adminAnne Ruthenburg Fashion
HELLO there everyone HAPPY AFRICA DAY in advance . . . I hope you will spend this weekend and more contemplating what it means to be an African.I am so proud of the National Arts Council and the National Gallery and all involved in the cultural festival in Mutare. One can never celebrate one’s heritage enough than this. We have such diverse cultures and traditions embalmed in different races, creeds and cultures in this country that one cannot deny that Zimbabweans are blessed with a rich cultural heritage beyond understanding.
I had the opportunity to attend some of the events held on our different cultures and traditions which was enlightening and eye-opening. I even walked away with some significant artefact’s (including jewellery etc., kikiki). However as a fashionista, I had to look at the other side of all this, which is; how practical are the things being displayed and who are they benefiting?
During HIFA, the fashion show offered some beautiful pieces of ensemble in crochet. There were also some other beautiful designs on show. When all was said and done, I realised that the ordinary man on the street won’t be buying those. Not so much about the cost, but the practicality of it. Now I of course would wear a crochet ensemble because I have designed and made a few myself (tops mainly) during the time they were in fashion.
They are feminine and easy to wear. But that is just it . . . it has to be in fashion or you have to be near a beach or the ocean or somewhere where the ensemble will be appreciated. I did also find a piece that I loved, but once again I found it too flashy for every day wear, so I will be wearing it on a special occasion someday.
We then visited the other stalls with clothing from local designers which sadly were few.
These had some very young stylish looking ensembles with fancy buttons and string holding portions of the outfits together, with large ostrich feathers off the shoulders etc., – very nice indeed.
I was amazed at how many women were buying these ensembles or pieces thereof. I asked someone who was with me why she was buying these and not the local ones we had seen a day or so before?
Her answer was simple – these are cheaper, they last longer and are more practical and didn’t have someone’s face on them. I pointed out the fact that the local designed ones were unique with intricate handmade designs. She agreed and said because of that they could only really be worn on special occasions so that one gets their money’s worth.
I spoke to some of the youths there who were queuing to purchase all sorts of African made necklaces and bracelets. I asked why they were not interested in purchasing any outfits apart from the scarves and fancy sandals.
They said the outfits were not sexy enough. Okay? This is quite sad especially coming from our African born kids.
Sexy is not a word we use to describe the way we are taught to dress in Africa (regardless of your race) and I pray will never be so. Showing off our private assets to the outside world is not who we are. It is something we inherited from the western world. For women we promote feminism, natural or close to natural beauty, self-dignity and respect.
I wish we could inherit better things from the western world other than things to do with sex and disrespecting our elders.
Of course this is different when we see the traditional dancers performing at a show and the like with their animal skin skirts and brassier (it’s for performance). I am talking about daily wear! Anyway, that is an argument for another day, at least the jewellery stands had major sales because of the youth kikiki.
I conclude with this as I reminisce; that this Africa weekend.
I am proud to be African. When then will I and others out there get to a point where we go beyond just thinking of how much money we can get from each other, but start thinking how can we establish ourselves as African designers, African musicians, African chefs etc. Imagine if we could marry the so-called western designs the young kids are chasing after into African designs and material.
As I sit on the lawn on my handmade reed mat enjoying this amazing African sun, lamenting on what it is to be African; I find myself also thinking – what is it to be Zimbabwean and what is it that makes me look Zimbabwean?
That is it from me folks. Until next week, God bless!
◆ Anastasia is an ex-model/beauty queen and can be messaged on 0772 933 845 or emailed at [email protected].
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