MBABANE – Eswatini crochet designer Seluliwe Mdluli, founder of Crochet by Selu, is celebrating a major milestone after South African actress, model and influencer Luyanda Zwane chose to wear her handmade crochet creations during a recent island getaway.
For the Mbabane-based designer, the moment was more than just a celebrity endorsement. It was a testament to years of dedication, creativity and perseverance that began during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Mdluli revealed that Luyanda personally contacted her via WhatsApp requesting two custom-made vacation dresses.
“Luyanda told me she was travelling to an island, so I wanted to create something that suited that setting while still making a statement,” she said. “I drew inspiration from the relaxed tropical atmosphere and combined it with my signature crochet style to create a piece that felt effortless, elegant and unique.”
She admitted that she initially struggled to believe the message was genuine.
“At first it actually took me a while to realise it was really her because I never expected to receive an order from a South African celebrity, let alone Luyanda Zwane. When it finally sank in, I was so excited but I had to keep things professional,” she said.
The experience became even more memorable after Zwane shared photos wearing the dresses and tagged Crochet by Selu on her Instagram Stories.
“Seeing her wear my designs was an incredibly emotional moment. What made the experience even more special was that she paid for everything just like any other client. That speaks volumes about how humble and respectful she is. It was truly a proud moment for me, my brand and a reminder that hard work can open doors you never imagined,” Mdluli said.
She believes the recognition extends beyond her own brand, shining a spotlight on Eswatini’s growing fashion industry.
“It means a lot because it shows that the talent coming out of Eswatini can compete on bigger platforms. It is not just a win for Crochet by Selu. It is a reminder that our local creatives have world-class talent. I hope moments like this encourage more people to look towards Eswatini for fashion creativity and innovation,” she said.
Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Crochet by Selu grew from a personal passion into a thriving fashion brand. Mdluli taught herself the art of crochet through online tutorials, YouTube videos and continuous practice. What began with a simple handmade scarf has since evolved into intricate luxury crochet garments that celebrate individuality and craftsmanship.
Today, she not only creates bespoke crochet pieces but also teaches others the craft, passing on the skills she developed through years of self-learning.
She describes every Crochet by Selu garment as a unique piece of wearable art.
“Every Crochet by Selu piece tells a story. Because each garment is handmade, no two pieces are exactly the same, which makes every design unique. Crochet allows me to push creative boundaries, experiment with different textures and silhouettes, and create clothing that helps people express their individuality. Through my work I want to show that handmade fashion is not only beautiful but also timeless, intentional and worthy of being celebrated,” she said.
Looking ahead, Mdluli hopes this latest achievement will open even greater opportunities for her brand.
“This recognition is a milestone that motivates me to dream even bigger. It reassures me that the work I am doing is reaching people beyond our borders. My goal is to see Crochet by Selu showcased on international runways, worn by more influential personalities and recognised as a global luxury crochet brand while continuing to represent Eswatini with pride,” she said.
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