Taboka Tshuma , Sunday Life Reporter
PATRONELLA Mutsvairigwa, a 29-year-old fashion designer from Bulawayo, is making a name for herself in the fashion industry with her unique and inclusive designs that showcase the years she has spent horning her craft.
Growing up, Mutsvairigwa was inspired by TV shows such as Top Billing and Selimathunzi, where she would see people dressed in beautiful and unique outfits and that sparked her passion for fashion, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to become a fashion designer.
In an interview with Sunday Life, she mentioned that her love for fashion dates back to her childhood years. She recalled moments when she would make clothes for her Barbie doll and as she grew older, her passion for fashion only intensified, and she went on to study fashion design at Bulawayo Polytechnic, where she obtained her National Diploma in Fashion Design.
“While still pursuing my studies, I started my own fashion brand, Nella Farlon. My designs are a unique blend of innovation and inclusivity, catering for diverse body types and embracing individuality,” she said.
The young designer’s hard work and dedication has earned her an award, 1st runner-up at the 2024 African Influencer Awards (AIFAs) under the category Excellence in Fashion.
In the interview the young designer also noted that the fashion industry is constantly evolving, and as a designer, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. Fortunately, the internet has made it easier than ever to stay connected and informed.
Through social media platforms, online forums, and YouTube channels, designers can now access a wealth of information and resources that were previously unavailable.
“The internet has been a game-changer. I can now easily connect with other designers, share my work, and stay informed about the latest trends and techniques. Social media platforms like Instagram and You tube have play a very large role in helping showcase my designs and connect with potential clients and collaborators. It’s an exciting time to be a fashion designer, and I feel grateful to have these tools at my fingertips they make our work easier,” she said.
Despite her success, Mutsvairigwa acknowledged that the fashion industry is highly competitive, and standing out can be a challenge.
“The Profession is not well understood in Zimbabwe, with many people mistaking fashion designers for tailors. To overcome these challenges, I want to emphasise the importance of self-discipline, believing in oneself, and constantly learning and upgrading one’s skills. I want to advise aspiring fashion designers to be patient, stay true to themselves, I would say put God first in everything you do, God Himself is a master designer, secondly Be yourself, refuse to succumb to competition and pressure. Be patient with yourself and with your journey.
Embrace knowledge, always keep learning, in fashion upgrade is a must. Lastly, just start with were you are, don’t wait till you have everything in order for you to pursue your dream and never give up on their dreams,” she said.
As a young and ambitious fashion designer, she shared that she has always been inspired by those who have paved the way for themselves in the industry.
Locally, looking up to the likes of Ishmael Tsakatsa, the renowned Zimbabwean designer behind the brand Zargue’sia. His success and dedication to his craft are a constant source of motivation for her.
“I believe that fashion is not just about creating clothes, but about creating a sense of identity and confidence for the wearer, big designers such as Veekee James and Gert Johan Coetzee, have shown me that with hard work and determination, it’s possible to build a successful brand from scratch and make a name for oneself in the fashion world,” she said
As she was taking us to her journey she spoke of how fashion designers play a significant role in promoting social responsibility and ethical practices in the industry. One of the ways they do this is by promoting body positivity through their designs. She explained that by creating clothing that is inclusive and diverse, designers can help challenge traditional beauty standards and promote self-acceptance.
“Additionally, designers can feature diverse models in their campaigns, showcasing a range of body types, ages, and abilities. By embracing diversity, inclusivity, and body positivity, fashion designers can drive change and promote social responsibility and ethical practices in the industry.
As a designer it is my responsibility to have a platform to make a positive impact on society. By mentoring emerging designers, sharing our knowledge and expertise, and promoting sustainable and responsible practices, we can help shape a more inclusive and equitable fashion industry,” she said.
