South African luxury fashion and science-backed skincare came together at Pere House in Midrand as Malondié and Vaseline Cera-Glow hosted an exclusive Spring/Summer 2026 fashion experience.
The event, Malondié SS26 brought to you by Vaseline Cera-Glow, brought together celebrities, media personalities, fashion figures and industry tastemakers for the unveiling of Malondié’s latest collection.
The collaboration placed healthy-looking, glowing skin at the centre of the fashion experience, highlighting the idea that skincare can be an important part of completing a look.
Fashion meets the glow
Hosted by award-winning media personality Pamela Mtanga, the showcase moved beyond a traditional runway presentation with Vaseline Cera-Glow positioned as the ultimate “skin stylist”.
The experience was built around the idea that healthy-looking skin complements every outfit and occasion, echoing Malondié’s “Follow The Glow” creative theme.
Inspired by the symbolism of fireflies and the belief that every woman has an inner light that guides her journey, the concept connected with Vaseline Cera-Glow’s focus on radiant, healthy-looking skin.
The collaboration also marked the close of Women’s Month and the arrival of Spring, with the event celebrating themes of rebirth, resilience, self-belief and authentic self-expression.
Gugu Gumede makes surprise runway appearance
One of the biggest moments of the afternoon came when actress Gugu Gumede was revealed as the mystery runway model.
Gumede, who is also one of Vaseline Cera-Glow’s Glow Dolls, surprised guests as she stepped onto the runway in a specially curated look.
Fresh from her international success in Netflix’s global hit The Polygamist, the actress commanded attention as she showcased confidence and grace on the runway.
Her unexpected appearance quickly became one of the standout moments of the event, generating buzz among guests and across social media.
Gumede was joined on the runway by fellow Glow Dolls Lerato Kgamanyane, Naliyani Uma, Bakang Mangoenyane and Robyn-Leigh Mentor. Their looks were personally selected by Malondié founder Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba.
Skin takes centre stage
The runway showcased Malondié’s bold and modern SS26 silhouettes alongside glazed, glowing skin aesthetics created using the Vaseline Cera-Glow range.
According to the brand, the range is powered by Pro-Ceramides, which are designed to help the skin build its own ceramides and support healthy-looking, glowing skin. It is positioned as suitable for all skin types and skin tones.
Guests were also treated to bespoke Vaseline Cera-Glow installations, interactive beauty stations focused on skin preparation and dedicated spaces for glow-focused content creation.
The fashion experience was accompanied by live performances from South African talent, including DJ Mbali Nkosi and Londie London.
A new approach to fashion experiences
For Malondié, the collaboration represented an opportunity to explore the relationship between fashion, beauty and confidence while showcasing its latest collection.
“The Malondié x Vaseline Cera-Glow Fashion Experience exceeded every expectation, proving that fashion and skin care are deeply linked,” said Londeka Buthelezi-Ndaba, founder of Malondié.
“Showcasing our SS26 collection alongside Vaseline Cera-Glow allowed us to usher in a new era for South African style; one where confidence, elegance, and healthy glowing skin take centre stage. Seeing our designs brought to life on a runway fuelled by self-expression was truly remarkable.”
Boipelo Mekgwe, Demand Creation Lead for Vaseline Cera-Glow, said the partnership demonstrated the brand’s vision of skincare as part of the complete fashion and beauty experience.
“Partnering with Malondié has perfectly illustrated our vision of skin as the foundation of every great look,” said Mekgwe.
“As the ultimate skin stylist, Vaseline Cera-Glow believes that healthy-looking skin plays an important role in how women express themselves and show up confidently every day.”
She added that the collaboration brought fashion, self-expression and skincare together in an authentic way.
“As we step into Spring and conclude Women’s Month, we celebrate the resilience, confidence and individuality of women who continue to step into their light and embrace their glow.”
The collaboration ultimately presented the Malondié SS26 collection as more than a traditional fashion reveal, combining South African design, beauty, music and self-expression in a showcase built around the idea of following one’s glow.
