Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
BULAWAYO’S fashion story continues to reach beyond the city’s borders, with two of its designers showcasing their creativity on one of Africa’s premier fashion platforms, the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF), which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this week.
Langelihle Ndlovu of GkLAN Designs and Sibusisiwe Falala of Isigqoko Empire, trading as SLF Apparel, are representing the City of Bulawayo at the 2026 edition of the showcase, which is being held at the Durban Exhibition Centre in South Africa and concludes today.
The duo unveiled their collections yesterday, joining designers from across the continent at an event that has spent the past 15 years nurturing, mentoring and promoting fashion talent.
For Bulawayo, however, their participation represents far more than two designers stepping onto a Durban runway. It marks the latest chapter in a 12-year creative partnership between Bulawayo and the DFF, a relationship that has enabled a succession of local designers to gain exposure, build valuable networks and pursue opportunities beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
City of Bulawayo corporate communications manager Nesisa Mpofu said the local authority valued the city’s continued participation in the fashion fair.
“The City of Bulawayo is appreciative to be participating in the Durban Fashion Fair 2026.
The City is represented by Langelihle Ndlovu (GkLAN Designs) and Sibusisiwe Lynette Falala (Isigqoko Empire trading as SLF Apparel),” she said.
The participation stems from the Sister City Agreement between Bulawayo and eThekwini Municipality, under which Bulawayo fashion designers have been taking part in the DFF since 2014.
The first Bulawayo contingent included Sidumiso Tshuma of Shadow by Sidumiso, Nkululeko Ncube of Rebellious Klothing and jewellery designer Sheenah Moyo of Blinq Xclusive Jewellery in 2014. The following year, Zanele Dube of Zah Designs and Saneliso Mpofu of Sanah Designs represented the city, while Tshuma returned after receiving an invitation from eThekwini Municipality following the presentation of a high-quality ready-to-wear collection.
Tshuma’s association with the DFF would prove particularly significant. Invited back in 2016, he went on to win the Best African Menswear Award, a landmark achievement for Bulawayo fashion on the Durban stage. He returned in 2017 alongside Yolanda Ngwenya of Barkhar, while Yvette Marguax Ndaba of Eve O represented the city in 2018.
Other Bulawayo designers linked to the exchange programme include Caryn Amani, born Caryn Kundai Mangena, and Ncominkosi Siyanda of Ncoma Style Lab.
According to Mpofu, designers who have previously participated in the fair have gone on to expand their careers and secure invitations to other regional and international fashion platforms.
The 2026 DFF is built around that spirit of continuity and growth. Held under the theme, “Where Legacy Lives”, the 15th anniversary edition has brought together 84 designers, blending emerging talent with established names who have previously progressed through the programme.
Zimbabwe is represented alongside Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Botswana and Seychelles, while designers from Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg also form part of the programme.
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