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Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Lifestyle Writer
“I started playing with needles and cloth at the age of six while at nursery school. I dressed my friend’s dolls and sometimes could do some little garments for myself during playtime.” The adage “a stitch in time saves nine” might have a different and literal meaning for Zimbabwean designer Chiedza Chigarire Mugabe who is geared to take the sewing world by storm.
Every stitch that she sews at a time brings a difference to her life and the creative world.
While fashion designers and other professionals in the fashion world boast of names like Versace Gucci, Tom Ford and Armani, among others, the girl from Zimbabwe is proving to be a gem in a field that is normally regarded as a preserve for the fashionistas and gurus from France and Italy.
Kirsty Coventry has done it for Zimbabwe, with her Olympian records that have left many drooling in envy.
The late Chiwoniso Maraire, as well as other living female legends, have done it for Zimbabwe.
Born in a family of four, Chiedza’s artistic scene in the world of fashion opened up at the age of six.
“I started playing with needles and cloth at the age of six while at nursery school. I dressed my friend’s dolls and sometimes could do some little garments for myself during playtime,” she said.
Art was always embedded in her from primary school right up to high school level as evidenced by her exceptional performances which saw her taking it up right up to the United Kingdom.
“My mother wanted me to do better in sciences, but I ditched her passions. In 2012, at the request of my friend who is also a prominent designer in London, Carol-Jean Chinya, I ventured into sewing,” she said.
Chiedza has since focused on men’s fashion, specialising in personalised contemporary Afro-wear and designing for the likes of Lamont Chitepo and other popular figures.
“I also invested in property development with a business partner based in the Midlands, UK.
“My passion is to strengthen Zimbabwe’s fashion identity and that we should not be myopic but versatile as fashion is a statement. It is of utmost importance that as a country we have an identity that is recognised world-wide as Zimbabwean.”
The Nottingham University Educational Psychology student said she will be launching her label dubbed “South-Originals” in few months
“My dream as an upcoming designer is to design a label that will be recognised and endorsed as the official Zimbabwean wear.
“This is the reason why my role model is drawn from home, Zimbabwe, and this person is none other than mbira maestro Stella Chiweshe who strongly embraces her Zimbabwean identity which is translated in her music. Her music has a Zimbabwean cultural depth that I love. My vision is that my designs have a strong Zimbabwean identity, not just an African look and to strictly use fabrics manufactured and designed in Zimbabwe,” she said.
Chiedza is a package of surprises.
“I would one day love to have the opportunity to dress the likes of Philip Chiyangwa, Olive Chidawu, Terrence Mukupe and Oliver Mtukudzi among others!”
She adds: “Challenges I have faced so far is connecting with Zimbabwean fabric designers and sponsorship, however I will not let that stop my progress. I love designing”.
Online Reporter