adminBongani Ndlovu/Yoliswa Dube Showbiz Reporters
COLOUR, charisma and a variety of fabric textures characterised the Matabeleland Fashion Week that came to a close at Fazak Home and Hyper in Bulawayo on Saturday night.
From cotton to chiffon, silk, African print and crotchet, 15 designers brought their A-game to the ramp over the three-day fashion fest.
Fashion designers showcasing at the event each displayed something different and kept the runway alive.
The captivating collections, which ranged from street wear to avant-garde fashion pieces, had the crowd in awe with some earning standing ovations and rapturous applause.
VonsDesigns by Brenda Gogwe, Sanah Designs by Saneliso Mpofu and Spunk by guest designer, South Africa’s Millicent Nkagane were unanimous crowd favourites as their work was multi-dimensional.
Nkagane, the wife of accomplished actor ‘Sechaba’ of Isidingo said fashion designers in the country should continue to work hard as their work is promising.
She expressed confidence in the country’s fashion industry.
“It’s good to be in Zimbabwe; it’s been a colourful ceremony and the designers’ works are promising. I’m honoured to be a part of this fashion show. Everyone has been welcoming and it has given me so much joy,” said Nkagane.
The fashion week which was in its second edition this year, ran under the theme, “Promoting economic development through fashion” and sought to empower designers.
Nkagane urged designers to continue perfecting their craft as designing is not an event but a process.
“For these designers to make a mark internationally, they should believe in what they do for them to be able to compete anywhere in the world.
“This comes through hard work because designing isn’t an overnight thing,” she said.
One of the fashion week’s highlights was a Lingerie Party held at Club Eden on Friday night.
The party saw models strutting the runway in sexy lingerie such as bras and g-strings, French knickers and nighties.
Former Miss Personality Cyclone Ree also debuted as a DJ at the nightspot alongside Noma that Girl in a ladies only affair on the night.
Wrapping up the fashion week were the Fashion Awards where Welshman Sibanda won the male style icon of the year and Bren Mupa the female style icon of the year.
The rest of the winners are . . .
Best Male Model – Shadel
Best Female Model – Nobuhle Nkala
Promising upcoming model – Nicole Norman
Best Male Designer Enyioma Enwerem, The Ministry Clothing
Best Female Designer Saneliso Mpofu, Sanah Designs
Outstanding Makeup Artist- Renee
Outstanding Hairstylist- Daphne
Outstanding Photographer -Le Cyril Photography
Partner of the Fashion Week -Boom City Advertising
Partner of the Fashion Week – Fazak Home and Hyper
Male Style Icon -Welshman Sibanda
Female Style Icon -Bren Mupa
International Fashion Contributor -Vault Cosmetics
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