adminYoliswa Dube
THE first time I saw Matabeleland Fashion Week Male Style Icon of The Year, Welshman Sibanda, was earlier this year at the TelOne offices in Bulawayo where I stood in line to buy my ADSL recharge.
At the time, I had absolutely no idea who he was, but the moment he walked into the building, my eyes were stuck on him.
His aura was captivating and I remember thinking this is one confident person.
He wore an elaborate blazer over an equally detailed pair of pants, boots and sunglasses with a man purse slung over his shoulder.
After I’d looked at the guy from head to toe, I still was clueless who he was until the just ended Matabeleland Fashion Week.
It was on the first day of the show that I saw him again looking hot and all.
His face was familiar but I just couldn’t remember where I knew him from or if I knew him at all. He was in this white number, earthy pants and matching shoes. The guy looked sleek.
Again, it was a feast for the eyes — I shrugged off the feeling that I’d met this guy before and concentrated on the ramp. It was only on day three of the fashion extravaganza that I got my light bulb moment.
I didn’t know the guy but had admired his sense of style when I saw him at the TelOne offices, I remembered. I wasn’t shocked at all when he was announced the Male Style Icon of the Year.
He’s a consistent fashionista who just doesn’t turn up because there’s an event to attend. I’d like to believe he just takes it a notch higher when he attends events compared to his every day look.
This is what being fashion forward is all about. Consistency. We all have different tastes and preferences when it comes to fashion and that’s okay.
You don’t have to look like the next person or like what they like but you certainly need to open yourself up to new possibilities.
The fashion week was a reflection of the infinite options there are to enhancing your look without necessarily doing a wardrobe overhaul.
It’s all about identifying one bold piece that you can mould your look around. It could be a blazer, dress, shoes, skirt or shirt — anything really that can become the main attraction of your look.
For example, a pair of shoes could be the piece that adds some pizzazz to your outfit. With a different pair, you wouldn’t look as fresh.
It could be a blazer with the most intricate details and refreshing colour paired with a pair of black pants and white shirt. Without the blazer, you’d look like any other Tom, Dick or Harry on the street.
Choosing elaborate fashion pieces is particularly important when you’re attending events. You need to express individuality and be memorable while you’re at it. That’s a true mark of a fashionista. Being able to express your individuality without worrying about whether or not the next person thinks it’s too much.
Then I met Spunk by Millicent Nkagane, VonsDesigns by Brenda Gogwe as well as Sana Designs by Saneliso Mpofu. I was sold.
Their work showcased at the Matabeleland Fashion Week runway was a mad explosion of colour and charisma. The collections were practical ones that anyone out there could rock on the streets or to an event. All it takes is setting a new high for yourself and going out there to make it happen.
There’s so much out there that you can wrap around yourself and look stunning in.
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Until next week, flaunt your pattern and style and don’t forget to drop me an SMS/WhatsApp on +263738991355, drop me an email at [email protected] or follow me on Twitter handle @YoliswaStarr.
Online Reporter