Online Reporter
Prince Meke
Correspondent
BUDDING fashionista Marshy “Chimoto” Mubaiwa’s rise to stardom sounds like a fairytale.
From a young Nyazura boy in Manicaland, who spent most of his time sketching designs, he now rubs shoulders with local celebrities and big names in the fashion industry.
The 28-year-old designed the eye-catching and elegant suit that gospel star Prince Chigwida wore at his recent “From Streaming to Stage live “ concert.
He designs outfits for various celebrities such as Mambo Dhuterere, KPD Boss Princo Dollar Meke, Orbert Chari, The ZCC Fashion Minister, David Kanduna, Runako Tales and legislator Joshua Sacco.
What strikes the most about the lanky designer is how he still chooses to remain modest and barely brags about his magical touch.
“I find it hard to believe that I am doing this. It feels like a dream that I am yet to wake up from,” he said.
Interestingly, Marshy was taught to design by his father, Kumbirai ‘Chimoto’ Mubaiwa.
Then, crucially, he fell in love with Theresa Chibaira, who was studying ‘Cutting and Designing’ at Life College.
Theresa, who is now his wife, encouraged Mar-tress Boss to keep pursuing his dream and he later started sketching designs at home.
They later opened a company, Mar-tress Fashions.
His breakthrough came after he got an order from Mutendi High School.
“I never pictured myself as a seamstress one day. I simply loved making designs and my wife and uncle Jigger gave me a different perspective altogether,” he said.
In 2019, Marshy designed the outfit that was donned by gospel star, Prince Chigwida, at his show.
With Theresa’s encouragement, Marshy started to learn the art of garment making.
“I would strip old clothes, then reassemble them. That is how I grasped the art of making a garment,” said Marshy.
“With time, I started making my own clothes and, in a short time, I became the talk of the neighbourhood, although I was not confident of my work.”
Marshy had to sell some of his possessions to acquire his first electric sewing machine.
In 2022, Mar-tress Fashions mounted its debut exhibition at a fashion show that was hosted by Empire Events with renowned South African designer Lukhanyo Mdingi.
After the show, he was engaged by some of the big names, who commissioned him to design their outfits for that year’s edition of the South African Soweto Fashion Show.
“The first time some celebrities saw my designs, they refused to believe that they were mine, and they brushed me off. Instead of being demotivated, this made me feel more confident,” said Marshy.
He plans to open a fashion boutique in Harare.
“I have no intention of relocating to other countries. I want to make a name for myself here in Zimbabwe by setting up an industry that will attract A-listers.
“I pray that I will achieve this dream.”
