WALTER SISULU STUDENT WINS SA FASHION WEEK STUDENT COMPETITION

Third-year Fashion and Textile student at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, Lukhanyo Kilivile, has emerged as the winner of the South African Fashion Week (SAFW) Student Competition with his sculptural garment, Suspended Heart.

Kilivile was among students from South African institutions who showcased their designs at SAFW in Hyde Park from 20 to 25 October 2026.

“I am incredibly excited to have my work recognised by SAFW. I am grateful for the recognition and proud to have my work acknowledged on such an important platform,” Kilivile said.

Inspired by the delicate form of the bleeding heart flower, Kilivile transformed a simple white shirt into a sculptural garment featuring curved panels, an open centre and suspended pink details.

For the Lusikisiki-born designer, the inspiration was deeply personal as the bleeding heart flower was his late brother’s favourite, and one he had hoped to use as inspiration for other projects.

“I translated the flower's delicate structure into a garment by abstracting its heart-shaped blooms, curved forms, central openings, and hanging flowers. These features inspired the sculptural panels, open centre, and suspended pink details. Rather than copying the flower directly, I transformed its natural morphology into a new garment silhouette, balancing strong structure with delicate movement,” Kilivile explained.

Sustainability was another important consideration in the design, with Kilivile exploring zero-waste pattern making, a technique that involves planning pattern pieces to minimise fabric waste.

“I believe fashion should consider not only how a garment looks, but also how it is made, the materials used, and the amount of waste generated during production,” he said.

Now in his third year at Walter Sisulu, Kilivile credits his training with equipping him with the technical skills and creative knowledge to translate concepts into finished garments.

“My training at Walter Sisulu equipped me with the technical skills and creative knowledge needed to transform my ideas into finished garments. The support and guidance of my lecturers, together with the practical skills I developed throughout my studies, prepared me to take on the competition and bring my vision to life,” he said.

Looking ahead, Kilivile hopes to develop a distinctive design language, showcase his work nationally and internationally, and collaborate with other creatives.

To other aspiring designers, he said; “You do not need to have everything figured out from the beginning. Having the courage to put your work out there is one of the most important steps.”

By Yanga Ziwele