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CELEBRATED South Africa-based Zimbabwean designer Rumbie Madzivanyika Muzofa is set to represent the country at the Africa Fashion Reception (AFR) taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, from July 3 to 5.The fashion reception, which was officially launched in Paris last year, will this year be hosted by the Nigerian government under the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in conjunction with World Fashion Organisation.
The Abuja event will see fashion icons, first ladies, ambassadors and the who-is-who of fashion industry from about 40 countries taking part. Only one designer has been selected to represent their respective countries.
Muzofa through her brand Rumbie By Rumbie will have the opportunity to showcase what Zimbabwe has to offer, as well as open channels to sell both her brand and Zimbabwe as a tourism destination of choice.
In a telephone interview, the designer expressed delight for being nominated to represent the country at the fashion event.
“Currently we are running around making final preparations for the event. It is a real honour to be representing the country and we will do our best to show the world what comes from Zimbabwe,” she said.
A vigorous selection process was conducted to come up with a single representative from the participating countries with each country providing an average of 17 designers – the executive board of the AFR announced in a Press statement.
“The selection process was rigorous as an average of nine to 17 entries were received from designers in each of the participating African countries,” read part of the statement.
The event which is set to become an annual craze will be hosted on rotational basis with each participating country poised to host it at some point.
Londile Moyo
Online Reporter