Malondié Spring/Summer 2025: “We Are Fruits of Where We Come From”

At the heart of Malondié’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection lies a joyful ode to heritage, vibrancy, and the beauty of the season of Summer. Inspired by the artistry of the isigege, the traditional Zulu maiden skirt, creative director and founder, Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba reimagines cultural symbolism through contemporary silhouettes that speak to both the past and the future but in a fun way. "This show is a love letter to our roots, with a collection that draws inspiration from the iconic ‘isigege,’ the traditional Zulu maiden skirt. As a young Zulu girl, the ‘isigege’ was an essential part of my attire for traditional celebrations, and it remains a powerful symbol of our cultural identity," Malondié said.

The collection unfolded in four chapters, each telling a different story. It opened with Summer Blocks, where bold blocks of color created sharp, confident silhouettes. Then came the Fruits Collection, a playful celebration of florals and fruity prints that brought a sense of joy and lightness to the runway. The mood shifted with Quiet Luxury, featuring crisp whites and earthy safari tones that embodied understated elegance. Finally, Pink Safari closed the show with a softer, feminine take on safari style, blending adventure with romantic touches in dusty pinks and muted hues.

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The palette was nothing short of delicious. Bright-tomato red, white and a branded pattern made up of burgundy, citrus-toned orange, and a fresh teal-turquoise, layered with accents of soft yellow and coral dominate the collection, along with fun fruit prints on every other garment; peaches, grapes, bananas. Together, these shades and patterns conjure up the feeling of a fruit basket in midsummer, all bright, ripe, and irresistible. On the runway, the colours brought a lively and delectable vibe that made each piece feel like a celebration of abundance, of fruitfulness.

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Texture played a central role in this collection. Fringe detailing swayed in long, playful strips or clustered into rhythmic layers. This was present in many of the looks and it emulated the fluid movement of the isigege. The effect was fluid and it turned every step that the models took into a dance. From structured tops paired with fringed minis to cropped jackets, flowy dresses, bold co-ords, the signature Malondié swimsuits, kimonos, jumpsuits, each design pulses with personality in its own very special way.

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Malondié has always been committed to designing beyond trends and time. In her work, she envisions women of every shape and size wearing garments that empower and embrace them. This ethos continues in Spring/Summer 2025, where inclusivity is woven not only into the very narrative of the collection that sees heritage as something expansive and evolving, never fixed.

The Malondié Spring/Summer 2025 collection wasn’t just about clothes—it was also about skin that glows with confidence. Partnering with Vaseline Cera-Glow, the brand wove skincare into the fashion narrative, making radiant, healthy-looking skin a core part of the runway aesthetic. Models walked with luminous complexions that highlighted the vibrancy of the designs, reinforcing the idea that style begins with self-care. The collaboration blurred the line between beauty and fashion, showing how both work together to create a complete expression of confidence and heritage.

“Vaseline Cera-Glow stands at the intersection of beauty and care. It is not just about aesthetics; it is about empowerment. Glowing skin is the foundation of confidence and self-expression, much like fashion. As such, collaborating with a visionary like Londeka and a brand like Malondié, rooted in culture and bold creativity, reflects the future of beauty: intentional, authentic, and empowering.” Anele Maphanga, head of PR for Beauty at Unilever SA said.

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Originally planned as 60 looks, the collection grew into 70, which seems to be a testament to the creative momentum that powered this showcase. Every look of the collection feels nostalgic and familiar but still very much new, like a nod to tradition, yet styled for your next Summer party/event.

With the words “We Are Fruits of Where We Come From”, Malondié delivered a vibrant tribute to cultural roots while boldly charting a course forward into the December season. The result is a collection that’s both striking to look at and also deeply nourishing in what it represents: heritage, abundance and joy.