Collective of Designers that collectively organised TSFI

September known as the January of Fashion , is the welcoming of a new fashion season  of Spring /Summer. Here in Zimbabwe , as the temperatures get warmer our wardrobes get more vibrant too. With Zimbabwe Fashion Week postponed this year , local designers came up with an innovative showcase . A group of Zimbabwe’s finest designers for over 2 months worked collectively to conceptualise The September Fashion Issue. Through perseverance and innovation , the inaugural September Fashion Issue took place on 3 September at a rather unconventional venue of the Athenitis Parking lot.

Uncoventional location: Athenitis Parking lot

As all shows tend to do , the event started a little late but was worth the wait. The rustic location and venue of the parking lot gave it an authentic city feel. One ticket on the night gave you access to all 12 designers.  The runway was bold , vibrant , fierce and exciting with impressive stage production and walks. With that being said, below are some of my  memorable highlights from the night.

Women of Power by Sanah Designs

Sanah’s bold womenswear collection

From The City of Kings, Sanha opened the night with a striking showcase. I loved this collection not just because it was a bold for the unapologetic women. The quality of the garments were top of the range and the collection had cohesion. From funky shoulder pads to  lace designs and striking collars. I loved it!

Saru Murungu and that print

Saru Murungu takes to the runway

The fresh African prints, zips and elements of nature especially trees made this collection a stand out. The use of blues and yellows were a lovely combination . The tailoring was perfect , the unique cut outs and styles added to the showcase. Certainly one of my favourite collections of the night.

Z’arguesia- Ruffles , collars and draping

Ishmael’s impressive collection for TSFI

Reds , champagne and nudes. Some of my favourite colours were part of this collection. True to his signature tailoring , Ishmael’s collection made use of his stunning draping, ruffles and collars. From flowing cocktail dress to power looks. Z’arguesia’s women wear is a must. I love his style and his looks  which are perfect for all body types something that is not common on the runway . Whether slim or curvy , Ishmael understands the women’s figure.

Haus of Lau – Casual Chic

House of Lau stuns with casual chic

Vibrant and earthy with oranges and browns as well as plaid designs with hints of blue. This collection was also well received by  the audience . The tailoring and  cuts make this collection a must for casual chic outings especially those blazers . Certainly a must for the trendy  man! I also loved that the look was closed by the beautiful Chiedza Mukucha who rocked the only female look by House of Lau.

Swimwear and Resort with Noe Es

Perfect for your a holiday getaway , Noe Es is a must!

Who doesn’t love swim wear and resort? Known for her trademark swimsuits and resort looks , Nompumelelo brings summer and style. From high waisted bikinis to sexy straps , a little something for everyone. The stand out collection was the white themed resort collection ideal for the trendy holiday goer.

TIR  Fashion House brings Lagos and prints

High-low chic by TIR Fashion House

True to her character,  Lagos-Harare  based Danielle always brings colours , prints and fierceness to the runway. Her collection was playful but still sexy. Her high-low  tops were certainly bold and perfect for summer.

Pink Persuasion by Tapfumanei Munenge!

Hilda Mabu wows in Tapfumanei Munenge

My go-to and dearest friend , Tapfumanei opened with some menswear looks something he has not done much of on the runway. The refreshing menswear looks made use of a not too bold pink which is ideal for the stylish gentleman. True to his bold ad risqué style , the female models followed with sexy pink lace looks . From umbrella skits to crop tops and pencil skirts , the bold and pink looks were striking. His final look fit perfectly on the stunning Hilda Mabu who closed the runway.

Final Thoughts

The Zimbabwean fashion industry is quite an exciting place to be.  The overall production was brilliant and the models brought fierce. Progress has been made and the quality of garments  have improved ,most of all local appreciation and attendance is growing. One or 2 collections were misses for me and I did notice a dress or two in a certain yellow and pink collection being held by pins , that is a fashion no no!!! Unfinished looks should never make the runway or at least should not be obvious to audiences

My look for the night

The night was certainly  a fashion lovers  haven and undoubtedly one of the most well attended events of the year with lots of media too. For next year , we definitely need a 2 day programme because the night was quite long to sit through as fabulous as it was . For its inaugural showcase , it was certainly a job well done by a hardworking collection of local designers. Bravo!

Front row at TSFI (photography : SamLui Photography)