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They are also the world’s most beloved and their creativity leads to the latest fashion trends worn by socialites, celebrities, the high earners as well as ordinary people.
On the local scene, newcomer Danai Chapfika is no household name although she walks with a spring in her step.
“Dee”, as she prefers to be called, is based in South Africa and during the 14th edition of the Harare International Festival of Arts she unleashed her masterpieces for the world to see.
Everything about her debut was nothing short of glamour and although she made her last-minute flight into the country from her base it is clear that her emergence is set to add life in the local fashion industry.
Like they say, the best is always reserved for last. Indeed, and for those who got a peek at her clothing range they will agree it was about time people of her calibre graced the scene.
“I am based in Illovo, Johannesburg, an area that is known for housing trendy young people. That in turn has inspired me and helped me to stay on top of fashion trends as I design” said the 26-year-old designer.
Being a young and hip designer herself, Dee does not just design fancy pieces for the ramp but she walks the talk herself. Her appearance spells fierce a bold fashion statement of what fashion means to her and how she uses it to her advantage.
In a mini fashion show that took place at the Alliance Francaise, the 26-year-old designer brought life to the show and drew the attention of many with her funky yet eloquent clothing lines.
Among the range she proudly flaunts, there is an exclusive denim line that D has dubbed “The Cosmo Collection” since it is being featured in the latest issue of the prestigious glossy magazine “Cosmopolitan”.
“I brought with me my most recent outfits that I designed in April for South African celebrity Pearl Thuli in a deal I scored with Cosmopolitan magazine,” she said.
The all denim range included high waist pants that when partnered with a waist coat presented the most fascinating sight. The audience was affirmed that denim is indeed timeless and will never go out of style.
Dee, who is fan of singer and fashion icon Solanje Knowles, said she draws inspiration from the star.
“Solanje looks back in time and reincorporates different elements back into today’s clothes. This is important in the world of designing because it helps in predicting the trends that are going to be “in” in future seasons,” she said.
The time factor also influenced her other line, Elements of Epoch (Time) that saw Dee literary going back into time through the use of tapestry material that she blended with leather to come up with most funky yet eloquent ladies’ wear.
“Elements of Epoch is inspired by the black people’s culture from long when they used the material because of its durability. I coupled it with leather to give it the sassy factor,” she said.
Her entire line is unapologetic and edgy and according to the designer they are for the bold.
“Women who are into fashion and brave enough to set the trends are the best candidates for my clothes. They can, however, use other items to tone things down, for example, pairing a plain white vest with the tapestry skirt and heels to look elegant,” she said.
Dee also flaunted a prestigious line of trendy jackets, some of them with the latest peplum style. She, however, hinted of the various styles that were making waves the world over.
“There are many ways through which designers are using different styles to enhance the shoulders to make them broad,” she said.
The designer is a fan of the African printed fabric that she uses to give her clothes a touch of Africa. One of her major plans is to work with women in the rural areas using crafts to come up with more designs that have got a local appeal.
“My clothes will be available on the local market very soon but for now they are found in Pokelo Nare’s Addicted to Shoes shop. I am welcome to partner with other locals who do handbags, jewellery, shoes and other accessories,” she said.
With the upcoming Zimbabwe Fashion Week, Dee has set her eyes on the local runway that she hopes to dominate in a big way. Zimbabwe will once again catch a glimpse of her irresistible style in fashion designing.
Online Reporter