The Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) recently hosted its much-anticipated annual fashion show and runway event, presenting a dynamic showcase of cutting-edge designs by students from the Diploma in Apparel and Design and the Bachelor of Arts in Retailing programmes.
The event not only celebrated emerging talent but also reaffirmed LUCT’s commitment to nurturing job creators in an increasingly competitive and evolving global economy.
In his closing remarks, Lelingoana Lerotholi, Director of Academic Management at LUCT, underscored the university’s distinctive curriculum, which is built on three foundational pillars: creativity and innovation, technology, and industry relevance.
Lerotholi highlighted LUCT’s hands-on, industry-aligned teaching approach, which is designed to empower graduates to create employment opportunities, an essential priority in today’s challenging job market.
“We no longer produce students to go up and down looking for jobs, you must create a job,” stated Lerotholi, highlighting a transformative shift in the institution’s educational philosophy.
He explained that this mindset is integrated across all academic disciplines, aligning LUCT with global trends in higher education that emphasise entrepreneurial thinking and self-reliance.
Lerotholi expressed pride in the “amazing talent” cultivated within the university, describing the fashion show as a compelling reflection of LUCT’s continued relevance and growth. He noted that despite early skepticism about the university’s future, it has not only endured but continues to thrive.
“Just under 16 years ago, many in the broader social system didn’t believe we would make it this far,” he recalled. “But we are still here, and not just surviving, but growing stronger.”
The event also featured an inspiring address by Katiso Joachim Tsholo, founder of the fashion label Joachim Garments, who shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey.
Tsholo, a proud LUCT alumnus, shared his inspiring journey from a passionate student to the founder of a successful fashion brand. He emphasised the importance of cultural heritage in contemporary design.
“African fashion is the future of fashion,” Tsholo declared, urging the emerging designers to weave Lesotho’s rich cultural identity into their creations. He acknowledged the challenges of the fashion industry, highlighting the sacrifices involved but stressing that dedication to craftsmanship and garment construction is non-negotiable.
“Make sure that the craftsmanship of the garment is on point,” he advised, cautioning against the temptations of fast fashion. Instead, he advocated for pieces that not only look visually striking but also make the wearer “feel special.”
The show concluded with the announcement of awards by Judge Reitumetse Mphunyane. The standout designers recognised for their exceptional work were:
- Limpho Phomane – Most Promising Award
- Khothatso Phala – Best Presentation
- Thato Phoofolo – Best Unique
- Motselisi Maputle – Most Creative
- Sebabatso Makhoana – Best Range
Ntsoaki Motaung is an award-winning health journalist from Lesotho, specializing in community health stories with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as HIV. She has contributed to platforms like “Be in the KNOW,” highlighting issues such as the exclusion of people with disabilities from HIV prevention efforts in Lesotho.
In addition to her journalism, Ntsoaki serves as the Country Coordinator for the Regional Media Action Plan Support Network (REMAPSEN). She is also a 2023 CPHIA Journalism Fellow.
