POLOKWANE – Sharon Maswanganyi almost brought Durban to a halt with her modern xibelani (pronounced shibelani) skirt.
In a look which paid homage to the culture of Vatsonga, she looked flawless at the African Tourism Indaba by bringing together tradition and adding a modern touch to complete the look. She wore a cloth xibelani skirt.
“It was the first time I wore a xibelani in my life and it was a coincidence that I wore it here at the indaba, where we were celebrating culture and tradition. I have received an amazing response and people were giving me second glances when I passed by. I was interviewed for LesothoTV and the presenter was taken by the look,” she said. As if the heavens wanted to demonstrate what she was saying, somebody approached her and asked to take a photo with her, one of many who wanted to.
She wore a black xibelani which she matched up with a sophisticated, yet trendy top decorated with pearls.
“The xibelani and top tie together because of the colours. I chose black as it’s dignified and different from the other bright colours we have come to associate xibelani and Xitsonga with. I didn’t want to stand out too much and bring too much attention on myself,” she added. She matched up the look with white converse sneakers which are great for comfort, especially for occasions like the indaba.
She accessorised with beadwork and a hat in the bright and bold colours the Xitsonga culture is known for.
“I chose a hat because I don’t know how to wrap a doek (headwrap). It worked perfectly because it’s colour blocking, the bright colours represent Xitsonga.” She completed the look with a white nceka (ncheka) cloth which she draped over her shoulder.
