Following a four year hiatus, Victoria Falls is set to host the relaunch of the Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) from October 20 to 21.
The highly-anticipated event to be held at Elephant Walk will be ZFW first in the resort town which promises to be an extraordinary fusion of fashion, culture and innovation.
ZFW Trust director Marshall Mutsamwira said they targeted Victoria Falls because fashion weeks also attract tourists.
“We aim not only to showcase the latest trends in fashion, but also to open up exciting opportunities for tourists and locals alike to be part of Zimbabwe’s most significant fashion extravaganza while empowering young designers and amplifying Zimbabwe’s significance in the international fashion industry,” he said.
“Relaunching Zimbabwe Fashion Week in Victoria Falls is a strategic pivot for us moving forward. Everywhere you go, fashion weeks attract tourists, support local artisans, foster retail and commerce, and ultimately enhance the nation’s global appeal.
“By nurturing a robust multi-sectoral ecosystem, Zimbabwe’s fashion industry can reach new heights, demonstrating that its influence extends far beyond the runway, and into the heart of the nation’s economic and cultural vitality”.
Mutsamwira said fashion had the potential to be a major economic driver.
“A thriving fashion industry in Zimbabwe is not merely a creative pursuit; it’s a cornerstone of a dynamic, multi-sectoral ecosystem,” he said.
“The interconnectedness of fashion with tourism, commerce, and various other sectors cannot be overstated.
“A vibrant fashion industry not only showcases the nation’s cultural richness, but also serves as a powerful driver of economic growth.”
This year’s edition will have selected designers showcase their collections at “The Wine Experience” at Elephant Walk during the day on Saturday October 21, while ZFW Creative Accelerator programme will be launched in the evening of the same day at The Victoria Falls Hotel.
Mutsamwira said the Creative Accelerator Programme underscores the importance of fostering young designers’ growth and creativity.
“The journey to a successful fashion career often begins with an opportunity to learn, experiment, and showcase one’s talent,” he said.
“This programme will serve as a critical stepping stone, equipping aspiring designers with the skills, knowledge and mentorship needed to thrive in the competitive world of fashion”.
The programme comprises an intensive in-person and virtual workshop training session with some of Zimbabwe’s globally recognized fashion practitioners and designers including multi-award-winning accessory designer Dr Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri of Vanhu Vamwe and New York based-designer Evelyn Lambert.
Lambert’s work has been seen on the runways during New York Fashion Week and she has received acclaim from high-end boutique owners, premier media houses, celebrity stylists, photographers, and A-list fashion socialites.
The Creative Accelerator programme will also honour of Zimbabwean spiritual leader and liberation struggle icon Mbuya Nehanda (Charwe Nyakasikana) using the fashion technique of draping as the practical component students will learn and showcase.
“Draping has a rich history in Zimbabwe, deeply intertwined with the nation’s cultural heritage,” said ZFW Trust Founder, Priscilla Chigariro.
“Historically, traditional Zimbabwean attire was intricately draped and beautifully adorned, reflecting the diverse ethnic groups and their distinct clothing styles.
“The significance of draping in Zimbabwe’s history can be seen through the iconic figure of Mbuya Nehanda, a spiritual leader and cultural symbol during the First Chimurenga (1896-1897) against colonial rule.
“During and even after her time, women wore regal and draped attire, often adorned with traditional ornaments, which became a powerful representation of resistance and cultural identity.
“Their striking style exemplified the elegance and symbolism of draping in Zimbabwean culture, where clothing is more than just a garment; it’s a profound statement of tradition, identity, and resilience.”
This year’s edition of ZFW is supported by the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe’s CreativeACTIONs2 project.
CreativeACTIONs2 was launched in January with a focus on nurturing and empowering Zimbabwean artists and cultural practitioners across a spectrum of disciplines, encompassing music, dance, theatre, literary arts, and fashion.
It aims to complement national development priorities by funding innovative artistic and cultural expressions, empowering civil society, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, and providing training and skills development programmes for arts and culture practitioners.
Herald
