life, while developing contemporary, timeless pieces that can speak to both local and international audiences,” she said.
Previous participants including Sidumiso Tshuma, who won the Best African Menswear Award in 2016, as well as Saneliso Mpofu and Yolanda Ngwenya, also graced the event, something Which Ndlovu said inspired young designers to follow in their footstep.
“Knowing that designers from Bulawayo have gone before me and built a presence on regional platforms reminded me that I am carrying a story bigger than myself,” she said.
“I also want to improve how I present a collection on the runway – from styling and model movement to creating a clear story that connects every garment,” she said.
Falala, founder and creative director of SLF Apparels, described her first DFF appearance as both exciting and humbling.
A qualified teacher who moved into fashion design, Falala officially launched SLF Apparels in 2024 after initially running it as a side hustle from 2019.
“As a first-time participant, taking my collection from Bulawayo to such a major regional platform was both exciting and humbling.
“It felt like stepping into a bigger conversation about African fashion, where diverse voices and aesthetics meet,” she said.
Falala said the experience taught her to adapt her presentation for wider audiences without compromising her identity.
“I learned that fashion is not just about garments, but about storytelling that connects cultures,” she said.
Falala was also impressed by the fair’s emphasis on mentorship and networking, saying similar initiatives could help strengthen Bulawayo’s fashion sector through structured mentorship, regular showcases and stronger links to local and international markets.
The event also provided exposure to the commercial side of the industry, with retailers including Edgars, Kangol, Mr Price and The Hub represented.
EThekwini Chairperson for Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said more than 375 fashion designers and 325 models had been trained through the municipality’s fashion development programme over 14 years.
For Ndlovu, building industry relationships was one of the key lessons.
“For GKLAN, the biggest takeaway was understanding that to scale across Southern Africa, I need to build strong industry relationships while consistently producing garments at an international standard,” she said.
Falala said collaboration was equally important.
“One of the biggest lessons I’m bringing back is the power of collaboration – how designers, stylists, photographers, event organisers and even the local government work together to elevate the entire industry,” she said.
She said SLF Apparels would now focus more on collaboration, branding and positioning for export markets.
“It’s no longer just about creating beautiful garments, it’s about building systems and partnerships that allow the brand to thrive regionally and globally,” Falala said.
The designers have returned to Bulawayo with the task of turning their DFF exposure, lessons and new industry connections into sustainable opportunities for their brands.
