adminSimbarashe Mutizwa Showbiz Reporter
PENETRATING the local market and setting up a successful clothing line in Zimbabwe is one of the steepest mountains local designers and label creators have to climb.Many people including former model, Lorraine Maphala-Phiri can attest to the fact that setting up a fashion label which would be recognised by the local market is no stroll in the park as she attempted to set up her label “Maphala Fashions” 14 years back but did not succeed as people were not forthcoming.
But fortune has smiled on Bulawayo’s Madodana “Madots” Nyathi who has caused a stir in the city of queens with his label “Bulawayo Funk” which he says was motivated by the youth’s dressing.
As the name implies, the label represents a distinctive Bulawayo culture which is tasteful, at the same time attractive to the youths and teenagers.
Madots said the label was inspired by the day to day lives of young Bulawayo kings and queens who are fashion lovers.
“The label represents Bulawayo and the diverse rich culture entrenched in this city. It is inspired by the independent youth culture of dressing which is now widespread in Bulawayo and the country at large,” he said.
Madots said his label had a fashionable sense that has a unique communication to the fashion lovers in the country.
“The name Bulawayo represents the city and funk represents something different but stylish”, he said.
The fashion creator, who is also a musician, said he was stunned by the response he was getting from the people as it shows that the label has become the talk of the town.
The 3rand ku 60 hit-maker said he hoped to take the Bulawayo Funk fashion label across the country and make it a national and international brand.
Bulawayo model and actor Prince Moyo, who recently landed a lead character in local drama Mr Perfect, is the label’s brand ambassador.
“I chose Prince as my brand ambassador because I know that he is into fashion and modelling”, said Madots.
Labels including Mutupo, Ndebele Maker, Made in Zim, Ghetto Twinz, KLAP, Nine7, Shy Wear and Tateguru have also influenced local fashion trends.
President Mugabe’s signature label House of Gushungo has also claimed a considerable stake as well as Terry Mahachi and Terry Gunz’s Harare Hustler. Kwaito music siblings, Skhu and PO’zee in 2011 branched off the music scene and launched a fashion label known as Kasi-No-Valo Klothing.
Online Reporter