Popular South African actress Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa has made waves once again with the release of her second collection under her fashion brand, Essie Apparel. While Mlotshwa debuted her first collection in 2023, she had actually founded her brand back in 2019.
Her journey into fashion began with the release of her first Autumn/Winter collection during the 2020 South African Fashion Week.
Since then, she has established herself as a noteworthy fashion designer, having released at least four collections to date.
Her latest collection was showcased at the prestigious 2025 South African Fashion Week, held at Melrose Arch, where she was given the honor of closing the event.
The collection, which featured 12 unique looks, included pairs of designs that shared similar patterns and colors but were distinct in their cuts and styles.
This showcased Mlotshwa’s ability to bring versatility and creativity to her work, blending consistency in theme with innovation in design. The collection was received with much praise, further cementing her place in the South African fashion industry.
After the show, Mlotshwa spoke with fashion broadcaster Neo Ndemande about her latest collection. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to close the fashion week, calling it a significant moment in her career.
When asked about current trends in women’s fashion, Mlotshwa highlighted the playful and rule-breaking nature of contemporary fashion, emphasizing the freedom that designers and women have to experiment with different styles.
She explained that stepping away from her usual approach, she experimented with color and fabrics, particularly denim, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with the material.
Mlotshwa also shared her experience working with denim for her finale piece, stating that she had initially planned a denim finale dress but decided to change her mind last minute.
She expressed her excitement about how women’s fashion can range from simple and chic to bold and daring, a sentiment that was reflected in her collection.
This exploration of the spectrum of fashion, from minimalism to extravagance, mirrors the versatility and creativity she brings to her designs.
Beyond her collections, Mlotshwa has made a name for herself by dressing numerous South African celebrities, including the late Connie Chiume.
Her work has become synonymous with elegance and innovation, and her ability to balance her acting career with her growing fashion empire has solidified her as a multi-talented force in South Africa’s creative industries.
