A surge of new designers are bringing a youthful, fierce and more sophisticated approach to the runway and fashion. These newcomers are unapologetically stirring up the fashion industry and are bringing innovation to the spotlight.
Younger
designers are participating in the industry and are redefining identity
and trends. Zimbabweans are not just embracing continental prints and
our designers are proudly incorporating a Zimbabwean feel to their work.
Our fashion industry has seen some of the continent’s top designers featuring on it’s Runways and this year has undeniably been a year of big strides which witnessed several noteworthy events all showcasing local and regional talent with the likes of renowned designers such as Gavin Rajah, David Tlale, Thula Sindi and Mustafa Hassanali have all featured on the Zimbabwean runway.
This year we recorded the highest number of fashion events around the country. Events were popping up not just in Harare but the entire country. The well attended launch event of Matabeleland Fashion Week in Bulawayo is evidence of the budding industry and national growth.
Our fashion industry has seen some of the continent’s top designers featuring on it’s Runways and this year has undeniably been a year of big strides which witnessed several noteworthy events all showcasing local and regional talent with the likes of renowned designers such as Gavin Rajah, David Tlale, Thula Sindi and Mustafa Hassanali have all featured on the Zimbabwean runway.
This year we recorded the highest number of fashion events around the country. Events were popping up not just in Harare but the entire country. The well attended launch event of Matabeleland Fashion Week in Bulawayo is evidence of the budding industry and national growth.
Zimbabwe Fashion Week marked the start of a new era in the Zimbabwean fashion industry and was voted as one of the top five fashion events in Africa by Africa Fashion Week New York alongside Nigerian and South African counter parts.
International recognition of Zimbabwe Fashion Week is an applause-worthy achievement for an event that is 5 years old. The event has continued to grow and provided a key platform for local designers to showcase their work and to creatively create new collections that capture the local market and we have seen improvement in the quality of designs on the runway.
Zimbabwean designers have grown and Zimbabwean fashion legends such as Joyce Chimane, Colin Ratisai and Alice Knuth are some of the first legendary names of Zimbabewe fashion.
Iconic fashion house, Zuvva by Joyce Chimane offers local fashionistas the ability to explore their identities as they rock the latest trends. Joyce Chimane undoubtedly opened the door for creativity, quality and innovation in the industry. Her famous designs have been worn by local personalities, businesswoman and are known as the go-to evening label.
Colin Ratisai, the King of Avant-Garde introduced the Zimbabwean audience to a more dramatic and creative side of the industry. The playful Collin challenged fashion lovers and pushed the boundaries with his unconventional designs. Known for his fusion of local beads and natural materials which complete his unique pieces. He too, like Joyce offers Zimbabweans something new and refreshing.
Alice Knuth of Countess K is another talented Zimbabwean designer who has established herself as one of the pioneers of Zimbabwean fashion by exploring with her identity and experimented with fabrics, prints and colours.
Competitions such as FWZ’s Emerging Designers and ZFW’s Young Designers Programme have established themselves as fantastic platforms for young designers to polish their skills and master their craft. Both programmes are mentored by some of Zimbabwe’s leading fashion and design experts. Selected young and upcoming designs are given the opportunity to launch their clothing labels with a strong support system.
While we still have a few bumps to overcome, Zimbabwe is on the right path. Popular Zimbabwean designer Znzorzi adds, “If you are truly a successful designer in Africa, you pass through Zimbabwe Fashion Week”.
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