Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) vs Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe (FWZ)

Fashion in Zimbabwe is set for new heights this year. It’s only been half way through the year and there has already been so much buzz on two fashion events set to amaze this year, these being Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) and Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe (ZFW). What’s interesting is that both events have the same wording (which is Fashion, Week and Zimbabwe) as well as the same acronyms (which are the letters FWZ or ZFW). What’s behind a name? Well, I will run down all the details for you;

Zimbabwe Fashion Week is the premier platform of Zimbabwe Fashion (yes, with the runaway and flash bulbs of what embodies any Fashion Week, including the celebs). Launched in October of 2009, ZFW is the brainchild of model and entrepreneur Priscilla Chigariro (who is also the founder of Pan-African magazine, Domino). ZFW had their first showcase in Johannesburg with Zimbabwean designers based in South Africa (at the time) being the prime of the show.  ZFW showcases all that is local textile designer wear by local designers as well as 3 Southern African regional designers. Some of the designers that have showcased at Zimbabwe Fashion Week are Zuuva by Joyce Chimanye, Farai by Farai Simoyi, Intisaar Mukadam and David Tlale from South Africa. I would like to think of these designs as couture as in prime “Zimbabwean Couture”. Furthermore Zimbabwe Fashion Week is the original podium for young, up and coming designers as well as promoting bloggers whilst in its 4^th year running in 2013. This year ZFW will be running from 29-31 August 2013 at The Sam Levy Village with the theme “Fashion Through The Ages”.

Zuuva creation
Photo by SDR/Simon Deiner

With all of its success, Zimbabwe Fashion Week also has a show at the annual Mercedes Benz Africa Fashion Week for top designers hosted in the fashion hub of Johannesburg.

Intisaar creation
Photo by SDR/Simon Deiner

Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe (FWZ) is the brainchild of Shamiso Ruzvidzo, who is the founder and Director of Catherine Ruze Modelling Agency which is based in Belvedere, Harare. Now FWZ launched this year on the 11^th of April 2013 with a digital online site that showcases a lot of what fashion lovers are expected to see this year. Having launched this year, FWZ is relatively new and is almost along the lines of ZFW in terms of fashion BUT it embodies a fusion of Food, Music and Fashion over a two day weekend period (almost in the sense of a Fashion/Festival aroma). FWZ is quick on their heels and has already launched competitions and awards for new designers, and they have an official FWZ blogger by the name of Shingai Mangoma (@shingimangoma), based in Gweru. Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe will be running from 12th-13th August 2013 at the Glasshouse at the Borrowdale Racecourse with the theme “Colour and Culture”.

So what’s in a name for both of these events? Well to sum it all up together both events promote designers, models, photographers as well as bloggers and maybe even potential fashionistas. Both are the brainchild of fashion heavyweights with Shami having planned the popular Catherine Ruze Rooftop party in summer 2012 and Priscilla having a successful career in modeling.

As for my opinion, I’m not sure what to expect from both entities but I've a resounding respect for Zimbabwe Fashion Week having been the first of the two to reignite what was once the budding Zimbabwe Fashion Industry of the late 1980s and 1990s. If you must remember Zimbabwe was very well known in the Southern African region for its textiles industry (whether fashion or beyond). Furthermore ZFW has its dates set for August, which is just around the same time as most fashion weeks across the globe.

Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe is somewhat almost similar; having the same categories, the same influence and almost the same fashion stance. But FWZ does seem to have a little more influence on young/upcoming designers (hence their designer competition). I'm not one whose quick to judge, so only time will tell what FWZ will bring to the table.

NB: Alot of debate has been going on, on social media as to whose the original and whose following suit. So do share your opinion on what you constitute as Fashion In Zimbabwe. Thoughts and Comments are most welcome :)

Zimbabwe Fashion Week:

Website: www.zimfashionweek.com

Twitter: @ZFW_OFFICIAL

Fashion Weekend Zimbabwe:

Website: www.fashionweekendzim.com

Twitter: @FWZ013

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FashionWeekendZimbabwe

Stay Gorg and Glam,

GD

DISCLAIMER: The blog, Signature Toscie by Tendai Sophia is in no manner affiliated with these brands and/or events. I’m just a young lady sharing my passion for local fashion. For more information, contact the respective social media networks and websites.

I’m Proudly African

The past weekend on Saturday 25 May, was Africa Day. This year was particularly special because it was the golden jubilee (50 years) of the African Unity (AU) former (OAU). So it was quite exciting and at the same time liberating! I hadn’t thought about writing something for Africa Day but I owe it all to my fave local blogger Miss Robyn who wrote a lovely piece on Saturday. I loved her piece so much that I was more than inspired to write something of my own. It got me thinking about so much more about Africa that most of our young generation isn’t very proud of nor knowledged about. Sure, we may not be in the forefront of the massive globalization but have you stopped to realize just how cool we are?

First and foremost we are the only continent with a diversity of people, culture and languages all 54 countries! Secondly I actually think us Africans are creative when you equate our different cultures to fashion! Our different ethnic groups and cultures have a designated cultural/traditional dress that sets us part from our fellow countrymen. Case in point is the African attire that has West African origins from Ghana and Nigeria. Our Ndebele from here in the south who rock a mean pack of colourful beads and up North we have the Egyptians who are world renowned for their exquisite history and fine textiles of silk and gold. There is so much to be Proudly African about that you just need to see the bigger picture!

Now unfortunately I didn’t get the opportunity to celebrate Africa Day (I’m in the middle of exam preparation) but my younger sister did. They had an African themed celebration at school and this was her African attire of choice:

Now, there is so much to love about Africa and to learn about. So here are my top 5 favourite locations in Africa. I havent’ really travelled a lot especially outside Southern Africa, so here is just a list of some of the places I’ve been to in my lifetime:

1.Botswana

The Republic of Botswana is literally my second home. Most people don’t know this but I grew up there. I did my primary education and the first two years of high school in Gaborone. This is where I first learned French from a Congolese teacher called Mr. Samy. I moved back to Zimbabwe in 2005 just before I turned 15. I call this my second home because all of my fondest memories are based there. Some day I plan to go back, just to visit :)

Aerial View of Gaborone

Gamecity Mall. My weekends were characteristic of this.

2.Victoria Falls

I went to Vic Falls for the first time in 2002! And lemme just say it was awesome! I was quite young but I’ll never forget the scenery of the waterfall and the statue of David Livingstone, not forgetting the sunset boat rides over looking Zambia.

3.Swakopmund, Namibia

In one word; Namibia was Divine. I remember going there on the long Heroes/Defence Forces weekend in August (cant remember the year) with the fam. I love to travel and so road trips are my thing (literally). Namibia was my favourite place because I got to see the beach for the first time in Swakopmund. It was the best thing ever because I was young and excited to see a massive body of water with lots of boats hanging around the harbour and the sleeping seals.

I remember Swakopmund looked like a quinty little town

4.Johannesburg

My first trip to Joburg was in December 2010. I had only known joburg from the TV and from friends who would travel there back and forth, so when I went there in ’10 I was beyond thrilled. Of course I was jittery in the bus but the early morning view of Joburg city at 8am took my breath away. I fell in love with the hugeness of Joburg just when your coming in from Pretoria (those who have been there know what I’m talking about). I saw Joburg as Southern Africa’s fashion capital because I had seen more malls and clothing than I did back home. Furthermore the people are so confident, they are comfortable in their own skin and their fashion and I admired that.

This is literally The fashion hub of Southern Africa

5.Harare

I’m inlove with this city, I’m. I’m learning so much about Harare and what’s even great is that we’re growing in terms of fashion. When I envision Harare in 10 years we’ll be massive if we keep up our pace and dedication. My obvious favorite place in Harare is Sam Levy Village (yes, the mall) and my suburb is Mount Pleasant (I love MP). I would like to think of myself as a “Harare Fashionista”, it’s crazy but possible. I wont lie, when I came back home (at 15) I was abit unsure but now I know where my heart is. I might go to Paris some day, but somehow home is best. There is so much potential here, you can feel it in the aroma :)

The Village

In a nutshell Africa is my home and I cant imagine it any other way. There are so many beautiful things to look into and to look at such as our serene locations, our beautiful people, our variety of tribes, our selection in divine food and our growing economies. In celebration I’m looking at Africa as a potential, as a diamond. And we’re only still just shining.

In my own distinct manner, I’M PROUDLY AFRICAN!

Stay Gorg and Glam,

GD

 

In My Style Journal: Rihanna

In this month’s segment of In My style journal, I’m focusing on the over the top and overtly charismatic star Miss Rihanna; a lady of many controversies. Now its no lie I’m a fan of Rihanna only because I admire her confidence and her edgy persona that she incorporates in all her fashion looks. Even more so I’m dying to see what her River Island collection for London will look like. I can’t wait for the editorials and advertisements!

So the focus of this post is the many styles Miss RiRi has been pulling out since the onset of 2013. The last 5 months have been abit of a whirlwind on her part but quite frankly to say there have been my favourite looks so far. She has been incorporating a lot of denim and leather in her looks in her own distinct Rihanna fashion (which I like). Although she maybe way to over the top, you can’t sideline the girl for making bold choices in her clothing.

Stay Gorg and Glam,

GD

I learned from a fellow blogger Zanele that this all denim on denim look is called the "canadian tuxedo". I was intrigued by the name.

My favourite look so far. The little mint colour leather skirt with the low unbuttoned blouse. Its safe to say i'll wear this.

Red red lady.

My focus here is on the tangerine looking leather jacket. Such a lovely colour.

I personally really like denim and these pants are just something different. Out of the ordinary.

When i saw this i thought of the 90s with Salt n' Pepper and TLC.

Photos courtesy of The Fashion Bomb.

Happy One Year Birthday to ST!

On Friday 18 may 2012, my baby blog ST was born. Initially the name was GlamDoll Domination, but after much googling and a lot more research done, GlamDoll was way too popular a word than I thought and so I had to change it. From the onset I wanted something original; something that stood out. So I thought, why not “Toscie”! Toscie is my nickname (hence Tosca) and I have always tried to apply what I know in style and fashion into reality and make it my own (hence Signature). And from there Signature Toscie is what my blog became.

Fashion and writing are the two things that I love (add magazine editorials and online beauty/lifestyle websites and it’s a whole new combination). As a little girl I always kept a diary to write all my crazy thoughts into, right into my teenagehood. Only now in my 20s have I stopped keeping journals hence I treat my blog like my fashion diary that is; from the things I love to the things I get up to, I share it all on my blog in my own Signature manner.

Can you believe my first blog post was about a brand new grey pashmina that I had bought at the time for $3 in downtown Copacabana. I remember being so excited to share only simply because I didn’t know what to write but I went with it anyway! And now a year later my baby has grown into something more than I could imagine. With all the love and support from friends, family to people I didn’t even know that I have made new friends with just through my blog. Heck I’ve attended a few local fashion events here and there. Although I’ve had my fair share of criticism, I don’t really think that should stop you, you will always find someone that doesn’t like you, its basic physics of human nature.

My first blog photo!It was about that scarf around my neck. Since then on, my style has evolved so much, with ups and downs. I've been experimenting alot with fashion and my hair as well (and now i'm bald! Can you believe it?!)

Now even though today is the 17^th of May, I thought what not better way than to start celebrating and make it a mini birthday weekend (in other words I’m a little too over excited of this achievement).

In my gut I feel this is only just the beginning for ST. I have got so many crazy yet exciting ideas brewing in my head, it’s a matter of how I execute them. So to all of our awesomeness, lets raise our glasses and wish Signature Toscie a BIG HAPPY 1^st BIRTHDAY!!

Here’s to another year of more FIERCEness, GORGEOUSness and GLAMOUROUSness!!

BON ANNIVERSAIRE!!

Stay Gorg and Glam

GD

Harare Store Review: Tag And Bow Boutique

Ladies handbags from $60

Everytime i have the opportunity to take the car to school (which i love because no combis for me and i get to listen to ZiFM stereo!), i try in my best of my abilities to make good use of it and 2 weeks ago on Tuesday, 23 April 2013 i made that stance by visiting the Tag and Bow boutique in the Mount Pleasant suburb  Now i only knew Tag and Bow via Facebook and word of mouth, so i was more than excited to check it out myself. The boutique is actually quite close to my varsity, so it was a quick 5 minute drive from campus.The store is relatively quite small, being situated at 11 College Road within The Olive Branch restaurant. Now the boutique is owned by a lawyer and entrepreneur by the name of Fadzai Mamvura (who i would love to meet someday).

Now for those of you who don't know Tag and Bow, it is actually quite well known in the fashion pages and advertorials of JEWEL magazine Zimbabwe. I noticed the boutique hosts a mixture of international clothing labels with the likes of Aldo and Plum shoes, and a local label which is Mucha (Original African Couture) by JEWEL Editor Tsitsi Mutendi ( which is also featured in the fashion pages of JEWEL).

I particularly quite liked the variety within in the store, but not so much the space and furthermore, it is quite hidden and not easily accessible. But overall i admired the host of labels ( i spotted a boohoo dress, which is a European label) and the variety of shoes.

Stay Gorg and Glam,
GD

Mucha Couture jackets

A rack of Mucha clothing

The assortment of winter boots by Plum and Aldo, just to name a few.
Boots started at $60