BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– When fashion designers come together!
The Eswatini Local Clothing Brands Association (ELCBA) has called on local fashion designers to come together and join the associations to enjoy the benefits that come with being a member.
ELCBA President Mbongeni Dlamini shared with this publication that the association was formed last year in May, and their offices are based in Manzini. When reached for comment, he said: “Forms to be part of the association are on our Facebook page, Eswatini Local Clothing Brands Association, and the joining fee is E150. The benefits of joining the association are that we can source fabric as a collective cheaper. They will also enjoy the experience of photo shoots and more.”
Dlamini went on to share that they recently went to South Africa on April 4. The ELCBA executive committee went to seek trade opportunities in South Africa, Johannesburg. One of the association’s mandates is to look for cross-country market and international recognition, and they decided to prioritise SA first to source fabric and accessories that are beyond their reach, and they want to source them from trusted sources so that production improves. The association also went to visit the Mall of Africa and Highveld Mall administration offices to further discuss stalls and the potential of having a shop there.
“We also visited the Oriental Plaza to meet suppliers and strengthen trade relationships with them. We are doing all this in preparation for the winter season. Our goal is to improve production this winter and further have a consistent source of fabric and fashion accessories,” Dlamini said.
He further said ELCBA was Eswatini’s first association for home-made fashion, and its main aim was to attract international markets and sell clothes that meet international standards. One of the goals of the association is to also get advanced fashion inventory and infrastructure to try to improve the fashion industry in Eswatini and further secure emaSwati visible market in the SADC region and beyond.
Brands that are affiliated with the association so far are: Sgonian Republik, OneEveningKagogo,Teddz Urban (current holder of the Creators Awards under the Street Wear category), Elton M. Collection, Guzzani, SNK DRP, Infinite Couture, Red Kati, Adonis, Black Degree, Bestess Designs, and Indignous Afrikana.
To get more information, you can call WhatsApp at 79598147.
Facebook page: Eswatini Local Clothing Brands Association
