The Mataano twins have been named as not only two of the most talented designers in the world today, but also two of the sexiest in a recent list by Complex Style. Zimbabwean fashion lovers now can see the twins AND their work when they come to the country for Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe in October.
Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe (FWZ) founder, Shamiso Ruzvidzo said she was thrilled to have the two designers coming to Zimbabwe; “To have these two talented designers come and be a part of the Fashion Weekend experience is exciting and inspiring. The best part is that they will be adding value, by mentoring our top 8 designers during a breakfast workshop. It makes me believe more and more that the world is only a doorstep away for local designers to also take their designs international.”
One of the Zimbo Jam team members (we won’t say who) encountered the Mataano twins at Africa Fashion Week in Johannesburg in 2011 and he confirms that he had to do double and triple takes when he first saw them. “Hotness personified,” was his comment, “and their work on the ramp is totally amazing.”
Pieces from the Mataano Spring/Summer 2013 collection presented at New York Fashion Week in February 2013. MATAANO
The Mataano twins are Idyl and Ayaan Mohallim.
‘Mataano’ is the name of their label, which they started in 2008. The word itself means ‘twins’ in their native Somali language.
The twins are originally from Somalia. At the age of nine they left their country to escape the civil war there and are now based in New York City from where they are building their fashion empire.
Mataano’s first ever international collection, their Spring 2009 offering, was launched in New York and got them attention all over the fashion industry. They have since exhibited their work all over the world, including at Africa Fashion Week.
VIDEO: Idyl and Ayaan talk about how their label started and their plans to make it a truly global brand.
The inaugural Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe will take place in Harare in October 2013. The plan is to make it an annual event that will bring together fashion, music and food into one big cosmopolitan feast.
Its stated aim is “to contribute to the development and future of the Zimbabwean fashion industry; with the goal of nurturing and developing local talent.”
On the note of developing local talent FWZ recently held its inaugural Young Designers’ Competition and selected 8 aspiring designers who will take part in the event in October as part of their mentorship programme which will include a number of other activities, including interacting with the Mataano twins.
Ruzvidzo is also the founder and director of the Catherine Ruze Modelling Agency.
——–
:: In case you’re curious, here’s the link to that list: 15 Sexiest Female Fashion Designers Right Now
