Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWEAN fashion has been on an upward trajectory lately, with Langelihle Ndlovu, the creative force behind streetwear brand GKlan, securing a coveted spot to showcase his designs at the South African Menswear Week (SAMW) Spring/Summer 2025 showcase this October from 22 to 25.
Ndlovu, hailing from the township of Nkulumane in Bulawayo, joins fellow Zimbabwean designers Mbongisani Dube and Brightman Dlamini on the prestigious Pan-African platform, marking a collective triumph for the nation’s design innovation.
Ndlovu, known for specialising in styling and streetwear design and a regular attendee at fashion events showcasing new trends, has steadily built a reputation.
His work has graced music videos and dressed prominent artistes including Asaph Afrika, Fish F Ndaramu, Msiz’kay, and Mandie Mae.
However, his journey to the SAMW stage was paved by a transformative exploration of his cultural roots.
The designer openly admitted grappling with brand identity until discovering the, “I Wear My Culture ZW” research project.
“So, I have been struggling with brand identity as a designer, and I found a poster from I wear my culture looking for designer to collaborate with,” Ndlovu explained.
I wear my is a British Council-supported research project, documentary film, and fashion initiative by Paper Bag Africa that uses fashion to document and celebrate the diverse ethnic cultures of Zimbabwe. The project explores traditional textiles, colours, and motifs from various Zimbabwean ethnic groups, with the goal of creating contemporary cultural storytelling through fashion, film, and photography.
“In this year’s instalment, I was representing the Karanga people from Masvingo and there were also other tribes and groups which were given to other designers.”
This deep dive into Karanga culture proved revelatory.
“I wear my culture taught me to be proud of who I am and where I come from. I learnt that culture can be expressed in fashion in a beautiful and creative way. I learnt that fashion is not only about clothes but about stories, identity and respect for different cultures. I learnt that tradition and modern style can work together and it shaped how I see culture because now I know we don’t have to choose between old and new – we can bring them together and create something powerful and beautiful,” Ndlovu stated.
His research unearthed specific cultural elements that ignited his creativity.
“I discovered that the Karanga people besides cloth they used animal skin for clothing and home decor. They used Ndoro as their currency to pay for things like gold, iron and animal skin.”
The resulting seven-look collection, deeply personal and resonant, earned him the SAMW selection.
“And this year’s showcase I dedicated it to my late father because my late father played a big role in shaping who I am today. Dedicating my showcase to him is a way of honouring his memory and the values he taught me like hard work, respect and staying true to myself. His support and belief in and when he wasn’t around gave me strength to push through challenges. Carrying his influence into my art keep me grounded and reminds me that my journey as a designer is also about family, love and legacy. And I had 7 looks and I got selected to showcase at the South African Menswear Week 2025 in October.”
Speaking about the immense opportunity, Ndlovu’s pride in his origins and his nation was evident.
When asked how it feels to represent Nkulumane, GKlan, and Zimbabwean innovation like his Karanga work on the SAMW stage, he responded: “It feels very special for me to be part of SAMW 2025. Coming from Nkulumane, Bulawayo, I carry my roots with me everywhere i go, and to stand on such a big Pan-African stage makes me proud, not only for myself and my brand but also for Zimbabwe. This recognition shows that our stories, our culture and our creativity have a place in the wider fashion world. My Karanga-inspired work is about connecting heritage with modern design, and being here proves that Zimbabwean fashion has something fresh and powerful to say. For me personally, it’s a sign that the hard work and vision are being seen. For Zimbabwean fashion, it’s a moment to show that we can stand alongside the best in Africa and beyond.”
Ndlovu elaborated on how the, “I Wear My Culture ZW” project specifically resolved his earlier struggle with brand identity, providing tangible examples of translating heritage into contemporary streetwear: “Before this project, I used to struggle a lot with brand identity because I wasn’t sure how to connect ma work to who I am. Doing the Karanga research really helped me. It showed me that fashion is not just about clothes, it’s about stories, pride, and carrying our roots into the future. That gave me confidence and direction. For example, with the Ndoro, I was inspired by how each piece was hand-engraved to make it unique, I translated that idea into my showcase by making sure each look in the collection felt different and had its own unique details. That’s how i fused tradition with modern streetwear in a way that finally felt true to me.”
The values instilled by his late father – hard work, respect, and authenticity – are woven into the very fabric of the collection he will present in Cape Town.
Ndlovu explained their manifestation: “My dad taught me that whatever I do, I must do it with honesty, respect, and full effort. I carried that into this collection. Every piece I made was about being true to myself, showing who I am with pride, and not trying to copy anyone else. That’s the respect part- for my roots, my people, and the craft. The hard work showed in how I researched, tested, and refined until the designs felt right.”
Beyond the design studio, Ndlovu finds grounding in hobbies like gardening and tennis, crucial for navigating the pressures of a major showcase.
“Outside fashion, things like gardening and tennis really help me. Gardening teaches me patience and care-it reminds me that growth takes time. Tennis keeps me disciplined and focused, but also gives me a break when stress is too much. Both keep me balanced so I don’t lose myself in the pressure, and i think that balance shows in the energy of my work.”
SAMW stands as Africa’s only stand-alone platform dedicated solely to the development and promotion of menswear on the continent.
Held twice yearly in Cape Town (Autumn/Winter in May, Spring/Summer in October), it provides a world-class stage for designers to present their latest collections.
Curated by industry experts, SAMW focuses on innovation, trends, production quality, and crucially, promoting designers to help grow their businesses.
Modelled on London Fashion Week Men’s, it features clean production in intimate, unique venues, ensuring the clothing remains the focus. Partnerships with entities like the City of Cape Town, Cape Town Fashion Council, and other continental fashion weeks (Swahili, Lagos, Windhoek, Accra, Durban, Africa Fashion Week London) provide designers with credible exposure and further growth opportunities.
Langelihle Ndlovu’s journey from Nkulumane to the SAMW runway in Cape Town this October speaks to the power of cultural rediscovery, dedication, and raw talent.
Alongside Dube and Dlamini, he carries the torch for Zimbabwean design, proving that authentic stories rooted in heritage resonate powerfully on the global stage.
– Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
