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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Lifestyle Writer
A long time ago it was said that a gentleman had no weather when you saw a man in a suit on a hot day. That was because most suits were not suitable for all variations of the climate. But that saying is outdated as there is now a suit for every occasion. It is just a question of taste and your pocket. With latest trend of suits bug hitting Harare, no need for men to have a headache of where to find that designer suit that a celebrity was wearing, as seen on TV or to set a new trend. Gospereneur Eubert Angel, businessman and socialite Philip Chiyangwa, musician and aspiring politician Energy Mutodi and gospel musician Sabastian Magacha are not only known of their stated trades, but their personal branding through snappy suits.
Recently Zim hip-hop awards saw local celebrities straining to outshine each other in such suits. Yes, man’s best friend is a dog but along with personal ICT gadgets like the iPhone, the suit is slowly replacing the ‘‘bestie’’ as the quintessential closest pal of a stylish man.
Cynthia Bizure Sithole of Jan Jam men’s wear shop says it is not a cliché to say that a suit defines a man.
“I have been in the business of suits for almost eight years now and saw that man also love to be presentable, hence I chose to focus on men’s wear,” she said.
Sithole – a mother of three – said she buys suits from top international shops such as Gucci, Zara, Prada and Giorgio Armani.
“The suit business is the next big thing to happen in Zimbabwe. I travel to France, Dubai, Germany, Turkey and China to buy suits because Zimbabwean tastes are cosmopolitan and different styles work for different men,” she said.
Sithole also said that when it comes to suits, quality is the word as a poorly made imitation will never endow the wearer with the same elegance as a genuine designer masterpiece.
“I have dressed a lot of celebrities such as Mudiwa, Sniper Storm, Leonard Ma- pfumo, top local DJs, prominent ministers and diplomats. So that means I cater for a very diverse clientele with a broad range or requirements and needs.”
Sithole, who is married to Tanaka, said her husband often pitches in as an in-house model as a suit on a person takes on a personality of its own, beyond what it looks like on the rack. She says blazers are the most suave alternative for those gentlemen who just do not feel up to the formality of a complete suit or for a more relaxed occasion where a semi-casual look is needed.
“Male blazers are actually a must-have. Like the modern suit, they can be formal or casual but right now they should be a slim perfect fit,” she said.
But there is more to purchasing a suit than just going for the most expensive one you can afford. To avoid making a costly mistake by buying a suit that does not fit, please refer to the fashion column which gives you the first of a two week style guide on how to choose a suit.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu