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Trish Mukwazo
LAST Friday night, Rite Chicken restaurant transformed into a glamorous runway as aspiring models showcased stunning fashion designs from Bulawayo’s emerging fashion houses, House of Lumière and Nettie’s Boutique.
The event was the brainchild of 25-year-old Dumisani Nxumalo Mcijo, the founder of Fashion Couture, a foundation dedicated to empowering black designers, fashion businesses, models, and artists.
Born and bred in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb, Mcijo attributes his passion to his supportive parents who nurtured him throughout his journey in launching the foundation, alongside his mother who has an ache for fashion designing. With a mission to create opportunities for exposure and support, the foundation plans to provide financing options for local and international fashion businesses.
Mcijo is also the founder of Mogana Design & Tech and BOW Clothing Brand. Sponsored by Glitter Guard Security, Bonitas Events, Vivid Vinci Art, Negus Lighting, Rite Chicken Restaurant, and Mogana, the event was held under the banner of Fashion Couture.
Mcijo expressed excitement about the success of his first much-anticipated event. Inspired by the recent closure of a local fashion business, he identified the need for an organisation like Fashion Couture to provide support and resources to help businesses thrive.
“We curated a unique experience, and our sponsors will be pleased with the content we created. We’re looking forward to collaborating with prominent brands in South Africa and expanding our reach to other countries,” he said.
He said that in the next two months, he will be partnering with a well-known South African brand to host a fashion week.
Andrew Tembo, the event manager of Rite Chicken, expressed his thrill at attending a fashion show that showcased local designers, which is essential in promoting African designers and artisans. “My message to the community is that we have the skills and abilities to excel, just like our international counterparts. By supporting local artists and designers, we can uplift our nation and foster growth. As the saying goes, ‘charity begins at home,’ let’s start by supporting our neighbours and local communities before looking elsewhere. Together, we can make a positive impact and celebrate African excellence,” said Tembo.
Prudence Mtabeni, Marketing Director of House of Lumière, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase designs at the event and for connecting with like-minded individuals.
Located in Suburbs in Bulawayo at 22 Clark Road, House of Lumiere is a fashion house with a fusion of African heritage and Western spirit, founded by Kaisiwe Moyo, aiming to bridge the cultural gap between Africa and the West through fashion.
Responsible for dressing and makeup of the models, Brunette Nyathi, the founder of Nettie’s Boutique, expressed great enthusiasm about attending this African show, which marks success for the industry as they had the privilege of showcasing the brand’s design and makeup.
“Our brand is responsible for everything that makes an African woman, from hair, makeup, and dresses,” she said.
The event saw the showcasing of various designs, including popular African designs with
a touch of Western style. The audience was captivated by the amazing designs that were showcased. (@TheChronicle)
Online Reporter