Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FROM Instagram-famous streetwear labels to lifestyle brands capturing the city’s pulse, Bulawayo’s creatives are proving that buying local merchandise is not just trendy, it is a movement.
The recent Garden of House lifestyle event made that crystal clear.
Local brands were not just on display, they were being actively supported, celebrated and worn by the community.
Attendees embraced the chance to show off home-grown labels, making the city’s creativity the real star of the day.
Beyond music and dance, the event highlighted brands such as Juluka, Stars29, AfroHolic, Sukhavad, Black Rose Couture and StreetKredit, each offering something unique and reflecting Bulawayo’s vibrant cultural heartbeat.
The crowd did not just look, they engaged, interacted and celebrated the talent behind the products.
DJ AshT (Ashton Gumbo), one of the event organisers, explained the concept behind the collaboration.
“The idea was born out of a desire to support local entrepreneurship and create a unique experience for our attendees.
It was also a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with like-minded businesses and showcase the best of our community,” he said.
A creative twist at the event added extra excitement: anyone wanting a seat in the VIP area had to wear local brands.
The effect was immediate.
VIP guests proudly showcased home-grown labels and the trend quickly spread to the general crowd.
Those who had not bought their outfits beforehand snapped up merchandise at the event itself, making sure they did not miss out.
“I’m thrilled to say the response was overwhelmingly positive.
People loved engaging with the brands, seeing fresh energy and discovering products they had not encountered before,” AshT added.
Encouraged by the success, the organisers plan to continue nurturing partnerships with local businesses, helping them reach wider audiences.
“Our plan is to grow and expand support for local brands. By collaborating with them, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem that promotes creativity, innovation and economic growth,” AshT explained.
Bulawayo’s local business scene is expanding fast, and while competition is strong, many entrepreneurs are carving out distinct identities, from bold street-wear to eco-conscious products and lifestyle offerings that capture the city’s vibe. This growing diversity pushes creativity, improves quality, and strengthens the local market.
For the community, the rise of local brands offers more than choice, it is a chance to support businesses that reflect their own stories and values.
For entrepreneurs, it is a challenge and an opportunity — to stay authentic while proving that home-grown brands can compete locally and beyond. Supporting them is not just a fashion statement, it is an investment in Bulawayo’s identity, creativity and future.
Meanwhile, Garden of House (GOH) organisers have revealed plans to take the signature event beyond Bulawayo, with upcoming shows scheduled for Harare, Victoria Falls and even Kenya.
Linda Mpofu, spokesperson for GOH, explained that the expansion is part of the movement’s mission to showcase Zimbabwean talent to wider audiences.
“The GOH tour is more than just a series of events, it is a cultural movement designed to position Zimbabwe as a hub of talent, innovation and artistic expression. At its core, it highlights local DJs and producers, giving them the platforms and exposure they deserve beyond their hometowns,” Mpofu said.
She added: “By taking their artistry on tour, we’re creating opportunities for Zimbabwean talent to connect with broader audiences, expand their reach and gain recognition regionally and internationally. The tour links music, fashion and culture, building a holistic creative experience.”
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