:ZARGUE'SIA FOUNDER SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THEIR 2017 COLLECTION AND WHAT TO EXPECT.

                                                                             Pictures provided by the designer.

Zargue'sia is one of the prominent brands in the fashion industry, which is owned by Ishmael Tsakatsa (IT).
( journalist) Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) caught up with the Zargue'sia fashion brand founder whom he interviewed.During the Interview Ishmael Tsakatsa reveled the name of the Zargue'sia 's 2017 collection.

TR. Who is Ishmael Tsakatsa?
IT:Ishmael Tsakatsa is a 24 year old gentleman who is an award winning Zimbabwean Fashion Designer and a Physiotherapist.

TR:Briefly take us to your journey when you emerged into the fashion world.

IT:My journey dates back to 2012 where l started off with an exhibition at the Midlands Show Society in Gweru. Following the success of this and leaving with an award in Fashion Design and Tailoring at the event, l went on ahead to enter Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2012 Young Designers Competition. The following year l launched my label at Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2013 and l got nominated for the Emerging Designer of the Year 2013 award.

TR. Where can one trace your inspiration from and why it inspires you?
IT:My main inspiration comes from the Bible, the Word of God. This is because it contains the perfect wisdom and knowledge for the past, present and future.

TR: You are the brainchild of the fashion brand Zargue'sia, what is keeping your brand strong and where does it draw its popularity from?
IT:first would be originality and staying true to the brand vision and aesthetic. Zargue’sia is also a unique and distinctive brand that depicts royal elegance.

TR:When you established your own fashion brand what challenges did you face so that your brand can be appreciated in the fashion world?
IT:There was a lot of  competition in the industry and the first challenge was to distinguish my brand from the rest of other designer brands with regards to designer aesthetic and handwriting. The other challenge was to treat my designer work that was once a hobby to being more of a business.

TR:Is it  of benefit if a fashion designer has his/her own brand, and what are the benefits for one to have his own brand?
IT:It is of benefit since it allows one to express their own form of art and creativity. It also facilitates growth, independence and the opportunity to be adventurous and innovative.

TR: As an African designer is the African society supporting the local fashion brands?
IT:Emphatically yes, the African society is supporting their local African Fashion brands since fashion is one of the fast driving engines to economic growth. Nowadays there are also so many platforms and opportunities supporting the expansion and growth of local fashion brands in Africa.

 

TR: As a male Zimbabwean designer, you have travelled around the globe showcasing your fashion label/brand. What did it mean for you especially after the runway at the Swahili fashion week 2016/17?
IT:For me it means growth and global brand visibility and breaking new ground. It has opened doors of opportunity and the ability to tap into new markets and clientele.

TR: Speaking about fashion weeks, are you expecting for more runways where you will showcase your fashion collections in 2017 .When are you planning to release your 2017 fashion collection?
IT:I am actually, I will not spoil the surprise so early. But definitely in 2017, Zargue’sia will be on some of the coveted international runways.

TR:If there is any fashion collection that you will release in 2017 what is its name and what made you to give it that particular name.
IT:"The Trees of Righteousness”
The name inspiration comes from Isaiah 63 verse 1 of the Bible.

TR. Year in and year out you have been winning different awards and in different sectors of life. Which award are you looking and hoping to be honored with in future.
IT:Lifetime Achievement Award
Hahaha (laughing), am yet to list them all.

TR:You are also a physiotherapist  how has your career affected your fashion world?
IT:It has taught me to have a holistic approach and view to things in fashion. It has cultured precision and efficacy in my fashion world. I have merged Physiotherapy and Fashion to formulate Fashion therapy, (laughs).

TR:Thank you for your time
IT:You are most welcome.

By Tapiwa Rubaya