Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWEAN fashion designers, Yolanda Ngwenya and Charmaine Nziradzemhuka, who are currently on an internship in Berlin, Germany, are poised to make a significant impact on the local fashion scene upon their return.
Ngwenya, who is from Bulawayo and owns Bakhar, said she hopes to gain insights into the professional fashion ecosystem — from production to retail.
“I’m eager to learn about quality control, textile manufacturing and fabric selection and how these elements play a crucial role in the production of a collection,” she said.
She is also interested in exploring how technology, particularly AI, can be incorporated into the fashion industry to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
The two will be in Germany for six weeks working with two of the country’s top fashion brands.
The duo will also attend the Berlin Fashion Week, which is set to start on Monday and end on Thursday next week.
By assisting with the production of Impari Moda’s (Jana’s) latest collection and attending the Berlin Fashion Week, the designer aims to gain exposure and understand what it takes to compete globally.
“Helping with the production of Impari Moda’s (Jana’s) latest collection, dressing the models and helping with the setting up and preparation of its exclusive show during Berlin Fashion Week and attending the Fashion Week itself, accessing backstage and dressing for brands like Orange Culture will give me exposure, open my eyes to help me understand what has been missing in our own local industry and it will teach me how the international business of fashion works and what is needed from me in order to compete globally,” she said.
As an emerging designer, Ngwenya faces challenges such as industry saturation and limited funds.
However, she is determined to overcome these obstacles through consistency, perseverance and self-belief.
“I plan to stay focused and keep working towards my goals, believing in myself and my abilities,” she said.
Upon returning home, the designer plans to share her knowledge and experience with local creatives.
She intends to train young designers in essential skills like pattern making, cutting, fashion illustration, show production and PR.
“I plan on contributing to the Zimbabwean fashion industry by training young creatives in pattern making, cutting, fashion illustration, show production, planning and execution and PR.
“Some of these particular skills are not formally recognised as jobs in Zimbabwe and they are, therefore, not taught as degree programmes.
“Sharing this knowledge will help create opportunities for young creatives to be employed in other local fashion brands and it will also help us elevate the quality of product that we produce in the industry,” she said.
Nziradzemhuka, who owns Char Designz and is from Harare, believes that participating in Berlin Fashion Week will significantly impact her visibility as a Zimbabwean designer on the global stage.
“Having backstage access will be imperative to see how a fashion show runs. This is industry experience that every designer would like to have.
“It helps with curating fashion shows that compete on an international scale and network and work with industry leaders.
“I want to learn a lot about how to educate and bring meaningful stories for people who value relationships and develop a strong brand identity and aesthetic in the community and globally.
“My design aesthetic is expressive and individualistic while raw while using fabric waste to reduce harm to the environment.
“Jana is doing this in her own way, using her own voice to get people to understand the implications of fast fashion.
“I have been waiting to see the practical side of preparing for a Fashion Week.
“Jana, the creative genius behind Impari Moda, is doing this in her own way but it’s something I have always aspired to do.”
