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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
THE name Maita Marimo in Zimbabwe’s fashion industry is synonymous with success and growth with a global portfolio to her name. Maita showcased at the Zimbabwe Fashion Week in 2012 where she was voted top designer. In the same year she showcased at the Africa Fashion Week with her gorgeous feminine outfits in bold colours such as black and white with a touch of crème getting her the recognition.
In 2012 Maita was voted the top designer at the Zimbabwe Fashion Week, enabling her to showcase her collection at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Africa 2012. Last year she presented her collection on an international platform, at the Nolcha Fashion Week in New York.
Her outfits are inspired by a mixture of Shona and Ndebele culture with a contemporary touch for the modern woman.
Maita was in Bulawayo over the weekend and showcased her design at the Matabeleland Fashion Week launch. Her collection left the crowd fascinated.
Maita said this was her first time showcasing outside Harare and the experience was very good.
“In Zimbabwe I have showcased at shows around Harare and then outside the country. I had never been to Bulawayo and I can say it was a great experience. It was more than I expected. I had a lot of fun,” she said.
Maita said the major highlight of the fashion show was seeing the immense talent the city has in terms of fashion design and modelling.
“There is potential in the industry, seeing emerging designers creating works that one day can go on the international platform hopefully,” she said.
Maita said passion should drive anyone in the fashion industry because it demands commitment and determination to make a name for themselves in the industry.
“It’s about keeping on and staying true to your passion. It’s sleepless hours and you work twenty four seven,” she said.
Maita said being a fashion designer one had to have a strong portfolio so that they can apply and be successful to showcase in various international and regional fashion shows.
“I had parents who supported my dream. When I went to South Africa, I managed to build a portfolio which I then sent to the Nolcha Fashion Week and they approved my application, that is how I got to be there,” she said.
According to her website Maita Marimo Maita she first showed signs of her future flair from an early age; she was the youngest recipient to win the 2003 Cottco Fashion Designer of the Year award.
In 2007, Maita was selected to represent Zimbabwe at the Tribal fusion fashion show in South Africa. In 2008 she received a scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Arts at the prestigious School of The Art Institute of Chicago (S.A.I.C). She studied but was eager to get started on her ready-to-wear line, so she returned home to set up her studio in Harare.
She launched her self-named brand in 2010, showcasing her first collection at a fashion show that was sponsored by the Embassy of Spain. Maita then presented her second spring-summer collection at the Africa Fashion Week in 2011.
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