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Tafadzwa Zimoyo
Lifestyle Editor
Fashion icon and stylist Roger Vivier once said, “To wear dreams on one’s feet is to begin to give a reality to one’s dreams.”
The above statement clearly describes award-winning fashion designer Jasper Mandizera of the Ivhu Tribe brand.
The label “Ivhu Tribe” is not new, especially locally with celebrities and models.
Every designer garment trending locally at awards shows, modelling, fashion exhibitions and sometimes concerts, if it is not by Ivhu Tribe, then you have not guessed right.
Last week was the Paris Fashion Week and of course, all eyes were on singer cum fashionista Cardi B who turned heads with her outfit.
Not far from Italy, was the World Fashion Exhibition in China and Mandizera (Zimbabwean designer) won the hearts of many fashion enthusiastic as he cemented himself on the international stage.
The prestigious event took place in China, at two venues, the first being the five-star Radisson Blu Collection Hotel in Shanghai and the second was the historic Hangzhou Museum Hotel in Hangzhou.
In attendance were 25 countries from across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.
Each designer presented a collection of 10 designs that were modelled on the majestic runways that were erected especially for the shows.
For those lost in transition, the World Fashion Week held in China honoured the outstanding contribution and lifetime achievements of fashion icons across five continents that are dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences of sustainable fashion, to further creative leadership, artistic, technical and social achievement within the global fashion industry.
According to the organisers, as an internationally acclaimed event, it served as network for trade and fashion professionals.
“It provided a forum for worldwide exposure and recognition, with a major role in contributing to the harmonious growth, cultural understanding and socioeconomic development, working towards a greater good of harnessing and supporting relationships to keep the global fashion industry sustainable and fair,” said an official at the show.
Being one of the biggest fashion exhibitions in Asia, it saw 25 designers unveiling their latest collections.
The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle caught up with Mandizera, who has just returned from the exhibition he described as life experiencing.
Mandizera, whose participation at the exhibition was confirmed by the organisers only a few days before the show, said that although it was a daunting task, he made sure what he was presenting was going to be talked about the world over.
“I had limited time to prepare for the show as I was approached a few days before the event. I jumped and shouted, ‘Thank you Jesus’, because this was my dream come true. I always read about this exhibition, little did I know 2024 was my year,” he said.
The World Fashion Exhibition 2023/24 events, ran under the global campaign “Give Your Light to the World – Africa is Now”.
“Ivhu Tribe being an African brand, I made sure my dresses focused on the theme. Having realised that costumes play a symbolic role in the preservation of values and cultural heritage, I chose to do the lion’s inspiration dress adding a little bit of glow to it,” he said.
“The lion’s share of the designs involved elements that define the face of their native land with a tribal print edge. ‘Ivhu’ is a Shona word for land or soil, having accepted that even though we frolic in the beauty of the soil’s simplicity, the soil gives life in the same way the brand strives to give a refreshing breath of life to the African contemporary fashion industry.”
Mandizera said the main objective was to enhance the local and external, appreciation for ethnic and cultural heritage to develop a fresh perspective on African fashion, with a focus on achieving the largest market share in Sub-Saharan Africa for contemporary African wear.
Known for using fashion to share parts of his life, environment and community, this season he was inspired by the need to push for eco-friendly and sustainable fashion, which was the theme of the show.
“I would say the costume on ‘Hosho and Mbira,’ was a celebration of Zimbabwe’s rich musical heritage, crafted from iconic African instruments — the Hosho (shakers) and the Mbira.”
“It resonated with the spirit of Zimbabwe’s vibrant, culturally rich people, where rhythm and song are woven into the fabric of life.”
“The tail of the dress, adorned with natural seeds, comes alive with every movement, producing the distinct sound of shakers in motion. Each step becomes a note, each sway a rhythm, transforming the garment into a living, breathing instrument. Truly, this was not just an attire, it was a musical masterpiece that echoes the heartbeat of Zimbabwe.”
He said some of the statement pieces in the collection, which included eight pieces, stood an impressive chance of winning the hearts of masters of the industry.
“When I was told that I am going to showcase last, I knew it was to be the best from the rest hence I started putting more effort,” he said.
“Paxina Kalulu identified me in 2023 through my portfolio selection of all interested designers including those from the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Fashion Council.”
“I worked with Miss Zimbabwe Queen, Charlotte Muziri, who wore the main dress. The goal was to continue raising the Zimbabwean flag at events like these as well as creating meaningful and lasting partnerships in the fashion world,” said Mandizera.
He added that Charlotte majestically and effortlessly modelled the masterpiece despite its weight of 20kg with 14kg on the shoulder piece alone.
“The Hosho dress, also known as the ‘Marina Wevhu’ Masterpiece was graciously sponsored, by Her Excellency The First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.”
“The Marina Wevhu symbolised the inevitable significance and natural relationship of water and earth in the growth of life’s essentials. The elements give birth to wonders in the same manner in which a mother gives birth to a child,” he explained.
“Marina, meaning from the sea. Wevhu, meaning of the soil. Working together in harmony to give us our organic materials which were used in creating the Zimbabwean masterpiece.”
Explaining the dress, he said it was made out of luminous stones that glow in the dark.
“It was a symbol of radiance, embellished in cowry shells, a symbol of womanhood, fertility, birth and wealth, so as to say ‘A woman is a jewel’. She is a symbol of fertility and birth. A critical equation to life. So is the critical unity of water and earth in giving birth to land’s products. The masterpiece was tailored in Jute, popularly known as sack cloth, which in this ground breaking moment, symbolised the strength of a Zimbabwean woman. Like the cloth, she is gifted with endurance and unwavering tolerance,” said Mandizera.
Both Mandizera, and model, Charlotte, attracted the attention of many, including the world renowned portrait and celebrity fashion photographer, Robbie Merrit and movie and Netflix producer, Steve Chicorel, and well known Telenova actress and film producer, Carla Ortiz.
Zimbabwean representative at the World Fashion Exhibition/World Fashion Week, Paxina Kalulu, said the World Fashion Week was and is a great platform for creatives like Ivhu Tribe to finally take a stand in the fashion industry and continue representing the country in other geographical locations.
The talented designer, who made headlines and was all over social media a few months ago with the newspaper dress he made at The Herald Lifestyle Fashion Exhibition, said that such platforms give designers a chance to showcase their talent.
“The secret is to continue creating work that relates not only with the local market, but to create work that puzzles and astounds our fellow potential collaborators internationally.”
Online Reporter