AWARDS ceremonies the world over have always left features that will remain a subject of discussion.
ANDREW MOYO OWN CORRESPONDENT
The red carpet is one of those special features at awards ceremonies where celebrities are afforded the opportunity to showcase mind-blowing designer wear, with some making headlines and becoming talking points of these showpieces.
The return of the Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) left a lot of Zimbabweans disappointed with the substandard manner in which they were conducted and the red carpet affair was also not as impressive.
Despite a few individuals who respected the red carpet culture and came through with stunning designer outfits, the majority of celebs did not bother to hook up with designers, but instead went shopping.
Among the bunch that thronged the Zima red carpet were a lucky few who got the chance to have their outfits designed by South Africa-based Thembani Mubochwa, who is one of the most talented designers to ever come out of Zimbabwe.
Some of the few people who showcased Mubochwa’s stitching talents and got to shine on the red carpet included Chamu Chiwanza, Caroline Nyadzayo, Miss Red and Selma Mtukudzi among others.
Chiwanza’s outfit was impressive with buckle-less pants that were an inch shorter than normal and a couple of classy designs on the slim fit jacket giving him a crisp look.
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In an interview with NewsDay, Mubochwa said Zima organisers had brought him on board because of his experience on the South African red carpets.
“The main idea was for me to bring in my style and also showcase how designers work on South African red carpets,” Mubochwa said. He said although there were a couple of outfits that were impressive on the red carpet, there was still a long way to go for local designers.
“I saw some outfits that were really amazing, but I believe we still have a long way to go as Zimbabwean designers on the red carpet,” Mubochwa said.
“On the red carpet celebrities are supposed to come in and set trends by wearing outfits that are yet to be seen on the streets.” He said that there must be a way for local designers and celebrities to work together for the sake of the fashion industry as well as their image.
Mubochwa has designed for celebrities at high-profile events in South Africa and these include the Crown Gospel Awards and Metro Awards.
He has also worked on wardrobes for popular TV series Generations and Muvhango.
