The first successful aeroplane, built by Wilbur and Orville Wright, took flight on  December 17, 1903. The duration of that first modern airborne adventure was twelve seconds- but it was a flight nonetheless. The first Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) was launched last night at a low key event at Harry Margolis Hall. It was not the huge  flight into fashion that the industry had hoped for- but it was a flight into fashion nonetheless.

Left: Chipo Sibotshiwe

We could write about all the things that could have been done better with the organisation of this event, and one day we will, because constructive feedback is important for all involved. We could bitch about how this was wrong, how that was missing and how ZFW founder and director Priscilla Chigariro and her team could have, should have, would have -  but not for now.

Today we will focus on how after all the false starts, the lost faith, shortcomings, pull outs by international designers, inadequate sponsorship, last minute change of venue –from the National Gallery of Zimbabwe to Harry Margolis Hall, Zimbabwe Fashion Week kicked off last night, showcasing the amazing work of UK based Zimbabwean designer, Chipo Sibotshiwe, who trades under the label Chipo Bespoke.

^ Models showcase Chipo Bespoke designs, Zimbabwe Fashion Week, July 28, 2010.

Chipo, who has been in the UK for seven years now, specialises in African inspired clothing with a focus on evening wear, bridal outfits and clothing for special occasions.  She designed Vanessa Sibanda’s traditional outfit for the Miss World Pageant held in South Africa last year.

She told The Zimbo Jam that the collection she presented for Fashion Week was inspired by African aesthetics. “I try to create a fusion between Africa and the European,” she said and went on to say that she was honoured to be able to present her work at the first ever Zimbabwe Fashion Week. “It’s like a long lost dream that has been found that I am a part of Zimbabwe Fashion Week,” she added as the models who had done such justice in showcasing her outfits waved goodbye and blew kisses at her.

^ Chipo says her clothes are inspired by African aesthetics with a Eurocentric touch.

Just over 40 people attended the event, where there was seating for about 200. However, according to Ezekiel Mutasa, a Zimbabwean photographer who has done international fashion work and who was there last night, the success of a fashion show needs to be measured by how many deals are signed between designers and buyers and not be number of people who attend.

Ok. It would have been great though to have a full house.

ZFW continues at Harry Margolis Hall, next to Sharon School in Milton Park and runs until Saturday. Other designers to be featured include Yemurai Mpinyuri, Shelter Matsa, Yvonne Watadza, Ashley Nyagumbo, Briaton Takundwa, Chris Goredema, Terrence Chipembere, Trish Carmen, Alice Knuth, Joyce Chimanye and ZFW Director, Pricsilla Chigariro herself.

- The Zimbo Jam

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Ethel  - Proud   |2010-07-29 03:02:06 I was there and I enjoyed the creative and fantastic work of Chipo Bespoke. It was short and really nicely done. I would encourage other people to attend the other shows. Reply 0   0

Namatai   |2010-07-29 03:20:56 Well done Priscilla. Whatever anyone says at least you are not among those sitting back and wishing things were different. You are actually out there making the difference. May this be the beginning of bigger and better things. Reply 0   0

Keen Observer  - what a shame   |2010-07-29 04:08:14 This is such a sad state of affairs. I really hope that the organisers are able to learn from their mistakes and make fashion week into an event that can compete with other fashion weeks across southern Africa. Reply 0   0

Tsitsi   |2010-07-29 06:10:11 I am speechless and feel whatever the excuses this is another bad blow to the industry I am a designer and feel we just are not serious and allow people who know nothing about putting events come and do this and we have no serious mentors we have many suceesful people in the industry but its a competition benefiting noone the designers work was beautiful and she was let down Reply 1   2

Joyceline  - Lies Have Got Very Short Legs   |2010-07-29 09:31:36 The illness among Zimbabweans is they lie to themselves too much, or if they are not lying they sit on the fence. This is not the "first-ever fashion week in Zimbabwe" and journalists should get their facts right. This shows how some fashion egoist are misleading everyone for their own glory. There have been several fashion weeks before and the fact that the name of this particular fashion week has Zimbabwe word tagged to it does not make it the "first-ever fashion week" in the country. Hey, whats wrong with Zim journalism. or is it journalism at all. Untill this woman and her gooffie gang begin to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of other pioneers including the now South Africa-based designer Novell Zwangendaba who single-handedly founded and produced the EthnoDesignFashionWeek in 2007, and others before him, this fallacy will be have short legs, it will not run, or even walk it will continue Reply 2   0

Jusa Dementor  - Well done sis   |2010-07-29 15:23:24 Well done to my sister. I am so proud of you. You done well. I am sure the organisers will learn from their mistakes however this is a all round positive for Zimbabwe. May God guide those in positions of responsibility to have a common vision and export the efforts of the children of Zimbabwe to the world. Reply 0   0

Barney  - IM PROUD FOR MARVELLOUS WORK   |2010-07-29 18:27:25 Im very delighted for the hard work .Please keep it all up and you are very talented.Wat ever people say , its GOD given talent and they can never take away that blessing. We all make mistakes hence support is always needed that being critic ,coz at the end of the day she is standing for something positive about ZIMBABWE.. Bless you Chipo Reply 0   0

taponeswa   |2010-07-30 05:59:48 WELL DONE CHIPO... we are standing tall today... whoooooop! Reply 0   0

Gugulethu   |2010-07-30 21:52:44 People will always say nasty things no matter what you do. There are too many people sitting down doing nothing and all they can do is cry fowl when ever someone else tries to kick the ball. How UNPROGRESSIVE. Reply 0   0

tafi  - mr   |2010-08-08 11:05:44 well done Chipo!I so proud of you and you know i think you are simply the best. Keep up the good work darling and you have all my support and you know i mean it! your husband Reply 0   0

tawanda   |2010-08-31 01:42:37 ko wai didnt u pay the models????????????? Reply 0   0

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