Zim Fashion Week in words!

Zimbabwe fashion Week is over and for the appreaciators of fashion and those who attended, we'd say it was the best week ever. As much as it is sad that it's come and gone, considering we waited for it for months, we can say we learnt a lot.

The three days of showcasing saw Zimbabwean designers flaunting what they do best. Even though the program of day 1 started a bit late than the scheduled time, were had the showcasing of emerging designers and the young designers of 2015. Gems of Dune by Natsai Mujuru, SamLui by Humfrey Sarimu and Reen Zara by Mehreen were the first to showcase as the emerging designers. These were the folks who were part of the young designers program last year and this year they showcased as stand alone designers and aren't we proud of them. The young designers of 2015 also wowed us with their really creative designs inspired by the different forgotten tribes of Zimbabwe. We had entertainment by the likes of spoken word artist Enkromele and Zambian songstress Nyeembe. In general I'd say it was a successful day one.

The weather decided to kill the vibe of day 2 but we all know folks, nothing ever stops fashionistas from looking amazing. In warm coats, scarfs and rocking those boots, folks had their eyes on the ramp as models worked the runway in fabulous designs. We had labels like Maison de Rouge, Kwedu designs and..showcasing their work. We also had ADNP Designs sponsored by Hoity Toity Lentheric also showcasing their lingerie range and even though in the harsh weather, the models managed to convince us that it's the best range to go with. I should say this year, Zimbabwe fashion Week had such really strong models as they had models from South Africa, Botswana, Zambia as well as Namibia. Entertainment was also on point as we had the likes of Ammara Brown woowing the crowd with some of her latest songs. Loved the dance moves by the way.

Last day of showcasing, which was day 3,never disappointed as well. Armour Bespoke was the first to showcase their amazing creations. The collection was mainly suits and not just suits folks but designs that will make all eyes turn on the red carpet. They had designs that catered for women as well and adopted the boyfriend yet classy and chic look. Talked to the head designer who mentioned that their designs are mainly from following trends and the label has a collection of streetwear as well.. Mmhmhm interesting!! The second to flaunt their work was LiZA Couture by Kuda. We don't know how we can say this to make you understand the description of this collection but all we can say is FABULOUS. This woman really went out of her way to accommodate her creative demon and the visuals below have the evidence. I remember a comment coming from behind me saying "these designs are A-list Haute Couture" and I thought that's the best description. South African label Shirts & Co showcased third and well the collection deserved an award. His designs were really international and really needed fashion savvy folks to understand. His designs catered for both men and ladies in a way that will make them look differently amah-zing. And yes from my opinion, those shoes were out of this world.Jumping to the last showcase of the day and of the event, was TIR Fashion House. A-plus show stopper. Typical meaning of exquisite. The label had the longest ramp in all showcases and you just had to sit there and drool. With the hottest of high fashion garments, ladies you don't have to have any trouble on the red carpet. Emerging designer Humfrey of SamLui had this to say " they really had an interesting choice of fabrics and rich textures. Loved their interesting and creative patterns". Well folks I let the creatives spill.

Then came the day we were all waiting for, Zimbabwe Fashion Week Award Night. It was lights, Camera, action all the way folks. With Haute Couture garments the order of the night, photographers had their cameras clicking the whole time. Folks rocked the red carpet like professionals with interviews being held on the spot. With a bit chilly weather, you'd swear it was the hottest day in summer as no one let the cold define their je ne sai quio.
Then the award ceremony started. I'm not going to say much about this as the winners list is on the end of this article. The highlight of the night was Oliver Mtukudzi Reprospective Show which showcased his range of over the years. It was such an emotional and exciting moment at the same time as fashion peeps gave tribute to this amazing Zimbabwean icon. Entertainment from the Rusike Brothers also had the crowd on their feet, screaming as their performed their hit song, Cecilia. Successful event it was.

Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2015,done and dusted and thanks to the sponsors like Flash Portal, Cointreau, Shoko, Flori Roberts Make-up and TNash Photography who helped in the success of this event. We can't wait for next year for another dosage of the country's biggest fashion event.

For visuals of all the three days folks you can go to the facebook page of one of the sponsors, Tnash Photography to get the amazing pictures.

#ZFW2015 Fashion Awards

Make Up Artist/ Range Of the Year - Make up by Gamu

Stylist Of the Year - Craig Zoowie

Accessories designer of the year - Nix & Sam Accesories

Fashion Blogger of the Year - Kicking it with Mimi (Ameera Murad Ameer)

Fashion Photographer of the Year - Kudzai Chakaingesu

Style Icon Of The Year - Craig Zoowie

Best Dressed Female Red Carpet - Danielle Allen

Best dressed Male Red Carpet - Welshman Sibanda

Female Model Of the Year - Pretence Gonyesa

Male Model Of the Year - Michael Jacobsen

Emerging Designer Of the Year - Crystelle Khan

Designer of the Year - David Alford

Bringing Sexy Back.. Mr and Miss Strides

Folks we've heard people talking, we've seen them posting on social media buh at StyleArchivezw we bring to you first hand info.

So talk of the town is Mr and miss Strides pageant is coming back and we decided to bring it to you right from the horse's mouth (a pretty one).

We talked to the Founder and Creative director of Strides Modelling Agency Mrs Sipho Mazibuko to get an insight of what to expect.
Strides Modelling Agency started back in 2002 and as a former beauty queen she saw the need to market models into the diaspora. Having won Miss Byo 1992 amongst her 13 titles, this was the perfect individual to mould these careers.

Having been out of the peagant business for a while, she's decided to bring back the famous Mr and Miss Strides. Sipho is promising a different and top of the range event also giving contracts to models to work in South Africa. Having no pageant in Zim that caters for white folks, Sipho took this chance to cater for them as well.

Specialising in peagant Modelling, this gorgeous lady is not scared of the competition that comes with runway Modelling as she calls herself a specialist in beauty pageants.
So peeps as we heard it from Sipho, let's wait for this top of the range fashion event and let's not forget to look dapper as always.

Upcoming Talent... Francis C

So this past week we also got a chance to chat to one of our upcoming male models Francis C. And thanks to technology, we did this in the comfort of our homes through IM. We got to find out a few things that m sure all of you didn't knoe jus lyk us. Then we thought, why not share with our fashion folks. This is how it all went down:
Note: there was minimal editing to this conversation.

SaZw -  StyleArchivezw

SaZw❗: So in brief, tell us who Francis is and what you do?

Fra C: Well Francis C is a young gifted and yellowbone lad *wink* lol who is very passionate about everything he does hey, i'm 21 and i'm a student at the national university of science and tech, studying a hons degree in publishing,,,and at the same time building a career in the fashion industry or world as some may call it as a model

SaZw❗: Oh that's nice. I see someone has some vanity in him, not that I blame you.. Lol

Fra C: Hahaha

SaZw❗: Considering some negativity that comes with this fashion career, what made u really come to a decision that this is it for u?

Fra C: Initially when I started this whole thing I thought I would make it as a designer because I was under a young people's club called the trendsetters club and i would give them a few ideas and so forth until i was asked to conduct rehearsals for modelling for the club's launch,,,, that is when i realised that this was it for me, that this was were my passion really lied,,,so i started looking into some agencies and vôila i'm where i am today lol

SaZw❗: And we see you to be the great model you are today

Fra C: Hahaha well I try

Fra C: Working towards being great of course

SaZw❗: So who's behind Francis now or can we say the agency that made you to be the great model?

Fra C: Of course if it wasn't for the good teachings and guidance of the lovely Mrs Sarah Mpofu Sibanda i wouldn't be where i am

Fra C: She played a significant role in making me to be the model that i am today,, i mean she has produced quality over the years models who have become Miss Zim, Miss Byo, top runway models you name it

SaZw❗: Oh yes we all knoe her to be such an inspirational woman.

SaZw❗: So how would you define your sense of style?

Fra C: Well i would say i love afrocentric stuff and i always like to add a gentleman touch to it

SaZw❗: Wat do u prefer, runway or pageant Modelling? And why

Fra C: Both i guess because Fingers masters the art of pageantry that is why most of the fingers models have a graceful touch to them lol and yeah runway is also fun because you get to interact with designers and network a lot

Fra C: So i really can't say i prefer the other to the other because to me its all the same

SaZw❗: What's yo fav item of clothing in your wardrobe and why

Fra C: I can't really say i have a favourite item of clothing hey everything in my wardrobe is on point to me,,, i would say though each outfit depends on the mood on that day

SaZw❗: Ok thanx very much Francis. It was so nice chatting with you.

SaZw❗: StyleArchivezw wishes you all the best in your career building

Fra C: Pleasure

For those who still dono Francis, here's some of the evidence that this young man has rocked the runway like a professional.