All set for Matabeleland Fashion Week

Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
THE ramp is set for the Matabeleland Fashion Week (MFW) with South Africa-based designer, Millicent Nkagane, expected to grace the event. The 2nd edition of the fashion industry event, which will be held under the theme: “Promoting Economic Development Through Fashion” will take place from October 29 to 31 at Fazak Home and Hyper in Woodlands, Bulawayo.

This year, organisers partnered with local airline, Fly Africa, which will fly Ngakane (wife to Motlatsi Mafatshe from Isidingo) from Johannesburg to Bulawayo. She is expected in the city on October 28. Here, she will join 15 fashion designers and brands, among them Litso, Tribes, The Ministry Clothing, The Diva Brand and Sinini Collections to showcase their diverse ranges. Mosi and Eieenm Jewellery from Victoria Falls as well as Zambia-based designer MIZUWA will also be part of the festivities.

Tickets to the three-day event are already on sale at various outlets including Café Munandi and Fazak with a one-day pass being sold for $15 while a three-day pass costs $30. Organiser of the event, Amanda Mtangadura, said preparations were going on well with designers hard at work.

She said the fashion week would bring together novice and professional models and fashion designers to showcase their talent on the ramp. “Matabeleland Fashion Week was set up to showcase fashion and cultural trends of the Matabeleland people. Fashion designers, brands/houses will display their latest collections on the runway to buyers and the general public,” Mtangadura said.

“The primary purpose of the event is to empower people, societies, businesses and the community to know what’s “in” and what’s “out” for the season, as well as expose them to clothing by local designers.” Mtangadura said the event would also provide a platform for designers and models to network with the corporate world.

Organisers of Matabeleland Fashion Week have partnered organisers of the Victoria Falls Carnival, who in turn will give away tickets to their event taking place in the resort town in December. An awards ceremony to honour those who have excelled in the industry will be held on October 31. The nominees will be revealed today on the MFW Facebook fan page. Style icons Mbo Mahocs and Gilmore Tee were some of the winners last year.

Matabeleland Fashion Week awards categories . . .

1. Best Female Model

2. Best Male Model

3. Upcoming Model

4. Best Male Designer

5. Best Female Designer

6. Outstanding Display Designer

7. Outstanding Fashion Photographer

8. Outstanding Make Up Artist

9. Outstanding Hair Stylist

10. Sponsor /Partner of the Fashion Week

11. Sponsor/Partner of the Fashion Week