Tapiwanashe Jor: Well known as the Nandi Fashion nowNandi founded by award winning Zimbabwean designer Abiot(NI)father oftwo children.Last year he managed to travel across the African continent showcasinghis collections which has inspired a number of upcoming designers tolove their African culture. Journalist Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR) caughtup with Abiot and finds out what his 2018 Plans are.....
TR:When it comes in working with the African prints in your designs
you are one of the best in Zimbabwe to bring incredible collections
has the African designs became an impact in your brand?
NI:Felt like I'm an African and i have to stay connected to that and
give my fellow african something they call theirs or say ours
TR:Take us to the establishment of your brand?
NI: It's a very long walk full of ups and down but through hard
working determination and help from family i have managed to be here
now.
TR:What type of designs does Nandi Fashion does?
NI: Nandi fashions now called Nandi do specialise in African and bridal.
TR:2017 was a great year for you as your brand ,you were recognised
during the Fashion Design Expo in Bulawayo as the Best Designer and
during Zimbabwe Models Awards also .Can you state for us the
collection that you showcased and its inspiration
NI: During Fashion design Expo I show cased A Black and African
mixture of shirts and kimonos both long and short with hoods and
didn't have hoods
I was inspired by the fabrics i used on that collection both print and
plain are african made
_I'm an African and i have to stay connected to that_Abiot
TR: During the fashion design Expo this year are you going to showcase
your designs?
NI: Ohh yes cant wait.
TR:The ZMA honoured you with an award also and you have been working
with several models as a brand who are some models whom you have been
working with?
NI: have worked with lot of models and feel honoured for that
I have work with :Rumbi C Cutness,Elisha,Sheunesu ,Tanny
Malcolm,Trevor and a lot more i have a team of models called 'Nandi'.
In 2017 i have all so managed to design and dress the movie actors of
Maroro.
_I have a good relationship with the models I have worked with so far_ Abiot
TR:Besides the models you have worked with, are there any others you
would like to work with ?
NI: There are many I would like to work with.
TR:Speaking about models can you describe the relationship that you
have with Zimbabwe models and what challenges that you face in
selecting models to represent your brand?
NI: I can say I have a good relationship with the models I have worked
with so far and the challenges are when you are given new models to
work with and teaching them how you want things done your way.
TR:Abiot,The Nandi Designs have been showcasing their designs across
the region in 2017,in countries such as Malawi and Zambia who are rich
in terms of African materials.In your 2018 collections are you
planning to import any fabrics from Zambia and Malawi to use them for
your collection?
NI: Yes that is a big yes.
_Challenges are when you are given new models to work with and
teaching them how you want things done your way._Abiot
TR:There are lessons that you learnt from your journey in those
countries are we going to see u applying them in your work.
NI:I learnt a lot there and I am planning to apply it in my 2018 work.
TR:When should we expect your 2018 collection
NI:By the month of August.
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