ZITF inspires fashion

Let’s Get Stylish Peter Matika
THE just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair did not only bring international business opportunities to the corporate sector but to the fashion industry as well.
There were numerous stands from foreign countries that exhibited fabulous and interesting fashion items, some of which were a fusion of traditional and contemporary trends.

I was honoured enough to get a chance to talk about trendsetting through fashion with some of the foreign exhibitors. I met a couple of challenges with some of them too, as there was a language barrier. I remember trying to strike up a conversation with some of the exhibitors but each time I would ask about an outfit or accessories the response I would get was a price tag. It was kind of hilarious yet depressing, seeing that there was a lack of understanding in sharing ideas.

I was, however, disappointed with the fact that there were close to no Zimbabwean designers exhibiting, besides the few clothing companies. (I stand to be corrected I only counted about four companies).

Anyway I was much intrigued to have met and spoken to a renowned South African designer, who had a really interesting story to tell.

Her name is Silungile Mokoena, warmly known as Sluu. She runs an agency called Sluu by Sluvin, which since its inception in 2009 has managed to get her to tour and work with internationally acclaimed designers.

“Sluvin designs started as an informal agency selling children’s clothes on the street in bulk. That was before I decided to do a course and attained my diploma in fashion in 2007. It took me three years to do the course and I started trading formally in 2009,” she said.

Working as an informal trader and designer in the streets, Sluu said she learnt a lot, pointing out that people look down on women trying to make a living on the streets.

“Pride doesn’t pay, it doesn’t pay your bills, so what I learnt there is that working hard will make you grow. I made a lot of money because people bought in bulk, which then assisted me in procuring most of the machines I use even today. When I completed my diploma, I, however, had to leave the informal sector for the formal one and now I deal with exclusive designs, where I make tailored clothes,” said Sluu, dressed in one of her exclusive and intriguing outfits.

Sluu mentioned that she has attended several fashion events in South Africa, such as the Durban Fashion Week and has even travelled to Germany several times for the Berlin Fashion Week.

“I have been attending the Berlin Fashion Week for a couple of years now and I must say it has really beefed up my portfolio. I have also attended the London Fashion Week, which I am attending again this year. However, I  should note that when most African designers go international, they want to compete with well-established European designers. You can’t beat the Europeans in their trends, we should stick to our Afro-centric designs and that is how I manage to strive and remain relevant in this industry,” adds Sluu.

She also said she normally used African materials for her designs, which really made her designs interesting.

“African designers should strive to develop African designs if they are to make an impact in the world. It is not an easy job but it is worth the while if you have the passion,” she said.

I then moved to the next stand, which had caught my attention, seeing as we are drawing closer and closer to winter, with many people continuously requesting I pen a piece on how to maintain one’s skin during that period.

The lady at the stall exhibited and marketed body care products, ranging from bath salts, lotion, creams and natural oils, which get rid of blemishes on the skin.

Her name, Makgethwa Mashiane, had a variety of body care products, under the brand Velvet, all produced in South Africa.

“As the name says for itself, these products will leave your skin feeling soft and silky. The products are formulated with natural raw material, botanical extracts, vegetable oils, butters and essential oils. Research has shown that up to 60 percent of what you put on your skin is absorbed into the blood stream and for that we use the best plant and essential oils in our products. The products are bio-degradable, the packaging is recycleable and the product itself has great benefits for the skin,” said Mashiane.

I then moved to the next stand, where a beautiful South African lady, married to a Zimbabwean, invited me over to her stall and said: “Are you married?” I replied, “No not yet.” Which she responded; “Well do you have children or expecting?” Surprised at the questions I answered “No.” she then responded, “Well you will be a father or uncle soon, look at the latest products for children that we have in South Africa – Comfz, soft leathered soled baby shoes.”

Seeing that this column is not limited to adults only I listened to what she had to say.
“These cute and adorable baby shoes have elasticated ankles for ease of fit to ensure shoes really do stay on. They are recommended for babies, as the next best thing to bare feet. They can be worn without socks and have no laces. The texture suede soles are soft and flexible and best for the growth of your child’s feet, as their tiny bones still have to develop, while learning to walk,” she explained.

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