Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The I Wear My Culture ZW brand is redefining fashion as a powerful vessel for cultural storytelling, both locally and internationally. From its acclaimed Look Book to an award-winning documentary and the I Wear My Culture ZW Fashion Film, the initiative has consistently celebrated Zimbabwe’s rich and diverse heritage.
The latest chapter in this ground-breaking journey is the I Wear My Culture ZW Fashion Weekend, set to run from August 28 to 30 across Harare and Bulawayo.
Launched three years ago, the project honours Zimbabwe’s vibrant mosaic of ethnic groups, including the Shangani, Xhosa, Khoisan, Ndau, Chewa, Sena, Shona, Sotho, Kalanga, Tonga, Nambya, Ndebele and Venda, alongside Irish and Scottish cultural influences.
Curated by visionary Gilmore Khumalo (Gilmore Tee) and supported by the British Council, the event culminates in a dynamic fashion weekend that blends heritage, innovation and storytelling.
Following an open casting for models at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo in June, the weekend kicks off on August 28 with an exclusive fashion mixer at the British Council in Harare.
The gathering will unite fashion practitioners, cultural experts, policy-makers, creatives and arts lovers.
Panel discussions will explore the business of fashion, the art of archiving through film and visual arts, and the transformative role of research in creative expression.
The grand finale on August 30 at the will feature a potentially stunning fashion gala showcasing 16 bold collections. Each collection was developed over five months, with designers drawing inspiration from assigned Zimbabwean tribes, communities other than their own, to explore history, symbols and motifs through a fresh lens.
Designers include Charmaine Nziradzemhuka (Nambya), Penelope Lacha (Ndau), Brightman Dlamini (Khoisan), Mbongisani Dube (Tonga), Ray Enders (Chewa), Ropafadzo Mapira (Ndebele), Ncominkosi Sibanda (Venda), Kundai Mangena (Kalanga), Nonhlanhla Ncube (Shona), Nkululeko Ncube (Xhosa), Leeroy Mapungwana (Sena), Langa Ndlovu (Shona), Tadiwa Karidza (Shangani), and Noliwe Mhlope (Sotho).
“This weekend is not just about showcasing collections. It’s a platform for vital conversations on how fashion can tell stories and connect creatives to their heritage. Attendees will see how design can bridge tradition and tomorrow,” said Gilmore Tee. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
