One of the standout moments of this year’s UMUZI Festival was a fashion show featuring work from three incredibly talented designers in our community—including Sibongo Ndzinisa ’23 from Eswatini, a current Year 2 student. Sibongo debuted his collection, “Gcoka; Wear It, We’re Ready to See It,” showcasing his own modern take on kimonos.
The word “kimono” means “something to wear.” Though the garment has its roots in Asian culture, it has evolved over time and become part of global fashion trends. For Sibongo, the kimono is more than just a garment—it’s a canvas for self-expression, identity, and freedom.
His collection is all about just that: identity, self-expression, and freedom. The designs are simple but meaningful. They remind us that you don’t need to wear something flashy to be seen. Who you are is already enough.
“You don’t need extravagant embellishments to make a statement,” Sibongo says. “Your identity, in its purest form, is already elegant.”
With Gcoka, Sibongo encourages us to wear our identity proudly. To be confident. To be real. Because the world is ready to see the true you.
Relive the Fashion Show from UMUZI 2025 below!
