This appointment comes as the fashion institution is gearing towards the launch of its 2024 campaign at its annual FS Fashion Week Women's Month Business Breakfast. 

The breakfast is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 24 August at the Bloemfontein City Hall. 

"I am so thrilled to join the Free State Fashion Week movement, I say 'movement' because this institution has various facets that push fashion forward in the industry and also as a culture, over and above giving a much-needed platform to talented designers in the Free State," says Lindazwe. 

"My favourite initiative by this movement is the Free State Fashion school, which houses young, aspirant fashion designers who eventually graduate to become household names in the fashion industry and also showcase on our runway. This is exciting for me because I am quite passionate about using my creativity to empower others," adds Lindazwe. 

'Nkox', as he is known in the Free State, has a demonstrated history of working within the creative sector, having started his career as a radio broadcaster on campus radio stations Kovsie FM and CUT FM. He spent over 10 years as a radio jock and a broadcast trainer on both stations, respectively, according to the fashion week.

Nkox was the youngest ever appointed station manager at Kovsie FM, then subsequently pioneered what is now known as local visual media in Bloemfontein when he co-founded an online media platform called Central Vibe. In 2019, Lindazwe co-founded a nationwide career guidance magazine called Careers Magazine and became GM of the magazine for three years.

Lindazwe's extensive experience on this platform and passion for empowering others later led him to establish and creatively direct his own music festival (Sunset Groove), which was the first platform to bring MacG's Podcast and Chill podcast to Bloemfontein, says the fashion week. 

Candy Smith, CEO and founder of the Free State Fashion Week, says, "We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Lindazwe as the new creative director of Free State Fashion Week. Lindazwe brings a wealth of creativity, vision and industry experience that aligns perfectly with our mission to celebrate and elevate fashion in the Free State."

"Lindazwe's innovative approach and dedication to pushing the boundaries of fashion will undoubtedly inspire our designers, model and audiences alike. As we continue to grow and evolve, his leadership will be instrumental in driving forward our commitment to showcasing the diverse and dynamic talent within our community," adds Smith. 

The fashion week concludes that the 2024 Free State Fashion Week dates and themes will be announced at its annual Women’s Month Business Breakfast event.

For more information, visit www.freestatefashionweek.co.za. You can also follow the 2024 Free State Fashion Week on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor