admin
Melissa Mpofu Showbiz Editor
In a move to promote Zimbabwean designers and models in the diaspora, Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) is set to host similar events under the Zimbabwe Fashion Week International (ZFWI) brand starting this year.The fashion event which gives local designers a platform to showcase their creations to renowned designers, fashion enthusiasts, models and exhibitors from around the world will see the ZFWI brand being launched in London in June/July — a few weeks ahead of the main ZFW in Harare.
ZFW founder, Priscilla Chigariro-Gessen, said they decided to take the event abroad to try and develop Zimbabwean designers and models abroad by giving them a platform to shine and network with big brands in the countries they were operating in.
“Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2014 was a stupendous success and the buzz from our series of events so far is being felt by the fashion world beyond our borders.
“We feel that now’s the right time to launch our global brand — Zimbabwe Fashion International, which will premiere in London later this year,” Chigariro-Gessen said.
She said a team had already been established in London with calls for designers and sponsors interested in showcasing their work at the London premiere already being made. Those interested have been advised to register by sending an email to [email protected].
Chigariro-Gessen was buoyant about Zimbabwe Fashion Week’s international expansion.
“We have become the go-to fashion event on Zimbabwe’s cultural calendar, and this is down to the work we’ve put in over the past five years to grow this event.
“I feel that we’ve generated the momentum and credibility with Zimbabwe Fashion Week to sustain this international expansion. We’re taking our strong brand credentials to London and elsewhere with full confidence that we’ll be successful,” Chigariro-Gessen said.
The fashion pundit said the UK, which boasts the largest concentration of Zimbabweans in the western diaspora, continues to support a thriving set of popular cultural events.
“When Zimbabwe Fashion International launches in London this year, it will provide a much-needed platform for the many exciting upcoming fashion creatives working in the UK to showcase their creations.”
She said their mission was to make the Zimbabwe Fashion Week brand synonymous with the people’s appetite for fashion, style and creativity.
“As Zimbabwe’s premier fashion event, Zimbabwe Fashion Week’s main purpose is to create a platform for the country’s designers to showcase their creations.
“By celebrating our nation’s sartorial creativity in this way, we also aim to help revive the country’s once thriving textile and fashion industry,” Chigariro-Gessen said.
There are also plans to take the ZFWI brand to other countries such as Australia.
“We’re also hoping to take this brand to other countries but that will probably be next year.”
Following its launch in October 2009 in South Africa’s commercial capital, Johannesburg, ZFW has been running successfully in Harare for the past five years and has in that time won the support and acclaim of esteemed figures in the fashion industry.
The event rated number four by New York Fashion Week is held at the end of August/early September each year and attracts an assortment of fashion enthusiasts. Over 6,000 patrons have attended ZFW events in the past five years and with the London premiere scheduled for this year, the event’s popularity is set to soar as it benefits from wider exposure.
Last year’s ZFW drew about 40 designers, including seven international brands. Game of Thrones star Yuri Kolokolnikov added a touch of international celebrity by gracing the fashion event for the entire week.
ZFW has launched a video series of highlights of last year’s event in response to demand from fans who missed out on the show. The clips can be viewed on the organisation’s YouTube channel and on their Facebook page.
Online Reporter