Bongani Ndlovu
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
DJ Mapressa, the founder and organiser of the Mapressa Glam and Fashion Show, has expressed disappointment after a guest attended the fifth edition of the event dressed in what he deemed inappropriate attire for the occasion.
The annual event, founded by the South Africa-based Zimbabwean entertainer, is a premier lifestyle and cultural showcase that celebrates Zimbabwean identity and fashion. It is known for its red-carpet glamour and runway pageantry, attracting fashion enthusiasts from across the region.
Held in Midrand, South Africa, on Saturday, this year’s event saw attendees embracing the prescribed black-tie dress code. However, one female guest stood out for all the wrong reasons after arriving dressed in camouflage trousers, sneakers, a white T-shirt and a black jersey. The outfit drew criticism from DJ Mapressa, who later posted an image of the guest on social media while condemning her choice of attire.
Speaking during a Facebook Live broadcast, Mapressa said future editions of the event would take a stricter approach to enforcing dress codes, regardless of how much attendees pay for tickets.
“Empilweni ngingumuntu ongancengi lutho entweni eyingcekeza. (The one thing I will never tolerate in life is something below my standards). Even if your outfit is worth R70 000, as long as it’s not up to the standard of our event, it’s unacceptable.
“As a people, there are some things that we all know are wrong. For example, walking into church carrying a bottle of Hennessy. No matter how expensive the alcohol is, it is still wrong.
“One must understand that this event was created to appeal to everyone, even someone with just R60. You would rather leave your R8 000 Bogart T-shirt at home and come dressed in an outfit from Small Street worth R80, as long as it fits the theme of the event.
“People cannot justify what that lady was wearing by saying perhaps she could not afford glamorous clothing. Even if you buy a R1 000 ticket, we simply won’t entertain such. You would rather keep your money,” he said.
He said the event was designed to inspire people to take pride in themselves regardless of their financial standing, stressing that glamour is more about effort and presentation than expensive labels.
Mapressa said the theme for this year’s event centred on self-worth and presenting oneself with dignity.
“Yikho i-theme ye-event ibisithi ungazitshipisi. Into edubekisa abantu abanengi yikuhlala betotozwa ukuthi, ‘hee uyadubeka’. Yet that same person, you learnt with them, but they are trying to make things work.”
The incident has since sparked debate on social media, with some supporting the organiser’s stance on maintaining standards at a fashion-focused event, while others questioned whether publicly calling out an attendee was necessary.
“Shame maybe she didn’t have an outfit and heels like me. She’s a sneaker girl. But at least she came and her whatever amount she paid by the entrance is money too,” commented one.
“Hands are not the same,” commented another.
Online Reporter