AMMFI INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES WOMEN IN FASHION INDUSTRY THIS WOMEN'S MONTH.

 When it comes to fashion industry across the globe,women have played a

major role in the fashion industry.Through their various designs they

have used the platform raising their voices advocating for peace

around the globe for empowerment and stop child a women abuse.

The Afrikan Fashion Tv took time to profile some women who are playing

a major role in the industry.

 *Tapiwa Dingwiza (Zimbabwean designer/based in Uk)*
Tapiwa Dingwiza is the owner of the S.Vingo which was established in
2016.Her fashion brand deals with  Luxury menswear and womenswear.
The S.Vingo brand is prominent for using traditional Savile Row tailoring.
Tapiwa's first menswear collection was inspired by her childhood and
experience hence it's defined by craftsmanship.
Tapiwa has showcased at Zimbabwe Fashion Showcase Uk,her two outfits
have featured in Vogue Magazine and she has won 'Fashion Designer of
the year' during the Women For Africa awards also during the
2017 Zim archiever UK awards,Tapiwa Dingwiza was recognised as the
'Fashion Designer of the year.



 *Anita Berly (Berly Qouture) Ghana*
Berly Qouture brand is a prominent for embracing,femininity,romance etc
The brand has dressed a number of celebs including Kansiime Anne.It
has also put a smile to many brides.
Anita Berly who is the founder of the brand.She has showcased in Spain at the
 Barcelona Fashion Week,Mashafrika design and style week,Accra Fashion
Week.Anita Berly last year was honoured as the fashion designer of the
year (Uganda) during the ASFA 2016 awards,during the  Swahili fashion
week under the East African Designer of the year and she won the
award.
This year Anita Berly was nominated for the 'Young Achievers Awards
2017' under the Creative Arts Fashion 2017,where she was contesting up
against the ASFA founder Ahumuza Brian.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

AFRICAN FASHION WEEK TORONTO TURNS 5.

 

 The African Fashion  Week Toronto is to emerge on Wednesday the 16th
of August in Toronto, Canada.
The opening day will be marked by the annual red carpet then will be
followed by a fashion show,which will be hosted by seven local student
designers.

Where by the the 1st and second winners will be entitled to win brand
new sewing machines courtesy of AFWT's official sewing machine sponsor
Janome Canada.
The following 3 days which is from the 17th to the 19th,Toronto will
be a home to more than 30 fashion designers from across the world who
will be showcasing their premium collections inside Royal Ontano
Museum.
Tanzanian designer Diana Magesa and New York  based Filipino designer
John Ablaza are to grace the event as yo mark the 5th celebrations of
the event and they are expected to showcase their collections .
Besides the fashion runways shows there will be a ceremony for awards
on the 19th.AFIA (African Fashion Industry Awards)will honour Soul
train music awards winner Jidenna the 'fashion icon award' and the
Canadian Supermodel and activist Yasmin Warsame (2017 Model Excellence
award).
The awards ceremony will close their curtains with a spectacular
runway shows by the "King of Couture" and Celebrity Designer Adebayo
Jones.
The African Fashion Week Toronto was established in 2013 with the
mandate of promoting and advocating education of the fashion arts and
business by providing scholarships and internships and mentor ships.

By Tapiwa Rubaya

Thula Sindi,Quintee and George are amongest The Designer's To showcase at The Jhb MBFW this season.

 From the 16th next week the city of 'Gold' will be a home for all
fashion lovers,as the city will be hosting its annual
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week JHB.
Fashion lovers will get to know,what will be hot in the fashion industry.
The line up of designers has a total of 44 designers who include Thula
Sindi who will be showcasing on the 21st of August and Quiteria and
George whose collection will be on the runway on the 17th.Africa
Fashion magazine profiled two fashion houses who are going to showcase
their designs during the show.

Quiteria and George
Quiteria kekana and George Malelu are the brains behind the fashion
house Quiteria and George Luxury Fashion brand.
The two meet at the Mpumalanga Fashion Week in 2013,then they
established their fashion brand 'Quiteria and George Luxury fashion
brand'.
The duo has dressed Terry Pheto,Siphokazi January,
Jessica Nkosi,Nandi Ingoma,Boity Thulo etc.
This year during the Capetown Mercedes Benz Fashion show they
showcased their 16 piece A/W 2017.In June Quiteria and George released
their collection 'Jet'aime Madam
(We love women) in French.
During the Mercedes Benz Fashion JHB they will showcase their
collections on the 17th of August in the evening.
FB:Quiteria and George
Twi/Ins:@Quiteria_George



Thula Sindi
Having dressed the likes of Terry Pheto and others.Is a young
multi award South African fashion designer whose prominent known for
designing ready to wear and glamour items that highlight the
expression of a woman.
Since his 2012 Mercedes Benz showcase his brand future has been viewed
by many as 'bright'.
Thula Sindi has showcased in Hong Kong,Beijing,New York,Lagos and Paris.
Sindi has also showcased in local shows leaving the spectators in awe.
His fashion label is found at several boutiques in South Africa and
some international fashion lovers have flocked in SA to search for his
designs.
Email:thulasindi@gmail.com

David Tlale and Stefania Moorland and Shana Morland are some of the
designers who are to showcase their designs during the show.For one to
attend tickets prices range between R100 and
R300 per.

EXCLUSIVE ONE ON ONE WITH TANZANIA'S FASHION ICON SHERIA NGOWI.

 _Well,my designs are heavily influenced by the past.So I blend modern

trends with the classic vintage looks and incorporate numerous

colors.That is the main difference,trying to be playful with menswear

which is quite rare in the fashion world as of now._

Fashion designer Sheria Ngowi's designs are an inspiration to both
upcoming and those who have been in the fashion industry for years.
Being one of the designers that are going to be showcasing their
designs during the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Jhb 17.
Sheria Ngowi (SN) reveals to Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) what his collection is about.

TR:Define Sheria Ngowi Brand?
SN:Sheria Ngowi Brand is a luxurious and sophisticated yet from
another time.We made our designs for men who are sophisticated,there
was no lack of restraint in the shapes or in the looks,We offered a
collection where every detail is accentuated,making men look good
without ever giving them an affected or ridiculously disguised
look.Our Suits are classic and well built Daring youthful
silhouettes.Uses of slim-fit check and plain shirts,slim ties and bow
ties are details that make our brand and designs simple and
unique;glasses and bags contribute to the image of a refined,relaxed
man.

TR:Take us to the bio of your fashion brand?
SN:Sheria Ngowi is my name;one of my long term plans was that I wanted
to create a brand that would tell a story and connect with my vision
and myself.It's hard to be a name and a brand at the same time.
The history of fashion is filled with designers who put their names on
the label like me because in the fashion industry,more so than almost
any other industry,is driven by individuals;individuals who capture
the essence of a desired persona with their unique clothing and
accessory designs.Individuals whose very names evoke images of glamour
and style.Individuals whose names have become famous international
corporate brands like Burberry,Chanel,Gucci,Prada and Versace.Most
people hear these words and think of things, not individuals. But
let's not forget, these words are the names of individuals as Sheria
Ngowi because by adding your name on a label; it becomes a trademark;
it is a primary asset of any other fashion brand.So my career famously
began in 2008 when I debuted my designs for both women and men under
Brand name Sheria Na Mavazi in Mysore,India.So Sheria Na Mavazi stands
for Dressing Principles or Regulations.In 2009,I launched my first
professional collection under my own name Sheria Ngowi Designs.The
Collection was a dedication to my late father who was the driving
force behind my love for fashion.In 2013 I launched my first flagship
store in the heart of Dar Es Salaam and followed by International
Fashion weeks I attended from New York,London,Paris and South Africa
since 2013 until now 2017.Now I decided to focus on one gender at a
time to ensure that I put my all into each of the collections and the
women's collection is on the way in 2018.


TR:You are to showcase at the MBFW17 Jhb;what are you expecting from the public?
SN:My current collection "LEGACY" I put 150% in each and every piece
in this line,I have been a little more adventurous.The use of
different fabrics and cut choice,as well as how the pieces have been
made,are all a little different to my norm.I love all of them.I am
exhilarated about showcasing my line for the fourth time and have a
great sense of expectancy.I look forward to appreciating the creative
work of other great designers as well as stirring up some fresh
excitement around the 'Sheria Ngowi' brand, specifically amongst the
South African market.


TR:What is the name of the collection that you showcased?
SN:"LEGACY"

TR:Take us through the collection that you will showcase and its inspiration?
SN:"LEGACY"-For many,leaving a legacy is associated with the end
rather than the beginning or the next phase in one’s career.My Fashion
leadership is not shaped and my legacy is not defined at the end of
the road but rather by the moments shared,the decisions made,the
actions taken,and even the mistakes overcome throughout the many
phases of my career.Leadership done rightly is a reinvention process;a
continuous discovery that informs my mindset,new skill sets and
aptitudes.At each stage of my career,I learn how to keep creating
sustainable impact and influence.With each step i take,i will identify
new ways of mastering the fundamentals,which in turn provides me with
greater clarity and depth of thought to further improve my fashion
leadership approach and communication style.As a Fashion Designer and
entrepreneur,I have learnt of my Country backwardness and its
underlying factors.This brings a lot of challenges if I want to
promote my country but as long as I take my mind off the negative
factors,I can be successful in completing my duty.Many people leave
Tanzania because of their poor condition and settlement.I understand
that I should not think of migrating to foreign countries but help to
make Tanzania a destination country for others.To achieve that,I must
working hard.The previous generation made Tanzania a good place for us
to call home and today,it is my generation’s turn to make it even
better for the future generations to live in.


TR:The suits you design are unique.what makes them to be unique from your view?
SN:Well,my designs are heavily influenced by the past.So I blend
modern trends with the classic vintage looks and incorporate numerous
colors.That is the main difference,trying to be playful with menswear
which is quite rare in the fashion world as of now.

TR:The texture /fabrics  that you use for your designs are they local?
SN:Not 100% Made-in-Africa because specifying the country in which a
good was produced has long been a marker of quality. The ateliers of
France, leather workers of Italy and watchmakers of Switzerland have
built global reputations for their exacting standards. Today, ‘Made
in’ labelling is also an indicator of the regulations and health,
safety and wage standards under which a good was produced.
But in a world with increasingly complex supply chains that can span
several countries, a jacket sold by a European brand can be
manufactured in a cheap and relatively unregulated labour market like
China or Africa, but finished and packaged in France, Italy or
Tanzania, thereby earning a ‘Made in France’ 'Made in Italy’ or ‘Made
in Tanzania’ label.
Indeed, according to European Union regulations,companies need only to
spend a certain amount manufacturing a good in a certain country in
order to qualify for local ‘Made in’ labeling.At the same time,
powerful alternative labeling systems, like Fair-trade and Certified
Organic, have emerged, offering companies new tools for communicating
manufacturing standards to consumers, who are increasingly concerned
with the provenance of their goods.

TR:Last year you won an award (Fashion icon of the year)during the
Tanzanian leadership awards and you were nominated for the ASFA
awards.What did it mean to you and your brand?
SN:Of course,it’s not enough to simply win an award;i need to earn it
every day.At every interaction,both internal and external,I need to
exemplify the reasons I deserve that recognition.This creates a
positive feedback loop. Doing good work, and getting recognized for
it, improves my workforce,strengthens my brand and gets me more sales
from loyal customers.

TR:Tell us about your work ethics?
SN:I'm not into fashion show pageantry but in the reality of a
product:I design and produce clothes that will be worn by real
people.The fashion industry is a system that produce a lot waste and
thrives on exploitation.We try to have strong work ethic and stir away
from that traditional business model.We produce all of our clothes in
Asia and Africa.We try to work with high quality fabrics
from:cotton,wool, linen and velvet.


TR:Where do you see your brand in 5 years?
SN: I love the history of my brand I want to bring a modern twist and
I have to move on. As the founder wouldn't still be repeating what I
was doing from 2008-2016.
I want to bring a fresh element to it while cultivating the true DNA
of the brand.All aspects should be modern and fresh.Clothes are a
communication tool and I want to create something special.
I see my brand being eligible to apply for all the important Fashion
weeks hosted around the world and i am looking forward to being a part
of it.My biggest wish is to leave a legacy with my name appeared in
all International Fashion Platforms,so that my grand kids and their
friends could see that it is okay to follow a belief and for my
country to be proud of me as a Tanzanian."

TR:Thank you for you time.
SN:Asante sane/THANK YOU VERY MUCH”


www.sheriangowi.com
Instagram: @sheriangowi
Twitter:@sheriangowi
Facebook:Sheria Ngowi Brand
[08:05, 8/15/2017] Tapiwanashe Jor: Thula Sindi,Quintee and George To
showcase at The Jhb MBFW

From the 16th next week the city of 'Gold'

Zimbabwe Fashion Designer Engages In Wildlife Management Projects

Thembani Mubochwa (TM) who is an award winning Zimbabwean fashion

designer who has changed the world of the African Fashion industry.

Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) caught up with Thembani Mubochwa who explains

how his fashion career is working with the Ministry of Climate,Water

and Wildlife in his country.

' I have been privileged to have to be appointed the National Elephant
Ambassador of Zimbabwe'

TR:Who is Thembani Mubochwa ?
TM:Thembani Mubochwa is a young Zimbabwean Fashion designer.I was born
and raised in Zimbabwe.

TR:Take us to your journey in the fashion industry?
TM:I started my journey in the High Density suburb of
Glen Norah sitting at my uncle's feet at his small tailoring
business.That journey landed me in South Africa's leading
A listers including the likes of the late Sifiso Ncwane.

TR:What defines your work?
TM:My work is defined by my African Roots and desire to merge them
with modern fashion concepts.

TR:You work closely with the ministry of Water,Climate and Environment
(Wildlife) of your country.What is your role when it comes to Wildlife
advocating?
TM:I have been privileged to have to be appointed the National
Elephant Ambassador of Zimbabwe an ambassador for the Zimbabwe
National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
This is a  role I take seriously as I have been mandated to raise
awareness around key conservation issues and to engage young
Zimbabweans to take a greater interest and be more involved in
safeguarding our wildlife and environment.

TR: Recently you were involved in an event which was hosted by
Afro Jumbo Trust.Tell us more about the event and what it achieved ?
TM:The Afro jumbo Trust recently held a fundraising dinner and fashion
show dubbed dinner under the stars.
The dinner was in aid of the extension and interpretation of national parks.
The aim was to purchase motorbikes for the department which is
responsible for community engagement and public awareness particularly
in the area of Human Wildlife Conflict we managed to receive pledges
for 3 off road bikes which we await delivery.

TR:When it comes to Vodacom Durban July Fashion,TMZ has never
disappointed its clients and fans tell us where do you get your
inspiration from?
TM:The inspiration comes from a desire to always go further and be
bigger and bolder than before.Never get satisfied just doing the same
thing over and over again.

TR:Last year TMZ collaborated with award winning stylist
 Craig Zooiwe.What role has the collabo played in your journey as TMZ?
TM:The collaboration with Craig Zooiwe was an exciting exploration of
fashion through the eyes of a different subject.Craig is a leading
stylist in Zimbabwe and it was interesting to discover and work with
his take on various fashion and style elements.

TR:When are you releasing your next collection?
TM:I have started work on the next collection but the release date
will be determined by the creative process and where it takes me.

TR:Any international/local fashion shows that TMZ will be showcasing
their collections?
TM:There are some events in the pipeline some that we have previously
participated at others  new but it is still to early to confirm
anything.

TR:Where do you see TMZ in years to come?
TM:I see TMZ as a brand that will take its position among leading
fashion brands in Africa.

Benin Model Dominates The Mercedes Benz Africa Fashion Festival Ramp.

Through the Mercedes Benz Company,Africa has been able to celebrate

its fashion industry in style.Recently the African continent's fashion

sector hosted Mercedes Benz Africa Fashion Festival SS 17/18 in July

at  Accra,Ghana .

Designers from countries such as Nigeria,Ivory Coast,USA,Ghana and
Zimbabwe etc showcased their collections.
However besides the collections which grab the attention of the
fashion fans during the event. It was Benin's model Apollon Angel.
Apollon Angel left the arena and fashion designs in awe.
The young gentleman said besides gaining connection with everyone  who
was part of the event team,he learnt a number of things during the
runway.
"The event was too worthy for me because despite the fact that
designers,models,the staff,make -upers,photographers etc and I we were
close and kind to each other.I learnt a lot on the runway,"informed
Apollo.

During the runway Apollo catwalked for the following houses Hiiry
Gutura,Jant's collection and Nipo skin.
Apollo described the designers who showcased during the fashion show
as hardworkers and he also added that he was honoured for walking at
the ramp wearing their designs.
"You know every designer worked very hard on their collections.
"For me it was an honour wearing the results of their hardworking
through their wonderful collections,"he said.
He however said his country (Benin) can learn from Ghana on how to
organise better and amazing fashion events.
The young Benin model said,his greatest moment during the events when
organisers of the event and designers applauded him for the good work
that he did.
"My greatest moment was when organisers and designers were proud with
the way I work and about my attitude during my performances including
other models,"he said.
Apollo Angel is expecting to embark in a number of fashion runways
this month and before the end of the year.

Fb/IG:Apollon _Supermodel

By Tapiwa Rubaya

Lusaka Hosts African Couture Exposure Week.

From the 18th to the 20th of August the Perfect Brides Zambia will
host its first ever African Couture Exposure  Week in Lusaka,Zambia at
Levy Junction Mall.
The African Couture Exposure week is established in a purpose to
showcase elegance,art and creativity which is done by African
designers from different countries mainly within the Southern African
Hemisphere.
The event will consist of Fashion workshops,beauty classes,fashion
shows and entertainment.
Zimbabwean fashion designer Abiot Malawa who is behind the Nandi
Fashion collection is expected to conduct a workshop along with Ruth
Mizhwa.
As they will be teaching those who are interested in fashion about the
lifestyle of the fashion industry.
Topics that are to be covered  during the workshop are:cross stitch,
designer ethics,the journey of designer also fashion games will be
involved.
Abiot (36) has dressed a number of Zimbabwean celebs who include
:Arthur Evans,Saba Magacha,RK etc.
As for designers who are expected to bring glamour in Lusaka through
their collections at the African Couture Exposure Week Ramp are Hildah
Mutole (31)[Who is a fashion designer and stylist who is a
Zambian/Tanzanian ),Black Manner (from Zimbabwe will be showcasing his
new collection
'The Carribean Casual'),the House of Marl Way founded by Marlryne
Zhuwan (they will be showcasing their first collection).
Myrah Dube is a Zimbabwean singer and songwriter who is going to
provide entertainment during the event.
The theme of the event is 'Street Inspiration'.

(+260) 968910008/954665957
perfectbrideszambia@yahoo.com
africancouture@gmail.com

By Tapiwa Rubaya