“VUT’s Fashion Without Borders Exhibition celebrated creativity, sustainability, and student innovation, with winners set to showcase in Botswana in 2026.“
13 October 2025 | Story By: Tshepiso Kaibe | Picture: Peter Masela
3 minutes read time.
The evening of 19 September 2025 saw the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) transformed into a vibrant showcase of artistry and innovation as it hosted the second Fashion Without Borders (FWB) Vaal Exhibition. Building on the energy of the daytime masterclass, the exhibition shifted the focus from dialogue to design, with the runway and fine art installations taking centre stage to celebrate talent, sustainability, and creative expression.
Framed as a creative hub, the exhibition provided a platform for fashion design and fine art students to present their exclusive G20 Capsule Collections, each inspired by the global call for climate action. The collections displayed technical skill and originality, sparking critical dialogue about how fashion can serve as a catalyst for meaningful advocacy. Alongside the runway presentations, exhibition booths featured interactive installations that showcased sustainable design practices, from upcycled materials to eco-conscious production methods, underscoring the role of fashion in shaping a greener future.
The programme opened with Ms Lebo Mvulazana Nhlapo, who welcomed guests and set the tone for the evening before inviting the keynote speaker, Councillor Sipho Radebe, Executive Mayor of Emfuleni. In his address, Mr Radebe spoke candidly about the dual identity of the Vaal, too often remembered for its challenges, yet equally a community brimming with creativity and ambition. Reflecting on the history of VUT, he reminded students that their moment to make an impact had arrived: “This is an old institution, but this is your time, make the best of it.”
To drive the message home, he drew from the words of revolutionary thinker Frantz Fanon: “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it.” He urged students to rise to this challenge with courage, creativity, and conviction.
The evening also honoured excellence within the VUT community. Special recognition was given to Ms Palesa Notsi, who recently won the Miss Culture Global South Africa 2025 crown. She will represent South Africa in Liberia later this year, a testament to the global stage that VUT students can ascend when they pursue their passions with dedication.
The runway then came alive with collections from student designers and established labels. LM Fashion Powerhouse, Wendy Crochets, Prima Clothing, House of Anokha, and Va Nkwinika captivated the audience with diverse interpretations of sustainable fashion, blending cultural storytelling with contemporary design. From bold statement pieces to subtle, eco-friendly ensembles, each collection demonstrated how creativity can address urgent global issues without compromising style or identity.
Adding to the atmosphere was a powerful live performance by Lucia Jakeni, a Top 5 finalist from Idols SA Season 12, whose soulful voice kept guests engaged between runway segments. The seamless blend of fashion, fine art, and music reinforced the evening’s theme of interdisciplinary creativity.
As the exhibition drew to a close, the celebrations reached their peak. Ms Patricia Mukeba, representing Vaal Mall, presented R2 000 vouchers sponsored by Emfuleni Municipality to the evening’s winners, two outstanding designers and two top models. The honourees were Cavin Mafomo (model), Lerato Malefasti (fashion designer of LM Fashion Power House and VUT graduate), Nandi Zulu (model), and Akhona Sihlobo (designer of House of Anokha and VUT graduate). These talents will carry the VUT and Vaal creative legacy across borders when they showcase in Botswana in 2026, an opportunity made possible through Emfuleni Municipality’s partnership with FWB.
The Fashion Without Borders Vaal Exhibition proved more than a showcase; it was a statement of intent from VUT’s emerging creatives. It underscored how fashion can be a force for dialogue, sustainability, and legacy building, reminding both students and guests that the industry is not only about garments, but also about shaping culture and inspiring change. The event was also aligned with the Studentpreneur Pop-up Market 2025 gig, encouraging entrepreneurship among our students.