Taurai Mushove a Zimbabwean upcoming designer who resides in Dubai. Has brought new changes in the fashion industry of his country through his brand Zim Collar.
In an interview with Tapiwa Rubaya (TR), the Zim Collar brand owner Taurai Mushove explains the uniqueness of his brand. He also shares why his showcasing his brand in Zimbabwe for the first time.
In an interview with Tapiwa Rubaya (TR), the Zim Collar brand owner Taurai Mushove explains the uniqueness of his brand. He also shares why his showcasing his brand in Zimbabwe for the first time.
TR:Taurai can you introduce yourself to our readers?
TM:My name is Taurai Mushove. I’m a 31 year old Zimbabwean currently based in Dubai, UAE. Banker recently turned Fashion Designer.
TM:My name is Taurai Mushove. I’m a 31 year old Zimbabwean currently based in Dubai, UAE. Banker recently turned Fashion Designer.
TR:Judging from the previous chat we had you have zero background in the fashion industry but you have made a name for your self.What is the secret?
TM:Lol. Well thanks for the kind words, however, it’s still early days. There’s still a WHOLE LOT of ground to cover till I “make a name for myself!” I guess the secret is nothing more than my heart’s desire for us Zimbabweans to take pride in our cultural heritage. This resonates with people who have come across my work and understand why I am doing what I’m doing.
TM:Lol. Well thanks for the kind words, however, it’s still early days. There’s still a WHOLE LOT of ground to cover till I “make a name for myself!” I guess the secret is nothing more than my heart’s desire for us Zimbabweans to take pride in our cultural heritage. This resonates with people who have come across my work and understand why I am doing what I’m doing.
TR:Its now more than 2 months since your brand was launched how has the response been in Dubai and back Home in Zimbabwe?
TM:The response has been overwhelmingly positive both in Dubai and Zimbabwe and, in other parts of the world where there’s a number of Zimbabweans such as the UK, USA, South Africa and Australia. Lots of inquiries have predominantly come from these countries and have had sales from most of them.
TM:The response has been overwhelmingly positive both in Dubai and Zimbabwe and, in other parts of the world where there’s a number of Zimbabweans such as the UK, USA, South Africa and Australia. Lots of inquiries have predominantly come from these countries and have had sales from most of them.
TR:You are going to showcase your brand's collection during the harare fashion week and it will be your first time showcasing your brand in Zim.Why did you select that show to be your introduction?
TM:The theme for the HFW is what attracted me the most as it goes hand in hand with my collection.
TM:The theme for the HFW is what attracted me the most as it goes hand in hand with my collection.
TR: When one looks at the designs that are made via your line they can tell they are African how did you make sure those designs are highlighting African stories?
TM: The Dashiki design is arguably the most popular and universally recognized African clothing style. I adopted the same dashiki design so as to leverage on its popularity and importantly, begin to engage on the discussion of having our very own Zimbabwean attire that will someday be adopted across the African continent. The main features of this design are our national symbols such as the national flag colours, the Great Zimbabwe walls, the balancing rocks, our national flower the flame lily, the baobab tree which is also our national tree and a touch of the Zimbabwean bird.
TR:During the show besides showcasing what are you hoping to achieve?
TM:Since I am still new to the industry, I want to take this opportunity to learn a lot about fashion shows and network with the stylists and the stakeholders of the fashion industry. I sincerely hope that the outcome of this event will inspire us to come up with more unique Zimbabwean attires that will ultimately get adopted by every citizen of our country for the greater good of dressing our cultural nakedness.
TM:Since I am still new to the industry, I want to take this opportunity to learn a lot about fashion shows and network with the stylists and the stakeholders of the fashion industry. I sincerely hope that the outcome of this event will inspire us to come up with more unique Zimbabwean attires that will ultimately get adopted by every citizen of our country for the greater good of dressing our cultural nakedness.
TR:Speaking about the show you will be working hand in hand with models from Zimbabwe.What are you expecting from them as they will be catwalking while wearing your brand?
TM:This event comes at a very unique period in our country just a month or so before the elections that I believe will usher a new age of patriotism among Zimbabweans. I would like the models to know that they will be making history as they wear my brand.
TM:This event comes at a very unique period in our country just a month or so before the elections that I believe will usher a new age of patriotism among Zimbabweans. I would like the models to know that they will be making history as they wear my brand.
TR:Besides Harare Fashion week any fashion shows you are going to grace in Zimbabwe?
TM:I will be looking forward to taking part in the Zimbabwe Fashion Week in August and hopefully, be part of the stylists chosen to dress the models for the Miss Zimbabwe pageant!
TM:I will be looking forward to taking part in the Zimbabwe Fashion Week in August and hopefully, be part of the stylists chosen to dress the models for the Miss Zimbabwe pageant!
By Tapiwa Rubaya
No comments:
Post a Comment