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Tafadzwa Zimoyo-Senior Arts Reporter
Fashion designers and stylists can help push the identity narrative for corporate brands, local celebrity fashion designer Victoria Manase has said.
Manase, who has a popular brand dubbed “Samsara”, specialising in casual, corporate and formal African print-wear, said this recently during the launch of her new summer collection which is trending on social media.
Her collection is running under the theme, “Fun”.
Of late, the designer has worked with some local and international celebrities, musicians, diplomats and models who testify about her work on social media.
The humble Manase said in an interview that because of Covid-19 pandemic, it was wise to tap into designing corporate brands and embrace virtual platforms.
“When it comes to fashion, it is about identity and if you notice, especially in Africa, we are still trying to find our feet in the fashion world,” she said.
“Now with the Covid-19 pandemic taking its toll, this should not stop us from working, hence we should engage the service of the corporates to push our fashion brands as some people are working from home. They also need to understand and appreciate the fashion designers.”
Manase named her brand “Samsara” because she wanted to reincarnate the African fashion.
“Samsara originated from Buddhism and it means rebirth, starting all over,” she said. “What inspired me to enter into the fashion world is that I had interest in Ankara fabric, but I thought the designs were outdated, so I wanted to give a fresh spin to Ankara, hence I started Samsara in December 2015.
“My mother is my role model because she works very hard, and is a kind and honest woman who has accomplished so much.”
Asked how she sees the fashion industry in Zimbabwe, Manase said one thing she appreciated was the support she was getting and how everyone was embracing the culture of fashion.
“Zimbabwe’s fashion is moving in the right direction and in the past few years there is now an appreciation of bespoke garments and we have many talented designers,” she said.
“Gone are the days, when some fashion statements were not welcome here and sometimes you ended up being stereotyped, but with the advent of technology, everyone seems to appreciate and embrace the culture of fashion.”
Manase sources her material from countries such as Ghana, Tanzania, Nigeria and South Africa.
“I love African prints and it’s how we started, but we have evolved to making clothes that are not Ankara. I have a team of tailors that I work with at my warehouse. Sometimes we do what the customer wants, or we help in the styling as we present our suggested designs to suit them.”
Although she is doing well with her brand, Manase said being a fashion designer was not a walk in the park.
“Covid-19 has forced us to think outside the box. We are doing a lot of social media marketing, which has helped in getting Diaspora-based clients and improved our visibility. So it hasn’t been bad at all.
“We have limited choices of fabrics available locally, so when we import, the prices become high for other clients.”
Manase is working on hosting virtual fashion shows next season.
“I am in the process of putting together a new line and would want the maiden show to be a physical show,” she said.
Online Reporter