By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu
Bulawayo model Fikile Ncube walked down the ramp to victory at the 2017 Miss Climate Justice in a garment she designed on her own; a move she says has reignited her appetite for fashion.
In an interview with Standard Style, Ncube said she got rave reviews from a number of fashion enthusiasts after the pageant, which motivated her to pursue a new path in the world of fashion and design.
For the past six years she has showcased her talents on the ramp and was signed under Open Eye Modelling Agency, which is directed by former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe queen Samantha Tshuma.
“I was crowned Miss Climate Justice in 2017 where l wore a plastic gown that l had designed and I got very overwhelming response and great reviews from the stakeholders and that marked the start of my designing career,” Ncube said.
Today, Ncube is the proud owner of a designer label called Empress Primy Designs.
“I started my own designer label in 2018, a brand that specialises in evening wear for ladies. I have showcased at a number of fashion shows, including Harare Fashion Week and l have dressed models for a number of events, including Miss Tourism, Miss School of Mines, Miss Nust, Miss Africa, Miss Poly and Miss Valentine Victoria Falls,” she said.
“As a model, l enjoy dressing up in amazing garments for different shows and sometimes, l would hand-make some of my outfits on my own. This is how l discovered my love for fashion and designing.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The lack of exposure for fashion designers in Bulawayo made her decide to come up with her own fashion called Face of Empress Primy.
“As fashion designers in Bulawayo or Zimbabwe as a whole, we lack proper exposure, which is why l created my own fashion show. This is aimed at giving exposure to me as a fashion designer as well as shining the spotlight on our models as they will be battling it out for the title of ‘Face of Empress Primy’.
“The launch is scheduled for March 16 in Bulawayo. It warms my heart that the proceeds will go to a charity that is close to my heart and the education of underprivileged children.”
The 26-year-old is inspired by women who take charge of their own lives and rule their own destiny.
She sees herself as one of the best evening wear designers on the continent representing Zimbabwe and creating a name for the country.
