School ‘fashion kid’-turned-designer launches limited collection with leading clothing retail store
Lorde Ndlumbini, a 23-year-old designer hailing from Khayelitsha, has launched a commercial collection with Pick n Pay Clothing under his label, House of Lordes.
Ndlumbini's journey started in high school as he sought to express his individuality through fashion, and now his work has reached a wider audience through this significant collaboration.
Ndlumbini’s passion for fashion was ignited by his mother, whose keen eye for style instilled in him the importance of dressing well. “I was really into video games as escapism when I was around 13,” he recalled.
“My mother taught me the importance of individuality and self-expression through clothing,” he shared.
It was around this time that he began experimenting with different bold, eye-catching outfits, leading to a newfound confidence.
At school, he quickly became known as the “fashion kid,” drawing attention not for academics or sports, but for his unique style. “That piqued my interest in learning more about fashion,” he said.
The House of Lordes brand was born from a shared dream among high school friends who invited Ndlumbini to join them. Leveraging his social media presence, they decided to use his name for the brand.
However, as his friends parted with the brand, he was left with his committed partner, Bruce Carter. In 2020, the duo fully dedicated themselves to growing the brand.
Ndlumbini then enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Garment Technology (FIGT) but was forced to drop out due to financial constraints.
Refusing to let that deter him, he used the pandemic to focus entirely on building House of Lordes.
The brand quickly gained traction and became known for its tailored suits, bespoke matric dance dresses, and distinctive streetwear that’s designed to make customers feel like “Lordes.”
Ndlumbini’s journey took another interesting turn when he joined Pick n Pay Clothing’s Futurewear programme, which aims to mentor emerging designers.
“As a fashion school dropout, I felt there were gaps in my knowledge. The Futurewear programme has been instrumental in filling in those missing pieces,” he explains.
The House of Lordes commercial collection with Pick n Pay Clothing, titled Umoya Wamanzi, is a striking blend of his streetwear roots with accessible, everyday fashion.
Inspired by Xhosa folklore, particularly the mythical uMamlambo (a mermaid-like figure), the collection draws on Ndlumbini’s cultural heritage.
Using intricate and reimagined Xhosa patterns and a rich palette of blues and whites, each piece evokes the spiritual essence of water. “When people see the collection, I hope they feel the heritage we’ve poured into each piece,” says Ndlumbini.
The Umoya Wamanzi collection includes elegant dresses, playful skirts, and chic playsuits, all designed with environmental consciousness and sustainability in mind.
Reflecting on his experience in the Futurewear programme, Ndlumbini makes mention of the insight and mentorship he gained, “I’ve grown not only as a designer but also as a business owner.”
He aims to continue expanding House of Lordes while working closely with industry veterans like Futurewear co-founder Gavin Rajah to enhance his craft further.
Hazel Pillay, Executive of Pick n Pay Clothing, highlights the transformative impact of the programme, saying the best part is witnessing the designers evolve during the experience. “Lorde’s story of using clothing to give him confidence and help build his identity is one that many can identify with,” she states.
The HouseOfLordes x Pick n Pay Clothing 'Umoya Wamanzi' collection launched in 40 stores nationwide, on Wednesday.
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