Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
Zimbabwean creatives based in the United Kingdom turned heads on one of Africa’s biggest luxury fashion stages after clinching the Best Dressed Woman title at the 2026 Lux Afrique Polo Day.
The winning look, a fusion of creativity, culture and sustainability, was the result of a collaboration between
Zimbabweans Sindisiwe Ndlovu, a hat designer, Pride Mnkandla, the designer behind the dress, and model Tandy Mpala, who brought the ensemble to life.
Founded by luxury entrepreneur Alexander Amosu, Lux Afrique Polo Day, held last week Saturday, was established as a platform connecting Africa with the global luxury space while challenging stereotypes and showcasing the continent’s excellence in fashion, lifestyle and creativity.
The seventh annual event celebrated a vibrant mix of African and contemporary fashion, with guests embracing bold designs, traditional fabrics and modern elegance. Designers from across the continent showcased collections that highlighted Africa’s rich cultural identity and evolving fashion landscape.
For the Zimbabwean trio, the award-winning moment began as a simple creative experiment in a living room.
Ndlovu, who does not consider herself a professional designer but enjoys creating pieces using available materials, first made the oversized hat for a cultural event last year.
Using cardboard, foam, red fabric, beads and feathers, she crafted a statement piece so large that it occupied much of the back seat of a car during transportation.
The creation caught the attention of Mpala, who admired the unique design and later transformed it further by adding more feathers, giving it a majestic finish.
Mpala, a Zimbabwean based in the UK who is passionate about promoting Zimbabwean culture and traditions, paired the striking headpiece with an elegant dress designed by Mnkandla.
The dress featured the iconic Zimbabwe Bird design, creating a powerful celebration of national heritage.
The complete ensemble earned Mpala the Best Dressed Woman award at Lux Afrique Polo Day 2026 – her second win at the prestigious event after taking the same title in 2024. She also recently received the award at Isintu Samahlabezulu in Manchester in June.
Reflecting on the achievement, Ndlovu said she never imagined her handmade creation would reach such a prestigious platform.
“I’m not a designer. I just love making things and seeing what I can create with what I have at home.
“It was a bit of a mission just getting the hat there. I never thought it would go beyond that one day,” she said.
“I was honestly shocked when I saw the photos. To see something I made from cardboard, paired with a dress celebrating our Zimbabwean heritage, win at Polo Lux Afrique is surreal. Tandy wore it like royalty. Massive congratulations to her and to our dressmaker; Zimbabwe was represented beautifully.”
Mpala said wearing the outfit gave her a sense of confidence and pride as she represented Zimbabwean culture on an international platform.
The achievement has sparked conversations around creativity, sustainable fashion and the power of African heritage in global spaces. For Ndlovu, the recognition is encouragement to continue exploring her creative abilities.
“Maybe this is the universe telling me to keep going,” she said.
“Watch this space.”
Lux Afrique Polo Day 2026 once again demonstrated that authentic storytelling through fashion, rooted in culture and innovation, can make a lasting impression on the global stage. – Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire.
