HARARE - The first Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) was launched this week at a low key event at Harry Margolis Hall. It was not the huge flight into fashion that the industry had hoped for- but it was a flight into fashion nonetheless. We could write about all the things that could have been done better with the organisation of this event, and one day we will, because constructive feedback is important for all involved. We could bitch about how this was wrong, how that was missing and how ZFW founder and director Priscilla Chigariro and her team could have, should have, would have – but not for now.
Today we will focus on how after all the false starts, the lost faith, shortcomings, pull outs by international designers, inadequate sponsorship, last minute change of venue from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe to Harry Margolis Hall, Zimbabwe Fashion Week kicked off and showcased the amazing work of UK-based Zimbabwean designer, Chipo Sibotshiwe, who trades under the label Chipo Bespoke.
Chipo, who has been in the UK for seven years now, specialises in African-inspired clothing with a focus on evening wear, bridal outfits and clothing for special occasions. She designed Vanessa Sibandas traditional outfit for the Miss World Pageant held in South Africa last year.
She told The Zimbo Jam that the collection she presented for Fashion Week was inspired by African aesthetics. I try to create a fusion between Africa and the European, she said and went on to say that she was honoured to be able to present her work at the first ever Zimbabwe Fashion Week. Its like a long lost dream that has been found that I am a part of Zimbabwe Fashion Week, she added as the models who had done such justice in showcasing her outfits waved goodbye and blew kisses at her.
Just over 40 people attended the event, where there was seating for about 200. However, according to Ezekiel Mutasa, a Zimbabwean photographer who has done international fashion work, the success of a fashion show needs to be measured by how many deals are signed between designers and buyers and not be number of people who attend.
Ok. It would have been great though to have a full house.
Other designers featured this week included Yemurai Mupinyuri, Shelter Matsa, Yvonne Watadza, Ashley Nyagumbo, Briaton Takundwa, Chris Goredema, Terrence Chipembere, Trish Carmen, Alice Knuth, Joyce Chimanye and ZFW Director, Pricsilla Chigariro herself.
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