World Meet Zargue'sia

StyleArchiveZw -Who Is Zarguesia, Ishmael Tsakatsa?

Ishmael - Ishmael Tsakatsa is a 23yr old gentleman who is a fashion designer & a physiotherapist.

Zargue'sia ( Zaar-goo- zhaar) is my brand name, meaning "The beauty of the God-kind."

StyleArchiveZw - How did u get into fashion design, what inspired u to get into fashion design.

Ishmael - I was a person who was very creative and artistic. My Sister inspired me to get into fashion. She was a fashionista with a very good sense of style and taste.

StyleArchiveZw - Did u want to become a fashion designer when you were young?

Ishmael - No I didn't. I wanted to be a medical doctor 

StyleArchiveZw - What do u enjoy most about designing clothes?

Ishmael - The translation of thoughts and ideas from sketches into real life garments

StyleArchiveZw - Whats the most challenging part?

Ishmael - None

StyleArchiveZw - Last year, you showcased at Zimbabwe Fashion Week and won the designer of the year award, what was that experience like?

Ishmael - That experience was one of a kind. It made me realise that all things are possible if you believe.

StyleArchiveZw - What can we expect from you in the near future, any projects coming along?

Ishmael - Yes definitely. They are currently the pipeline. Expect the best of Zargue'sia. It's not like before.

StyleArchiveZw - If you had the choice of all designers in the world to work with/for, would that person be your choice??

Ishmael - Carlo Pignatelli. He is an icon in Italian man's fashion 

StyleArchiveZw - Do you think Zimbabwean designers have what it takes to be internationally recognised powerful brands?

Ishmael - Yes they do. Currently some of the  Zimbabwean designers already taking strides on international platforms across  the globe.

StyleArchiveZw - Does your work reflect your personal fashion taste?? Can you describe your style?

Ishmael - Emphatically yes. I love drama and sophistication 

StyleArchiveZw - What inspires you/ what makes you succeed, regardless of the current economic meltdown we're facing?

Ishmael - Firstly. It's the Word of God from the Bible, that's where my main inspiration comes from.

My success is on the ability I have to distinguish myself with diligence and excellence irrespective of the circumstances around me.

StyleArchiveZw - For those who want to work in the fashion industry what is your advice for them?

Ishmael - Stay true to your vision. Be the best that you can be. Dream Big!

Hottest Style Trends for 2016

It's just a couple of weeks to go to year end and we all looking forward to what 2016 has in store for us. As we preparing to making our resolutions, let's consider looking more fashionable as one of them. To help us achieve this, we have managed to gather some of the hot trends for the coming year from the world's greatest runways.

2016 is bringing the flaunting of shoulders. From shoulder cutouts to off-the- shoulder tops, these bold designs graced the runway and we so can't wait, come 2016 to rock them. Talking of tops, ladies have once again adopted something from the boys. White button-down shirts are coming 2016 and it's time you grab one for that cool-girl and sassy look. So be it buttoned up, ruffled or slashed, the choice is yours.

The last we heard of pleats was back in high school but 2016 is bringing them back to our wardrobes. Don't get worried folks, all you gotta do is rock that silhouette in micro pleats with so much confidence and be ready to make the year your own. Crumpled fabrics is also coming back in 2016 and I'm happy for those who are not much of ironing fans as this is the perfect solution. Invest in that garment with crumpled fabric and you won't have to interact with an iron everyday.

If you thought suede ended in the 70s,then 2016 has a surprise for you. This delicate fabric is back with a more sophisticated touch and colour. From floral to print, the one of the most loved fabrics is definitely back to bring that va-va-voom. Light-weight denim will be another hot trend and no need to get worried as this fabric is not the first we've heard of it. So revamp your wardrobe with a dress, shirt or skirt in this warm-weather denim and you good to go.

If you about colour, then orange will be the best option. Many usually avoid this in-your-face colour but 2016 has it as a hot trend. Bring it out in a shade of your choice and grab all the attention.

When it comes to shoes, we getting into the new year with our flats. Don't panick as these essentials will still be trending. So rest a bit from the downs of high heels and opt for these comfy flat mules.

So be ready for 2016 and if I were you, I'd start revamping my wardrobe now. Wishing you a happy and fashionable new year.

Ripping and when to draw the line!

It started jus as ripping of denims but it has turned into one of the biggest trend or Craze. Now it's about ripping just about every clothing item and yes we've accepted it into our wardrobes and embraced it. Just the other day, I was admiring at a folk rocking ripped sweatpants and I thought, interesting.

Just as I'm a fan of ripping and shredding clothes, the question still remains, How Far Do We Have To Go?

Ripped Demin? Big YES!

Ripped t-shirts? YES!

Ripped sweatpants? New trend but YES

Ripped leggings? So big a NO!!

Firstly leggings were meant to be the tightest piece of clothing you could wear for gym sessions or Yoga. Made from the lightest and stretching material, folks please don't massacre these leggings. These were supposed to be undergarments ladies but we embraced it when you decided to rock them on their own. Please don't take it a step further. We can't handle it.

We right into December and we as StyleArchiveZW would like to wish u a Fashionable Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please drive safely, be responsible because 2016 is coming and we'd love to get into it with you all. Enjoy

Jet Footwear

We're right in the middle of Summer, folks, and in this intense heat, you'd agree with me that we need some footwear that helps our feet "breathe". We also wouldn't want to forget that the reason we love Summer is because we can explore our fashion sense better as we can wear almost anything we want.

Well, back to footwear- this Summer has seen the coming back of the gorgeous strap sandals. Some call them "gladiators"  as they were worn in ancient Greek times, but they have made their way back to modern fashion. One store that has helped in providing these is Jet Stores. I went in one of their branches and man, was I wowed. Jet realised that folks need something light and comfortable which brings out that chic persona while keeping the feet cool. Coming in different designs and colours, no one can have an excuse for not having a pair. Strap sandals are great for outdoor as well, especially for that walk in the park or a drink with BFFs. With some available in bright colours, these sandals can be great for accessorizing an outfit as they brighten up an outfit in muted colours.

Jet also has amazing pumps in their footwear section. These also come in different gorgeous colours, making them very versatile when it comes to outfit combinations. Pumps are some of the lightest footwear and they are great also for outdoor activities as they are durable. These also come in different sizes  catering for children as well. So mothers- you can grab yourself a pair and get a complimenting pair for your little girl!

I love the men's plimsolls selection . I had a chat with one of the sales assistants who mentioned that the plimsolls are one of the most purchased items in the footwear section. Plimsolls are very comfortable as they are light and easy to combine with almost anything. One can choose from different colours that are available depending on their favorites.

So, folks, get into any Jet Stores and grab yourself a pair of any of these trendy pieces of footwear and grab all the attention!

Day One of Mat Fashion Week

Day one of the much anticipated Matebeleland Fashion Week has come and gone and I would  like to apologise profusely folks as I got there a bit late. But well for those who did not attend at all, we'll give you a bit of what we saw.

We managed to get there in time for the 3rd showcase of the night by a young man named Gift Tsingano with his label Tribes. Loved how he combined shades of polka-dot in his designs with some garments having black lace. I thought that was really brave. To describe those designs, I would simple say "simple yet chic

Next to showcase, last showcase of the night by the way, was a young lady Talent Ngwenya with her label Crocky. Really nice designs I should say. She managed to combine colours that one would dread to combine (black and red,, black and yellow) and yet brought out garments with a touch of sophistication. But well that's were the creativity comes in after all

Well I was a bit sad though that the turnout was a bit low but was quick to forgive folks as its a week day. We hoping day 2 will have a better one and we looking forward to it

Right Frame, Right Make-up For Your Face

Well folks admit it or not, we've had some who've felt negative when that optician prescribes spectacles. Folks get worried that they spoil their looks or hear some say specs make them look geeky. Well I've felt the latter and yes I put on specs but thanks to some tips I've managed to overcome this.

As StyleArchivezw we always here to help so we made some research and we can safely say you don't have to worry anymore. One can now rock those specs by choosing the right frame for your face and with the complimentary make-up, you'll be ready to rock the world with the perfect view. The most important tip is for one to know their face shape for this to work so here it is folks;

HEART-SHAPED FACE
Lightly oval or square shaped frames will work well for you as they would best suit your forehead and chin.
Make-up Tips
Bronzing the outside of your temples will soften your face lines yet bringing out the more oval shape. A pretty dust of pink or apricot blush and some bright lipstick will leave you looking amah-zing.

RECTANGULAR FACE
Small rounded frames will be advisable as they would soften those hard square features.
Make-up Tips
A bit of blush is recommended to reduce the appearance of length on your face. Some eye-popping eyeshadow will do you good as well as a thickening mascara. You'd do well to avoid lengthening mascara to avoid your lashes from touching your lenses.

ROUND FACE
Rectangular frames will definitely suit your large forehead and rounded chin.
Make-up Tips
To lessen the appearance of your round face, apply your blush under your cheekbones. Angular eyebrows are important too and try some highlighting powder to give them that VA VA voom.

SQUARE FACE
Oval or round shaped frames might work well for you to compliment your equally wide jaw and forehead.
Make-up Tips
Soften your jawline with a dot bronzing powder. A good coverage foundation is a definite must then finally define your eyes with a liner.

OVAL FACE
This shape is the easiest to frames as anything you comfortable with or in can work quite well.
Make-up Tips
A coloured liner will definitely liven up your face. A little gloss will add that extra sparkle and finally powder your face lightly.

So there you have it folks. When the doctor prescribes those spectacles, it's not the end of the world. So lastly here are some tips to always consider also when choosing your glasses,
1) If you are short-sighted, avoid rimless specs as it will make the thickness of lenses visible
2) If you to go for coloured frames, choose a pair that sends a stylish message.
3) If you allergic to metal, go for titanium frames and they are light and flexible as well.
4) Lastly make sure your specs fit over your ears to avoid them falling off.
Best view!!

White Cotton.. The Next Big Brand!

A couple of days back I published an article about how much the fashion industry in Zim is growing. With the number of designers increasing rapidly, we have those that are exceptionally good. That's where we bring in the term "gods of creativity" to define three gentlemen who form the label White Cotton.
For those who loyally follow us, they'd remember we once featured their head designer, Blessed Nkosi for one of our Fashion Friday editions some time back. Now we had an amazing chance to talk to his partners to get to know one of the posh brands in Byo.

White Cotton, a name that came after one of the co-founders picked up a white cotton string and because of their spontaneous and creative minds, the name came up. So in 2011,Blessed Nkosi, Sean Sita and Nhlonipho Tankwa decided to create their signature clothing line after they realised the frustration that peeps went through and even them to get great clothes. So instead of crossing boarders or paying high prices in local boutiques for these clothes, they decided to make these clothes and they've not looked back. One can see this has been the case as they've showcased in a number of big events around the country like The Blue Carpet Event, Miss Zim Environment and Matebeleland Fashion Week to mention a few. This really shows these gentlemen are not a force to be reckoned with.

Because of their stance to cater for everyone, all shapes and sizes it has made this label a famous one. The designs always carry their signature of class and fine details yet bringing out the persona of the one wearing it. So I asked what they really enjoy about designing clothes, "Everything", replied the head designer Blessed, "it is all an adventure for us and we love to see what our crazy minds come up with each time and simple stuff like a contrast in buttons can make an outfit wow for us". Only the créatives I'm sure understand this better.

As much as these créatives are doing an amazing job dressing the fashionistas of Bulawayo they have some challenges they face. "There are many challenges, the foremost being that the economic environment does not give enough room to accommodate fashion. Face it, when peoples worries are reduced to basic needs, day to day living and hand to mouth earning fashion is the last thing within most peoples reach. We appreciate that we have continued to exist and build our brand over the past 4 to 5 years but its not enough, we do not have enough affluent clientele to have a steady income and build the brand to its true capacity",mentioned Blessing. He also went on to mention the issue of local boutiques not supporting local products. I kept on thinking it's high time I pay those boutiques a visit and tell them how what exactly they missing.

This trio always manage to bring the gentlemen look onto a whole new level. I mean who are the best people to form a trio than guys who have the same fashion sense? One would swear they were born together in their designs even though they, "switch it up a bit to suit each other's look ", as they would say.

As we all know this industry can be a bit harsh, so I had to ask how have they survived all these years in it? " We keep doing what we are doing for the love of it and the vision which is bigger than what most people see. There is nothing like having knowledge of where you are going and knowing that you are on your own path. Also we dont compete, we congratulate those that are doing well but we believe we are in our own league and so we are the best because we are the best". Without a doubt folks, this trio is out to conquer the world and I'm sure you got that, they are the best
.
So finally folks for those who have dreamt to be successful fashion designers, here's some advice from the experts in the industry, "Find yourself and let that be prevalent in all your work, be vigilant, stay true and never stray from the original goal. If your goal is to make money you will have success in your lifetime but if your goal is to build an empire you will leave a legacy", said by Blessing.

So there you have it folks. If you don't own a garment from White Cotton I'm going to ask you this "what are you waiting for".