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Radio and television personalities Tendai Chakanyuka and Hazvinei Sakarombe, musician Mudiwa Mutandwa, and motivational speaker Mai Gunguwo are among the celebrities who have endorsed the popular brand.
Only a fortnight ago, Designer Closet gowns debuted on the runway in Egypt at the Top Model of the World when they dressed Nadine Hahn, reigning Miss G-Tel Face of Zimbabwe for the prestigious event.
And also who can forget the glamorous fashion show they staged at the recent Sunday Mail Bridal Show at the 7 Arts Theatre. The fabulous designs were enough to confirm they are among the best in the business.
Saturday Lifestyle got a peek into the fashionistas’ favourite shop that has everyone talking.
The name behind Designer Closet, Rumbidzai Chigova, shared the fashion journey of the shop that started with her fairytale wedding with husband Silvester Chigova, who is also a director in the business, in 2009.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step and in the case of Designer Closet, the journey started off with two second-hand gowns.
“On my wedding day I changed into two elegant dresses that turned many heads. They landed me as a finalist in the The Sunday Mail bridal competition that August and before you know it people wanted to know more,” she said.
Upon giving in to numerous requests from brides-to- be to hire out her ivory dresses thereafter, her fashion business was born. By then, Chigova was an economic evaluator at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Events that unravelled later that year were a clear indication that fate had other ideas for her.
Chigova was among the 1 000 people who were retrenched from the bank, leaving her unemployed. On top of her options for things to do with her time was her dress business.
“Immediately after being laid off, I had no choice but to focus on the business with the two dresses. After doing my research and getting sound advice from the best in the business I joined forces with my husband and we opened our spot at Travel Plaza,” she said.
The two dresses generated four more dresses in four months and before long it was a whole collection.
Fast forward to today, Designer Closet is a powerhouse of designer bridal wear. Although Chigova admits that she does not advertise much, the word of her designs was being spread far and wide by satisfied clients who referred their family and friends.
“Some people, on the other hand, would have noticed the dresses in videos and other wedding pictures and approach me for them,” she said.
Designer Closet now takes pride in a wide collection of gowns, cocktail dress and party dresses for people of all shapes and sizes from all parts of the globe.
“I get ideas from all sorts of places. Since I have a passion for fashion I get inspiration from fashion magazines and international fashion shows on fashion channels. At times, people bring in their designs and specifications that I have done in Asia,” she said.
In an effort to ensure that the dresses remain in good condition, we have a specific we recommend for any alterations on the dresses, otherwise. To be on the safe side, they also have a wide selection of classic “tie back” dresses that are flared at the bottom and can fit people with fuller figures.
Since its skyrocketing growth, the fashion house has spread its wings and now caters for wedding clothes for the grooms.
“We are no longer limiting ourselves to dresses but have since moved on to men’s wear. We have incorporated designer suits, tuxedos as well as accessories for both sexes. We now have a section of the shop that has a collection of shoes and handbags.
“It is common for people to prefer matching shoes and handbags so the accessory side caters for that area,” she said.
Chigova, who admitted to being obsessed with the label Gucci, gets help from her husband when it comes to trends in men’s fashion.
“We have set high standards for our services and in the near future, we are working towards developing a one-stop shop for many wedding needs.
“We are looking into doing wedding planning, make-up, deco and many other things. But as of now, we have people that we recommend because of their high standards,” she said.
Online Reporter