Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Zimpapers Entertainment Editor
Move over, old guard!
There is a new fashion force in town, and she is no stranger to the spotlight.
Former top model and pageant darling Hildah Mabu has swapped heels for sketchpads and launched her sizzling new brand, Hilz Couture, which will make its runway debut at Zimbabwe Fashion Week tomorrow.
“I have spent years walking for other designers. Now, it’s time to walk into my purpose,” Hildah revealed in an interview with Zimpapers with a sparkle in her eye and a tape measure slung glamorously around her neck.
The Hilz Couture collection is bold, bright, and unapologetically Zimbabwean.
Featuring 10 head-turning looks, eight for women and two for men Hildah’s debut range is giving serious “passport and poolside” energy.
Think breezy linen, vibrant florals, and sleek silhouettes that scream “first-class only.”
“I designed this collection for people who follow their own compass—not the clock,” she declared.
“Whether you are a jet-setter or just want to look the part, my pieces are all about effortless summer glam.”
But don’t be fooled by the fresh designer title, Hildah is no newcomer to fashion.
In fact, she has been a fixture in the industry since her primary school pageant days.
By 17, she was making international headlines as Zimbabwe’s first-ever Miss Supranational representative in Poland.
Since then, she has strutted her stuff at Miss Intercontinental in Sri Lanka, Top Model of the World in Egypt (where she placed Top 10!), and Miss Tourism International in Shanghai, China, among others.
And if that was not enough, she even stormed the runway at Africa Fashion Week at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.
“I have worn hundreds of designs in my career,” she said.
“But deep down, I always wanted to be the one creating them. Styling and creative direction have always been my passion.”
Now, with Hilz Couture, she is blending all that experience into a brand that is chic, empowering, and deeply personal.
“Hilz comes from my name—Hildah—and Couture represents the art and elegance I bring to each piece. It’s me, reimagined.”
The debut collection, which she calls a “summer statement series”, is all sourced from local fabric stores—a decision she says is about “celebrating what we have right here in Zimbabwe.”
“I want the world to see our style, our stories, our fabrics. We don’t need to copy anyone. We just need the world to look our way,” she said confidently.
But don’t let the designer label fool you—she’s still the same grounded girl.
These days, her mornings start with school drop-offs and her nights end with sketchbooks and bedtime stories.
“My sons call me Supermom,” she laughed.
“It’s not easy balancing motherhood, a fashion business, and life—but I do it all with prayer and passion.”
Her role model? None other than Oprah Winfrey.
“She was told she didn’t have the look for TV. Now she owns the network! That’s my type of woman,” Hildah gushed. “Destiny delayed is not destiny denied.”
And while Hildah is owning her spotlight this week, she hasn’t forgotten her roots—or the industry that raised her.
“We need more support for Zimbabwean designers and models,” she said seriously. “We’ve got crazy talent here. My wish is for scouts from big agencies like Elite Models to come to our shows and see what Zimbabwe is made of.”
She’s also rubbed shoulders with fashion royalty—having worked with David Tlale in South Africa and John Ablaza from the Philippines during his visit to Zimbabwe. “Every collaboration sharpened me. Every setback shaped me. This is my season to shine.”
So, what’s next for Hildah and Hilz Couture?
“I’m dreaming big,” she said. “Global runways, boutique stores, red carpet moments. This is just the beginning. Fashion has always been part of my story—now I’m writing the next chapter.”
With Hilz Couture now officially on the map, all eyes are on what this Supermom-turned-Superdesigner does next. But one thing’s for sure—Hildah isn’t just walking in heels anymore.
She’s walking in purpose.
Mathew Masinge