The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
A MODEST hobby turned into a career has finally paid off for a pair of local designers that have managed to make an international breakthrough.
Not only have made headway internationally but they have turned their backyard business into a flourishing business and have set up shop in town.
Fashioned in 2010 — White Cotton, made up of a team of two lads, Shaun Sita and Boyd Gopo, have finally come of age with most of their designs making their way to neighbouring countries, such as South Africa and Botswana.
So far White Cotton has managed to hold a successful fashion show in Botswana and seeks to hold another in South Africa and Namibia.
Had they not followed their dream to be iconic designers, they would have perhaps found themselves reeling in boring office jobs — career paths their folks had preferred them to pursue.
“This started off as just a hobby but today we are among one of the biggest names in Bulawayo’s fashion industry. It feels unreal but its reality. People are now appreciative of local designs and designers than they used to be,” said Shaun.
He said their deep-seated passion for fashion drew them a different direction from the one their folks had envisioned.
“Like any other parent, ours would have had us doing white or blue collar jobs. But because of the drive we had we are getting there and the recognition and appreciation is humbling,” said Shaun.
White Cotton designs some of the best fashion trends that are spotted by many people in the city, including that of most of today’s artistes.
“We mostly specialise on street wear, as most of our clientele ranges from teenagers, young adults and adults. Our couture range depends on the client’s taste,” added Shaun.
Despite their continued rise and appreciation, Shaun said they still experience challenges.
“We of course still experience challenges like any other business venture. Our main challenge being that of turning yarn into gold. Most people find designs online and want to work with measly budgets,” said Shaun.
He said the reason why their business was flourishing was because they put their hearts and souls into the business.
“We hardly find time to rest, every day is a challenge and we are forced to come up with new and invigorating designs all the time. We have orders that can last us six months or more at a time,” said Shaun.
He said fashion plays a pivotal role in society and people are judged according to their dressing.
“Its always nice to dress up. But we also work on traditional attires that we feel that as a country needs to have certain attire that identifies Zimbabweans,” he said.
The pair is scheduled for another fashion extravaganza in Botswana soon. -@peterkmatika
