You might have probably seen the 2014 Miss Carnival contestants wearing elegant dresses in the culture wear category. But did you know who made these dresses?
The dresses were made by a young lady born to Zimbabwean and American parents, the multi-talented designer who is also into cosmetics owns a production space in Nigeria where all her garments are made under her label ‘Tir Fashions’, her name is Danielle Allen.
“In my head I have always been a fashion designer but on paper, I started last year,” said Danielle. “As TIR Fashions we are trying to bring not just making typical African attires, but bringing something fresh to Zimbabweans who are fashion conscious.”
Danielle noticed that contemporary styles like blazers are popular and she has produced designs that go with the local taste.
“Besides dressing up the Miss Carnival models we also dress television presenters such as Hazvinei Sakarombe. We dressed Cynthia Mare at the president’s birthday bash and poet Sharon Andrew and some people who attended the 2014 NAMA awards.
“We have been dressing up the local elite and that has attracted to us a lot of clientele,” revealed Allen.
In her shop there is a choice of jumpsuits, caftans, dresses and skirts. Also on display are nice handmade jewellery articles.
Allen says she chose to set base in Nigeria because she has access to a wide variety of materials but she planning to establish another production space locally.
She will be showcasing at the Africa Fashion Week in London.