Matobo women’s stories translated into fashion

THE intersection of fashion and culture took centre stage last Friday at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo. Yolanda Ngwenya, founder and creative director of Bakhar, collaborated with Nkanyezi Malunga, owner of GanuByGanu, to co-ordinate the “Matobo Goes Fashion and Beyond” event.

The event, which showcased designs inspired by the rich artistic heritage of Matobo women, left attendees in awe, blending contemporary fashion with traditional narratives rooted in the art of hut-painting (ukugudula).

The initiative, which began in May last year and will culminate in May this year, saw Ngwenya and Malunga curate a selection of 40 designers from across Zimbabwe, tasked with creating pieces that reflect the essence of Matobo’s artistic legacy.

Among the designers were Kelly Ndlovu, Margaret Mathambo, Yvonne Muzembe, Noliwe Mhlophe, Samkele Ncube, Tinashe Kahlela, Charity Moyo, Sithabile Tazibona, Sam Leeroy, Annie Maliki and Phyllis Tsikisayi.

To model these designs, Liam Hall, Owen Masuku, Danisile Ncube, Vuyo Brown, Yolanda, Hazel, Klate, Bongie and Mphokuhle walked down the ramp, in front of diverse esteemed guests including the Ambassador of Germany to Zimbabwe, Udo Volz, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Judith Ncube, Mayor for the City of Bulawayo, David Coltart, Chief Nkulumane Masuku of Nzula, Chief Dakamela and Member of Parliament for Matobo, Edgar Moyo and other dignitaries.

The night saw an impressive array of garments that not only turned heads but also sparked conversations about the importance of storytelling in fashion.

Attendees marvelled at designs that intertwined the spiritual significance of Ndebele motifs with modern aesthetics, showcasing Ngwenya and Malunga’s vision of celebrating Zimbabwean culture through contemporary fashion.

Ngwenya, a prominent figure in the Zimbabwean fashion scene and a board member of the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe, expressed her excitement about being involved in such an impactful project.

“The ‘Matobo Goes Fashion and Beyond’ Project is a year-long collaborative effort that aims to translate the paintings of Matobo women into fashion and lifestyle products,” she explained.

The event marked a significant milestone for Ngwenya, who has been recognised for her contributions to the industry, including participation in the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme in the United States and the Unesco/Japanese Embassy accelerator programme, Resiliart. Her brand, Bakhar, is celebrated for merging modern and classical art to tell authentic African stories.

Ngwenya’s designs sometimes incorporates traditional Ndebele prints, as she once collaborated with ana illustrator, Farai Wallace to make one, emphasising community and unity through intricate symbols and patterns.

Reflecting on the uniqueness of the “Matobo Goes Fashion and Beyond” project, Ngwenya shared, “This is my first time co-ordinating such a large-scale initiative. It involves teamwork with multiple stakeholders, including the German Embassy and local textile printers, to preserve and promote our cultural heritage.”

The collaboration has resulted in over 300 distinct patterns sourced from the Matobo women, each carrying its own story. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu