Zim Fashion Week revamped

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Zimbabwe Fashion Week will this year undergo intensive revamping ahead of the event that will take place from August 28-30, organisers have said.
A number of changes have been put in place, including the introduction of multiple venues according to ZFW head of media and corporate communications Chamunorwa Mararike.
Editor-in-chief for Bazaar Magazine in Russia will also grace the event.
“We want the event to be more accessible to a wider audience.

“As a way of addressing complaints that have come in the past, we are going to have more accessible venues, some of them close to the city centre.
“We are currently in talks with a local hotel so that we may use some of their facilities,” he said.

He added that they were trying to address the notion that the event was too segmented and for the elites in the capital.
“Fashion is for the people and we want them to be more involved this year. We are aware that some are of the opinion that we are too exclusive but we are working to improve on that.

“As a way of ensuring the participation of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora and the international community, we will upload videos of our shows after every event,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ZFW Trust will officially launch the 2014 edition with a model casting and Press briefing on Saturday when 35 models will be selected to walk the ramp from many that are expected to come through for auditions.

“We are looking for models aged between 16 and 21.
“Experience in the industry is not really important but the ability to walk on the ramp is an added advantage.

“The minimum height is 1,7 metres while the waist should be a maximum of 30cm. The models will be selected by a panel of judges including a renowned model scout from South Africa,” said Mararike.

He added that the successful candidates will undergo grooming and training.
The show will be running under the theme “Afrocentrical”.

As is the norm, an international headline designer will grace the event that will also see established and upcoming locals showcasing their work.
“We are finalising contracts with local designers but a regional designer will be present to give the event diversity and an international flair.

“Together with the presence of the editor-in-chief from Europe, we are hoping to give exposure to our local fashion industry”