By Lungile Lulane | 2018-03-18

The Kingdom of Swaziland’s largest cultural celebration has influenced the world in means of fashion and lifestyle.

The Kingdom is known for its utmost respect for tradition and practices. It’s safe to say we are doing a great job, hitting the world by storm in runways around the world.

The sidvwashi,  seen at London fashion week has a distinctive stiffness and smell after washing to leave behind a soft cotton fabric, it creates  distinctively intricate and beautiful panels in their designs. 

Students spend a lot of time talking about sewing techniques or tips, often bypassing the history behind the fabric. International students from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology added skills that include modifying the way that the cloth is traditionally worn by creating a modern twist to craft.

“Limkokwing University has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent and I definitely believe that it can take me further, compared to other local universities. The most important thing that I learn here is to always be myself and I’m positive that someday, I’ll be one of the best fashion designers around,” said Nikwani Nicky Shongwe, a fashion student studying fashion design.

Learning all about the fabrics from all around the world has helped me be more accepting to diversity, it has also created more curiosity to explore even further. Leading to global awareness, Limkokwing students have recognised the difference and commonalities among people from which they begin to understand each other.

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Worldwide made its third appearance at London Fashion Week (LFW) on February 18, as the only Asian and African educator in the world invited to showcase on such a prestigious platform.

Diverse

The University worked tirelessly with its most outstanding students under the school of fashion, to produce diverse world-class designs at the elegant Freemason’s Hall in London.

The group of student designers found inspiration for this global collection through a creative journey carried out in places such as Iran, India, China, Swaziland, The Maldives, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kenya and Botswana.

“This is not the first time our Swazi Tarditinal attire is seen in the heart of London as it has become a tradition. As swazi’s we are very proud and greatful that we get to show the world our pride and joy, said HRH Prince Mavela.

“I don’t know how to start to describe how much I like being part of such a diverse university; it’s such a refreshing feeling to be able to go to your classes and not only learn new things about your course work but also learn about other cultures at the same time.

“I feel blessed because as a student ambassador I can connect and make friends from literally all over the world. It is such a great thing to be able to look at our different backgrounds and yet still we are able to get along. We are different yet we somehow we manage to go through similar experiences.

“You may ask me what makes Limkokwing University so special. Limkokwing gives us the platform to embrace our culture and not shy away from it. I will forever be thankful because Limkokwing gave me new family members from all the corners of the world,” Setso kghatse, Fashion Student from Botswana.

The show had bold yet very wearable pieces featuring a mixture of fabrics and modernised techniques from the Kingdom.

The Faculty of Fashion and Lifestyle Creativity at Limkokwing University is amongst the most dynamic places to train for a career in the international fashion industry worth billions of dollars worldwide.  It provides certificate programmes and a Diploma in Lifestyle Design, focusing on hair and make-up, as well as a Bachelors of Arts (Hons) in Fashion and Retail Design and a Diploma in Fashion and Retail Design. For more information visit: limkokwing.net.

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