THE Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe (FWZ) showcase that ran between October 9 and 10 ended on a high note on Saturday with organisers pledging to be innovative in designing clothes that will see benefits cascading down to cotton growers.
BY ALOIS VINGA
Zimbabwe Textile Manufacturers’ Association chairperson Admire Masenda told NewsDay on the sidelines of the show that cloth designing will lead to value addition to local cotton.
“Historically, Zimbabwe enjoyed an integrated supply chain, which saw over 400 tonnes of cotton being produced, of which 67% was consumed by the local industry,” he said.
“We cannot revitalise the industry to that level if we don’t factor in modest designing, which creates demand among the local consumers.”
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Masenda said the FWZ platform provided an opportunity to support the designers, wholesalers and retailers up to the cotton farmer.
Jeremy Youmans of the Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers’ Association reinforced the need for the fashion industry to refresh commitment in adding value to the country’s cotton.
‘Zimbabwe used to do well in cotton farming, not only because of exports, but due to the fact that over half of the produced cotton was used locally,” he said.
FWZ presented 10 designers, 10 presentations and 10 sub-themes under the theme Inspired Design.
The show was attended by high level international fashion delegates like Kenya’s Diana Opoti, show director Jan Malan from South Africa.
Founded by Shamiso Ruzvidzo in 2013, the show was conducted in partnership with the Culture Fund, European Union, Sweden, The Standard newspaper and the British Council.