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WALK THE WALK: This year's ZFS event showcased collections from across Africa

TALENTED DESIGNERS were given a platform to showcase their work to buyers, the press and the pubic at the Zimbabwe Fashion Showcase (ZFS).

The event, now in its third year, was held at London’s M restaurant. With a theme Zimbabwe 2030 – a glimpse into the future, the event featured several designers and over 60 different designs. Show attendees came from across the UK to see the collections.

Among those who attended ZFS were Kitenge Festival founder, Jo Nganda, philanthropist Fikelephi Jackson and media influencer, Jan-Paul Weaper. Designer Rose Collins impressed the audience with her blend of southern African and western influences.

South African-based Kuda Matiza presented his fourth collection for fashion label House of Hohwa, called Ishango, and Alastair and Jimmy Scott, owners of Koy Clothing, also impressed with their timeless, classy and trendy men’s line.

The duo’s clothing line specialises in high quality garments made using the unique African fabric called Kikoy, which is 100 per cent cotton, dyed in Kenya with locally produced dyes. Each garment, dependent on the colour, is named after a tribe in Kenya.

PRINT
Away from the catwalks and sidewalks there was a strong presence of African print in items such as trousers, wrap skirts, shoes or jackets.

ZFS founder Chiedza Ziyambe said: “It truly was an afternoon of firsts, as this season saw ZFS take the show away from the proverbial catwalk and to a restaurant-style setup, that allowed guests to wine and dine, while embracing the future of fashion.”

She added: “The event would not have been possible if it were not for our headline sponsor, Express Links and all our guests who made it one of the most memorable events yet.”

First held in 2015, the event highlights emerging African designers in the UK, mainly from Zimbabwe.

It also features a select number of guest designers from Africa and other parts of the world, as well as designers whose work is inspired by African themes.

A spokesperson for the event said: “To outsiders, ZFS may seem like just another fashion show, until you experience it first-hand and understand that it is not just about what is trending or who is strutting down the catwalk, it’s about celebrating designers, their art and vision.

"It represented the gathering of an industry that provides over 700,000 jobs for people across the UK and contributes an estimated £40 billion to the UK market.”

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