On August 30, the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s vibrant cultural landscape resonated loudly at the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo — a powerful testament to innovation, heritage, and the transformative power of fashion.
Orchestrated by I Wear My Culture, a ground breaking initiative supported by the British Council and driven by Paper Bag Africa, this event exemplifies how bold vision and strategic collaboration can elevate African talent onto the global stage.
Bringing together 14 visionary Zimbabwean designers alongside creative minds from Durban and the UK, the showcase was more than a display of style—it was a rallying cry for cultural preservation and modern storytelling.
With over 115 stunning looks, the event illuminated Zimbabwe’s rich tapestry of traditions, craftsmanship, and contemporary expression, reaffirming fashion’s role as a catalyst for identity and innovation.
But the momentum doesn’t stop there. The event served as a launchpad for emerging talent, notably Ncominkosi Sibanda and Kundai Caryn Mangena, whose recent successes at the Durban Fashion Fair underscore a new era of African fashion leadership.
Under the compelling theme The Awakening,’Durban’s runway became a vibrant arena of resilience and renewal, showcasing over 60 designers who are redefining the continent’s fashion narrative.
For Kundai Mangena, a fresh graduate from Chinhoyi University of Technology, her debut at Durban Fashion Fair was more than a milestone — it was a revelation.
“This journey has expanded my understanding of fashion as a dynamic industry teeming with opportunities. I am grateful for the continued support by the British Council, City of Bulawayo and Paper Bag Africa, who made sure we had a seamless transition onto this major platform,” she said.
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Her all-female collection on opening night exemplifies Zimbabwe’s creative potential and the urgent need for increased access to resources that can propel local talent onto the world stage.
Equally, inspiring is Ncominkosi Sibanda, founder of Ncoma Style Lab, whose debut at Durban exemplifies the power of authentic storytelling.
Her exploration of Venda heritage through contemporary design highlights how African fashion can serve as a compelling narrative of identity and pride. “Platforms like Durban Fashion Fair are vital,” she affirms. “They amplify our voices and showcase the artistry inherent within African fashion, elevating it beyond borders.”
Through strategic partnerships, between Bulawayo and Durban municipalities, supported by the British Council, these designers are not just showcasing fashion; they are shaping a movement.
Their stories, their craft, and their resilience are fuelling a new chapter for African design, one defined by boldness, collaboration and global recognition.
Chipo Kanyumbu, programme manager for Arts at the British Council Zimbabwe, reflected on the transformative nature of the project: “Engaging with different tribes and communities has been a life-changing experience for these designers. They now see themselves differently, empowered by the knowledge and stories they've gained to elevate their craft.”
The future of Zimbabwean and African fashion is bright. It is a future driven by ingenuity, rooted in heritage, and propelled by platforms that demand visibility and respect. As these young designers continue to rise, they exemplify the transformative power of culture when combined with vision and opportunity. The world is watching, and African fashion is ready to lead.
