Golden chance for fashion designers

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Six upcoming designers from Harare and Marondera have been  shortlisted to undergo the second edition of a three-month mentorship programme from June 27 to September as momentum gathers towards Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe.The finalists will receive training in different aspects of fashion and business at Alliance Francaise de Harare in a programme that is being funded by Culture Fund and the European Union.

“At the end of the programme the designers are challenged to create a ready-to-wear collection, to showcase at the FWZ event towards the end of the year.

One designer emerges as the overall winner, winning the FWZ Design Talent Award and prizes that benefit their career and growth,” said FWZ founder Shamiso Ruzvidzo.

The upcoming designers will be working with Design, Visual and Finance Mentors to build skills that will equip them to open or run businesses in the fashion industry.

Ruzvidzo added that amongst the prizes to be won is collaboration with a local store to design a range to be sold commercially in Zimbabwe.

The training programme is a way of ensuring that each designer receives the correct skills, training and mentorship as a base to start a fashion career. Sheilah Dhliwayo of the brand Sheilah Dhliwayo, Bridget Nyathi of Brie’s Fashions, Tanaka Samukange of 7.30, Thandiwe Mguquka of Thandiwe Couture, Margaret Jani of Paras by Maggi and Tanaka Davidson Ndawona of Afro Kreative are part of team that was shortlisted after an online search.

Ruzvidzo said they were hoping to broaden the search in future if funds are made available.

Samantha Matemadombo, last year’s winner of the same programme is now working with Truworths Zimbabwe.

Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe is an annual event that merges fashion, music and food into one programme, primarily promoting fashion.
Launched in 2013, Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe mentors young designers, provides a platform for established designers to showcase their work and profiles the local fashion industry to a local and global audience.