The Good:

Introducing
The Sp_CE!

The Sp_ce ( Image : The Space Harare facebook page)

This gap is being bridged by the launch of The Sp_ce, a unique and artistically themed showroom that has been created to celebrate and sell the best in Zimbabwe’s fashion, design and art. The introduction of The Sp_ce will also offer more diverse events including fashion shows which means our fasion calendar will be spread out and not just focused on the 4 day event. I do hope that we will see more well produced and attended fashion events at The Sp_ce. Also for those shisha/ hubbly/hookah lovers like myself, The Sp_ce will also have shisha on offer with a variety of flavor on offer. For those who follow ZFI founder,  Priscilla you would have seen the Turk and African  hints and influences on the décor and ambiance of the Sp_ce , something I will be sharing later this month after its soft launch (so watch this space).

The Sp_ce ( Image : The Space Harare facebook page)

 

The Young Designers Programme Continues

The YoungDesigner Programme is a developmental project that was started in 2012 and takes 10 aspiring designers to be part of a month long workshop that focuses on theory and practical lessons from the best in the industry. Mr. Colin Ratisai, the YDP’s Director proudly states “The Young Designers Programme has empowered over 60 applicants and transformed dreams into reality for those who love fashion. I am excited to continue to mentor young aspirational fashion designers with the knowledge and skills that they need.”

 2014 YDP collections at ZFW Opening Cocktail

The young designers who will be selected this year will be tasked with creating fashion that is in line with this year’s theme –Fashion Refashioned. This theme focuses on eco-friendly and sustainable ways to produce garments that are trendy and fashionable. Selection for the Young Designer’s Programme will be announced through Zimbabwe Fashion Week’s social media pages.

The Bad:

NO 4 DAY FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA OF BOTH INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL DESIGNERS

Backstage at ZFW 2014, models smile on

With Thula Sindi and Cocoa

From visiting international/regional designers the likes of the flamboyant Mustafa Hassanali , the chic Thula Sindi to daring swimwear by Noe Es and edgy men’s wear by Taf the Taylor. The highlight of the traditional 4 day fashion showcase is the magnificent platform for local , regional fashion movers and shakers to connect, mingle and celebrate local fashion.  The week also is filled with fierce pouts, trendy looks and bold struts. It is a celebration of models, photography, stylist and even bloggers like myself. The event has established itself as a leading fashion event on the continent.  ZFW  has been met with both positive and negative reception  over the past 5 years ,  it however has been able to establish itself as the prime fashion affair . ZFW is not the first fashion event to be postponed in the continent , Mercedes- Benz Africa Fashion week was also postponed last year in 2015. While the Sp_ce will offer something new, it is hard to let go of the traditional 4 day extravaganza. The Zimbabwean economy has had a great impact on local events  such as the legendary HIFA have.We hope that the traditional 4 day Zimbabwe Fashion week event returns in 2017 just as I hope HIFA’s 6 day event returns too.

With Mustafa Hassanali

So it’s not all doom and  gloom fashion lovers, behind the clouds some sun rays are peeking!  Lets hope 2017 will be better for lifestyle and events!