Models, fashion designers highway grooming

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Arts Reporter
About 15 top local models will embark on a trip from Harare to Mutare this weekend for portfolio photo-shoot and on-set grooming for the 2016 calendar that will enable them to promote their brands.

The mission will see reputable photographers, models, fashion designers and make-up artists working together in a bid to set goals and meet international standards of pageants and fashion.

The trip is from Harare to Mutare and a lot of grooming issues will be discussed along the way.

The event is running under the theme “Models, fun road-trip photo-shoot”.

Some of the names to benefit from this initiative includes Hilda Mabu, Valentino Mjoni, Cindy Munyavi, Tendai Hunda, Tawanda Marere, Denzel Alpha, Jan-Jam Fashions, Elton Optimass, Mercy Mushaninga, Hollywood Lee and Black Toe TV show among others.

In an interview, fashion and runway model Valentino Mjoni said he was happy with the preparations and how everyone is responding to the initiative.

“This is a first in Zimbabwe, where models gather together, not at fashion show but helping each other with portfolio building. We are embarking on a mission, same bus, sort of like a reality show starting in Harare and ending in Mutare. We have professional photographers that will also help with the choreography and fashion designers will also use the opportunity to market their new products. Our goal is to prepare for next year as you all are aware that modelling can sustain livelihoods if taken seriously, so having a good portfolio is like having a good engine on a car. You won’t go wrong,” he said.

Asked where he got the concept, Mjoni said he was inspired by Mushaninga to embark on the initiative.

“Modelling is my passion and I love travelling a lot. It is my dream to make sure I have visited all the tourist destination in Zimbabwe. I didn’t borrow the idea from “America’s Next Top Model” like some are suggesting but this came after a discussion with models and we chose the idea. My role model is Mercy Mushaninga, popularly known as Catwalk. She is the reason why most models are what they are now. She has good grooming and deportment hence I pray her vision and her dream will be fulfilled,” he said.

He said he will also use the platform to raise awareness on how models are being treated.

“We are human beings and we need survival strategies so those who need models for their brand advertising, likewise should work with us,” he said.