Zim Designers Hit Jozi for Africa Fashion Week
Category: Fashion News Published Date Written by Fungai Tichawangana Hits: 3395
{dropcap}T{/dropcap}here was an air of excitement yesterday at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg as models & designers arrived from all over the world for the fourth edition of Africa Fashion Week. Among them were Intisaar Mukadam, Colin Ratisai and Maita Marimo, here to rep for Zimbabwe.
^ Colin Ratisai and models at the Africa Fashion Week launch cocktail, October 19, 2011.
Africa Fashion Week starts today, October 20, 2011 and runs until Saturday, October 22. The star line-up of African and African-inspired designers and labels who will showcase work here is breathtaking. It includes Marianne Fassier, Mataano, Tart, Stefania Morland, Alexander Koutny, Soucha, Thula Sindi, David Tlale, Bunmi Koko and Madam Woki.
The three Zimbabwean designers already mentioned will be joined by a fourth Zimbo fashionista, Bisma Ahmed. Collin is here courtesy of a scholarship organised by the British Council and the other designers have been sponsored by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
Colin said that his collection, from his CZeeRat label, will be very feminine and alluring.
Intisaar, whose label is called Intisaarm, told Zimbo Jam that her collection is called African Kaleidoscope and is based on tribal art from the continent. “The colours and patterns are very bright, very bold and very energetic,” she said.
^ Repping for Zimbabwe: Maita, Intisaar and Colin pictured at the Sandton Convention Centre, October 19, 2011.
Maita will present a ready to wear collection inspired by ancient Egypt but with a futuristic look. “I’m mixing the old with a look of the future,” she said. “The range will include summer and winter outfits. It’s a collection that a woman can wear all year round.”
Bisma, who spoke to Zimbo Jam online last night, said that her collection, The Peacock Palette, from her B’zma label, will be regal, vivacious and exciting. It is inspired by Middle Eastern design and is sewn mainly from pure plain and crinkle chiffons, Chinese and raw silks. If you attended Zimbabwe Fashion Week you will have seen a sampling of the collection during her show there.
So, if you’re in Johannesburg, don’t miss the Zimbabwean Showcase at Africa Fashion Week, Saturday October 22, 1500hrs. What’s more, Zimbo Jam is giving away 20 tickets to that particular show so holla if you’re game.
- Fungai Tichawangana for Zimbo Jam