The Sunday News
I AM reliably informed that the Bulawayo Clothing Indaba held about a fortnight ago had a few or rather close to none local designers in attendance.
I am sure that most of you will definitely find that surreal, as I did after being told the news.
Why would it be called the Bulawayo Clothing Indaba if there were a few or no Bulawayo designers in attendance?
Anyway, I understand that this was the 5th edition of the Clothing Indaba, hosted in Bulawayo by the Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers’ Association on 26 September.
Despite suffering stiff competition from “cheap” imports, I am also informed the event was almost a foreign affair, as most local designers claimed the organisers snubbed them. Most of the designers claimed not to have been invited, well neither was I.
From my perception, such events are meant to create a platform to map a way forward by bringing stakeholders together to resolve problems and come up with solutions to the numerous challenges being faced by the clothing industry.
Now since there are claims that local designers were not invited, then what was the point of hosting this event?
In this particular case, local designers, even though they are scattered around running their own businesses they should still be perceived as important stakeholders of the industry and deserve the right to voice their word at such events.
From my understanding that is ZCMA’s mandate, which also supports and advocates for the promotion of sales of locally manufactured goods.
I, however, do find it strange that in this instance, ZCMA failed to follow carry out its mandate.
In my understanding, it has over the years been advocating for the growth of locally made products, which meet international standards.
Despite that fact, judging from the hullabaloo that has been raised about the Indaba being a non-event, as most of the people were reportedly not from Bulawayo, I take it that the drive to forge unison was lost.
Some designers that spoke to me expressed dismay at the whole set-up, with some even saying if ever such events were to be held they would rather be given a different name.
“Why should they call it Bulawayo Clothing Indaba if they don’t invite us local designers? We are Bulawayo and they want to come here and impose their foreign decisions on us. That won’t apply on us as we will not take their nonsense,” argued one designer, preferring anonymity.
Another local designer, Cleedon Lotriet popularly known as Clix, said it was sad to see Bulawayo being short-changed in its own land.
“The Bulawayo Clothing Indaba has come and gone, it’s so sad to see once again that Bulawayo gets short-changed.
“Wasn’t the show meant for local designers and talents to get exposure? How is the fashion industry meant to grow if almost everything is imported and not from Bulawayo,” he said.
Clix also said he suspected that the organisers of the event were afraid of competition, as Bulawayo was proving to be producing exceptional designers.
“Even the artistes that performed there were from Harare. We really don’t understand what the issue is? All we are concerned about is getting Zimbabwean fashion on the market, locally and internationally,” said Clix.
On a more pleasant note the Matabeleland Fashion Week has released a list of designers that will be showcasing at the launch of this year’s event.
According to the statement, nine designers have been confirmed for this year’s Matabeleland Fashion Week.
The event will be held at the Heath Streak Academy on 1 November.
“Designers showcasing this year form part of the Bulawayo Board of Designers, who will showcase as a collective.
“The group, which was recently formed by a group of young creative designers from Bulawayo is expected to showcase a power house Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection,” read the statement.
Litso Fashion label that has been on platforms such as the Zimbabwe Fashion Week and Clothing, will be showcasing its edgy range of female clothes.
Immaculate will be showcasing her male range, while Brand Room, who have showcased at the Hifa Fashion Show and Clothing Indaba, will showcase a mixed African range, celebrating our being a people.
Shadow by Sidumiso and Ara Kani (formerly known as Rebelious Klothing), who recently showcased at the Durban Fashion Fair, will be showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection at the launch of the Matabeleland Fashion Week. Rebelious Klothing has become one of the much sought after male designers from Zimbabwe and is scheduled to showcase mid-October at the Cover Model Management Charity event in Cape Town.
BOLD by Getrude Bepswa and Oh La La, a lingerie and sleep wear line, will be debuting at the event.
“The guest designer expected at the launch is Maita Marimo, one of Zimbabwe’s established designers who has showcased in New York, South Africa and across the world.
“The Harare-based designer, is expected to showcase her 15-piece collection, just like the other designers. The event will also acknowledge models, designers and fashion stakeholders through awarding them at the end of the event.”
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