dyton mupawaenda
Mashudu Mambo
FROM the dusty streets of Mufakose suburb in Harare to dressing up renowned artists and models in the country, George Takora (33) has made great strides in the fashion industry with his unique Afrocentric designs.
Afrocentric designs are outfits that embrace the African cultural themes and styles. They are characterised by bold geometric patterns, vibrant colours, distinct textures and they use organic materials.
Takora has designed outfits for a number of artists and models in the country that entail, Future Nyoni, Feli Nandi, Hope Rusike, Gamue Wenyu, Mary Anibal, Plot Mhako and Tendai Mavengeni.
Takora’s journey started during lockdown when he decided to make washable face masks.
“I studied fashion design and after college, I got employed at a particular company where l worked for two years. However, when Covid struck, we went on lockdown. Since I was at home, I decided to make reusable face masks and I was marketing them on social media particularly Facebook and Instagram.
“I started making some sales and I managed to buy my first sewing machine. I continued with my facemask business and in no time, I had bought an overlocking machine and an iron.
“After lockdown, I rented a place to do my work and my business grew gradually and I managed to rent an office in town and buy more machinery,” he said.
He indicated that his greatest motivation has been his mother who is a professional tailor and has been helping him grow his brand.
“I grew up in a home with a tailor and I believe that this is where my desire to venture into fashion emanated from. My mother is my greatest support system, She has taught me a lot in relation to operating machines and sewing.
“She is a tailor by profession, I am grateful for her help and support in fulfilling my dreams,” he said.
Takora is passionate about creating Afrocentric outfits and celebrating African culture through fashion.
“My love for Afrocentric designs lies in my desire to create outfits that celebrate our African culture. I effortlessly create these traditional costumes and Afrocentric outfits. I am currently advocating for African Fashion which entails African textiles in my movement.
“However, my craft is not limited to these African designs, I create different outfits for all occasions,” he said.
Takora indicated that his journey as a fashion designer started off back in college when he was dressing his friends.
“My journey as a fashion designer kicked off while I was in college where I was studying fashion design. It was during my college years where I started dressing my friends who are artists, Skigo Afro boss and Jah Warrior.
“I got my huge break as a fashion designer last year, when I met Feli Nandi at her restaurant while I was having lunch with my friends. She liked our outfits and enquired about the fashion designer who dressed us.
“I told her and just like that, she asked me to take her measurements and from there I started getting links with the other artists,” he said.
He has had the privilege to dress a number of artists and models in the country.
“Last year, I had the privilege to be selected as one of the designers to dress Mr Africa International Zimbabwe, Future Nyoni and it was an honour as my work was set to be showcased in the different parts of the region. This was a dream come true for me,” he said.
Takora indicated that his journey has been filled with a number of challenges but his love for fashion has fuelled his desire to chase his dreams.
“The journey has not been easy, there are a number of learning curves that I have had to face. In this industry, it is not a walk in the park, you have to be outstanding, be able to set trends and have a great market.
“Talent and hard work can get you far but you need to be exceptional in your work through keeping up with the different trends,” he said.
He indicated that there are a number of stereotypes that are associated with working in the fashion industry as a number of people confuse a fashion designer to a tailor.
“In my line of work, I discovered that many people believe that a tailor and fashion designer do one job. A tailor focuses on fitting and altering garments to a client’s specific measurements and needs while a designer creates the clothing concepts focusing on trends, aesthetics and innovation,” he said.
Takora indicated that the challenges that he faced in chasing his dreams were some doubts on his capabilities.
“When I started designing, no one believed in my abilities and a number of them regarded me as a mere tailor. A number of people started appreciating my work when they saw me dressing some renowned artists.
“The other challenge that I faced was the lack of business and financial knowledge, which is very crucial in any business. I struggled to navigate the different factors like branding, marketing and sales, I faced a number of hiccups but I have learnt a lot in the past years and I have started improving in my management.
“The other key factor is maintaining the energy, being consistent in your craft and ensuring that you always come up with spectacular designs. Being creative, collaborating and maintaining enthusiasm requires a lot of work,” he said.
He stated that he is grateful to God for his accomplishments and believes that there is a lot in store for him in the industry.
“I am grateful to God for the journey and the vision. I am glad that I did not give up regardless of the challenges that l faced in my journey. I can safely say that I am on track and I believe that there is a lot in store for me in the industry, the sky is the limit,” he said.
Online Reporter