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Zim fashion designer scores big in SA

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“FASHION design is one of the most lucrative businesses in the creative world, but designers in Zimbabwe are not taking their positions of authority in the industry.”

“FASHION design is one of the most lucrative businesses in the creative world, but designers in Zimbabwe are not taking their positions of authority in the industry.”

By Entertainment Reporter

These were the words of South Africa-based Zimbabwean fashion designer Thembani Mubochwa after his participation at the recent Fashion Week extravaganza in Harare.

Mubochwa, who has been based across the Limpopo River since 2004, said there is amazing talent in the country, but lack of corporate support and absence of general appreciation of local designs has eroded confidence among designers.

“The main challenge is that our celebrities, artistes and Zimbabweans in general prefer foreign designs to local creations,” Mubochwa said.

“We have a serious role to play as designers in order to claim our position in the arts industry.

“We need to engage various influential figures in society and convince them why they should start wearing locally-designed outfits.”

True to Mubochwa’s word, exquisite designs that were showcased during Fashion Week exhibited immense talent among local designers.

Casual, formal and night outfits that models donned at the showcase would match international standards.

Mubochwa exhibited his designs in various categories and was selected among the outstanding fashion creators of the event.

Mubochwa said lack of appreciation of his designs when he ventured into the industry forced him to look for greener pastures beyond our borders.

However, the 30-year-old designer is confident the Zimbabwean fashion industry can rise and reward designers in a big way.

“A lot can be done to make our industry competitive.

“I think this year’s Fashion Week was a big statement in the arts industry. It was well-organised and most people that attended left the event with a different picture of our creative capacity.”

The competitiveness of the South African fashion industry has exposed Mubochwa to exciting opportunities that he would not have discovered back home.

One of his major success stories was a deal he struck with renowned South African disc jockey DJ Mroza.

The Ukhozi FM disc jockey (born Nonhlanhla Mroza Buthelezi) was appointed brand ambassador for Mubochwa’s Teez-M label.

DJ Mroza, who is married to renowned South Afrcan artiste Mbongeni Ngema, accompanied Mubochwa to Harare for the Fashion Week exhibition.

“She has been very supportive. Even her husband has backed me in my endeavours and I am proud to be associated with such hardworking people.

“Fashion is big business that connects you to big people.”

Mubochwa first cut his teeth in fashion design at the age of 17 when his uncle introduced him to the trade.

In 2002, he went for a course in cutting and designing with a local college.

The following year he opened a shop in Harare, but could not get his anticipated returns.

He relocated to South Africa in 2004 and worked with various other designers before launching a clothing label called Peo (Tswana word for seed).

He initially specialised in casual wear and later broadened his design lines.

Mubochwa now does designs for various labels and has been commissioned to do outfits for some actors in South Africa’s soaps like Generations and Muvhango.

He also did outfits for the late musician Vuyo Mokoena and jazz diva Lira.

His dream is to establish a clothing line back home and introduce his label to the local market.