Zimbabwe Fashion Showcase UK @ Tramps (28 Sept)

Zimbabwe Fashion Showcase UK is a collaboration between a group of designers and culture vultures who came together out of a shared passion for all things Zimbabwean. Ebonyonline.net caught up with Comms Lead Rhoda Molife to get the low down on this year’s event.

EOL: Hi Rhoda, your forthcoming fashion showcase looks exciting, tell us more?

RM: It’s going to be exciting! This is the 4th year now. We have 5 designers and the venue this year, Tramp in Mayfair is the perfectly luxurious setting for the fashion explosion we have planned. The theme for this year is #ThisIsAfrica. It’s a bold statement that declares the breadth and depth, flair and funk, and vibrancy that designers of African origin bring to the fashion stage. The designers this year exemplify just that too.

EOL: Why was it important to showcase the work of Zimbabwean designers?

RM: When Chi Dawn Ziyambe founded the showcase in 2015 the objective was to show off the untapped skill and talent of Zimbabwean and African designers. There are some really wonderful designers from the continent and the idea was to share their designs with a UK-based audience and create both a platform for hidden talent as well as a unique networking opportunity. So though it’s called Zimbabwe Fashion Showcase, we are open to all designers of African origin.

EOL: Who are some of the designers we can expect to see?

RM: So the line-up this year includes Sandra Chinogurei, Milli Poku, Isabella Sitsha, Chipo Musa and Samuel Kaiser. Sandra of Sandylou Bridal Wear designs bridalwear and will be launching her evening wear line at the show. In 2017, she created the Valerie Bridal Jumpsuit that was featured in The Huffington Post as number 1 in a blog post on bridalwear. Samuel Kaiser is the Ugandan founder Gveny London, has worked with the famed hairdresser Errol Douglas and has featured in Vogue Magazine. He works with a wide range of reusable material to minimize waste and pollution.

EOL: What else is happening at what looks like an amazing event?

RM: We want our guests to have an experience! First the venue is the iconic and legendary private club Tramp in Mayfair. It celebrates 50 years of hosting all the big stars from Mick Jagger to Prince to Naomi Campbell, Drake and Rhianna. So, guests get to enjoy the venue on its 50th birthday and be a part of history in a way. With the £40 standard ticket, guests get a 2-course lunch and complimentary drink whilst the £70 ticket comes with a 4-course lunch and a bottle.

The menu is exquisite. There will be entertainment, a great co-host in the form of the singer Ben Ofoedu ex Phats and Small lead singer – he will be hosting with our own Tidi Kwidini of Loma Media – and the rest…well follow our social media handles and come to the event for the rest!

EOL: Finally, why did you choose Tramps in Mayfair as the venue to host the event?

RM: Tramp is housed on Jermyn Street which since the 1700s has housed stores that sell fine menswear. It’s atmospheric and luxurious, has flair, pizzazz and oozes style – all the ingredients needed to give guests the experience of a full fashion extravaganza! And on top of that, it’s easy to get to once you are in London!

Zimbabwe Fashion Showcase 2019, Sat 28th Sept, Tramps, 40 Jermyn St, St. James’s, SW1y 6DN Tickets and details http://zimbabwefashionshowcase.com/