CHECK OUT THE MOST PROMISING MODEL FROM THE ANCIENT CITY.

"Rise above,Return hurt with Love Kill Them with kindness and Bury them with success,..." by Tapiwanashe Mutsimba.

Born and raised in  the Ancient city of Masvingo in Zimbabwe, is the award winning model,Tapiwanashe Mutsimba (22). 

Mutsimba won the Most Promising Male Model Award during last year's Zimbabwe Models Awards ceremony and has managed to win the hearts of many in the fashion industry whom some of them, have approached him in  requesting to collaborate with him in their works.

Tapiwa informed Aftv mag that currently his aiming to be one of the big fish in the modelling sector as he describe his target as being a 'super model'.

"My dream in the modelling industry is to be the next big male Supermodel from Zimbabwe,following the steps of Jonathan Denga the first Supermodel from Zimbabwe,"he informed.

Tapiwa has taken part in different runway fashion shows such as  Castle Tankard ,Kulture Roots,FDI etc.

Tapiwa is aspiring to work with big brands in the fashion industry  such as award winning designers who include:K7,

Tapfumanei Munenge,Armour Bespoke,David Tlale,Oscar Delarenta and other global male fashion brands. 

He added that he is hoping to  also work with other  exclusive companies as a model  these being Edgars,Jet,Econet,Jan Jam etc.

"My ambition is to be a role model to every Zimbabwean that you can do it irregardless of your background you.Just need to discover your purpose..," Tapiwanashe Mutsimba

Mr Mutsimba further said he is inspired by the hardwork contributed by models such as Coresh Dumba,Sean O'pery and Noah Mills.

"I got my inspiration from Coresh Dumba, Sean O'prey and the Noah Mills.  This is because these guys epitomizes  hardwork, class and elegance and i do believe that l posses these qualities",he said.

Apart from modelling Tapiwa is currently a student in MSU university where he is studying Development studies. 

In addition Tapiwa is aspiring to be a television presenter and an actor.He also said his modelling career,has helped him to be bold enough in his quest to be a television presenter. 

Social media details:

Facebook:Tapiwanashe Mutsimba 

Ins:Mtsimbat

Written by Tapiwa Rubaya

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH STATE OF MALAMBIA ACTOR TINOTENDA SATANDE.

 Tinotenda Satande better known as Tino to his friends,has appeared in a number of film series and movies in his home country Zimbabwe including the state of Malambia which has appeard in various international film festivals. In an interview with Aftv media we find out which came first modelling or acting profession.

TR:Tino thank you for having us.How do you balance acting and modelling?

TS:Well it's not like i am shooting week in week out, but there are times you do have to talk to both parties involved when there is a clash of schedules and you can always work out something. What's tough is when you're shooting one or more productions at the same time, you just have to manage your time wisely and communication is key especially when your time and other people's is at stake. 

TR:Do you think your modelling career has played a massive role in your acting career?

TS:Acting actually came first before the modelling, i did my first scene early January of 2017 in a drama series called Muzita Rababa (Tuesdays at 1930 on ZBC), was a short scene and i remember being nervous and stiff i was walking and talking like Robocop. The director Nick Zemura just said stick around and a few weeks down the line he said he wanted me to be part of the cast ,he saw something i didn't  haha (laughs). Later on that year i was in my first ever film Kushata Kwemoyo. Almost a year later we were having a photoshoot for promotional material for the film ,we were dressed by Mutsa Mabhande of MutsaCreations, she later asked if i could model for her brand and that's when my modelling journey began. 

Not long after that i became a brand ambassador for House of Gentlemen . So i guess they do work in tandem, when castings are going on and they ask to see my photos i send the ones i have taken over this modelling journey of mine and when people do see me on-screen then they see me representing a brand , could be on social media or wherever, the hope is that that i can bring the attention of that audience to that brand too.I am grateful for the people that me gave my first break and now i am just building on the opportunities they made available to me.

TR:One of the films that you cast in is a local film Kushata kweMoyo which features legends in Zim's film industry. 

TS: e i was, pretty much still a newbie rubbing shoulders with

 Legends and powerhouses in the industry. They made it easy because they were so welcoming and had that paternal and maternal concern towards you.

 I felt at ease and the least you could do when you're around them is listen and learn, for advice and also for the great stories they told. It was an absloute joy to work with Charles Mzemba, Elijah Madzikatire and Mai Bhasikoro, not forgetting Gamuchirai Duve and Kudzai Musungo, these women kept me on my toes and in stitches haha (laughing), they are forces in this industry and our drill sergeant Shem Zemura, he put us through it, he got the best out of everyone and the whole crew too, it was a great experience all in all.

TR:Aside from Kushata KweMoyo which other films have you took part in?

TS:Let's see, i was in three short films which were done by ZBC namely  Daddy's Present, Betrayal and The Tree. I also featured in State of Malambia and there are other productions and projects in the pipeline.

TR:Who is your  inspiration  in the industry?

TS:Internationally i would have to say Dwayne The Rock Johnson, to me he is the human will personified, where he came from, from having no place to stay and only 7 bucks in his pocket to being the most bankable movie star and having his movies gross billions, having his own production company and still being a family man and be that fit haha (laughs) come on! He is a workhorse.

 Locally i would say anyone who has been doing this for years now and hasn't given up, this industry can be tough but there are people that have stuck to their guns and kept producing, directing, acting in order to keep inspiring, to  educate and to entertain . Even the young blood in the industry there are some very passionate people and seeing the fire they have for their work is inspiring. There are so many to name it would be like a long rolling credits scene haha.

TR:What has been your greatest moment when ever you are behind the camera as an actor?

TS:I can't pin it to one moment as such but for me it's when you have delivered a scene and given it your all and there's nothing more  to be taken from it or added because most of the times i get home  i am playing back in my head how i  could have handled that scene differently,  how i could have said this and not that, there's always that i could have done better element . That would be it for me. 

I like a good transformation too, i don't like to be the same type of linear  character so when people are able to see  the difference between the ones you have played. I would know i would have done something right.

TR:Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

TS:Happily married! Haha (giggles), by then i would like to have worked with all the top brass in Zimbabwean film from actors, directors, producers , everyone  and done almost every genre too. Graced a few magazine covers, walked on runways at fashion shows , built my own brand and realising my dream of being a travel professional. 

I also have a passion for Travel and Tourism and i would like to run my own travel company one day. I would like to be an influencer and help eradicate bullying in schools. God willing.

TR:When you are not casting for a movie/film or shooting for modelling scene. What do you mainly spend much of your time doing?

TS:I probably spend most of my time in the gym when i am not on set. I am also crazy about movies so i will be adding to my ever growing collection of movies and also looking for other opportunities.

TR:Tino Satande thank you for your time

TS:Thank you for having me.

GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT  TINOTENDA SATANDE 

My name is Tinotenda Satande, i was born sometime in the 80s haha (giggles) ,in Marondera. 

I am a shy, reserved guy who does like to laugh and have a good time ,(the irony) haha (laughs).

I have certain people that do bring out the silliness and craziness in me. In love with rugby and anything to do with fitness.  In my third year of acting and almost going on two in modelling. I really didn't think i will be doing any of those , after you finish school you always have your life planned out like i will do this and i will do that, i never had  acting and modelling down at all but have been enjoying the journey nonetheless.

Pic credit:House Of Gentleman 

Interviewed by :Rubaya Tapiwa

MR BURUNDI PREPARES FOR MISTER AFRICA INTERNATIONAL 2019 PAGEANT.

 21 year old Amigo Francois was coroneted as Mister Burundi. Since his coronation he has managed to catwalk in a number of runways which include the Kigali Fashion Show which was hosted recently. In an exclusive interview with Aftv media.Amigo Francois tells us about his experience during the show and he also shares with us some of his plans as he is looking forward for Mister Africa International 2019 which is to hosted in Nigeria in November.

TR:Amigo Francois can you briefly tell us about yourself?

AF:I am Amigo François I'm 21,I do live with my family and not married yet.

TR:When did you thought of being art of the modelling industry?

AF: I liked modeling since my childhood and i have lived with it during all those previous years and last year that's when I begun my career as fashion model , fitness model and in addition  also acting.

TR:Recently  you catwalked at Kigali Fashion Week,can you share with us the experience you got there?

AF:The only thing which I learnt there, 1st was to improve my performance .

2nd the self confidence part, which I have is different .

TR:How many collections did you wore during the show?AF:I  had woren 4 collections of different designers but most of them were necked hence it  was an opportunity for me to improve my physical to world.

TR:Besides being a runway model you are also a pageant model which one came first and how?AF: As you know all fashion careers begun from to task runway weather photogenic 

TR:You are the current reigning Mr Burundi what does it mean to you and can you tell us the day when you were crowned as  Mr Burundi?AF:Being a representative model in my country, it has a significance for me and the whole country  in the different ways that will depend how I shall be wearied. Winning the pageant is a given opportunity for  the country because it will our first time in that we have such a platform of culture .

TR:As Mister Burundi,what are your plans or projects that you planning for the community in your area?AF:As a Mister Burundi  I won't be able to accomplish all the task in my area I mean in my country but the only thing which I'm sure of is that I shall share my experience to all fellow models in my area and also motivate them morally and physically so that they can have a better future.

TR:Besides working with your community,you will be representing your country at Mister Africa International are you ready for the big task?AF:Yes yes of course I am ready for that task , I will be glad if ii win that title. IG: @ thesoletucTwitter : @ thesoletucFb : @amigotucbalongYouTube : @ amigotucbalong
By Rubaya Tapiwa

ARTICLE:VANSHELLS CREATIONS TO RELEASE A SPRING COLLECTION.

Consisting of casual,formal and Islamic wear. The Vanshells Creation is about to release their unique collection to the world. In an interview with Aftv mag,the owner of Vanshells Creation (Maleeqa) told Aftv mag about the collection and also she tells us more about the Vanshells Creations Fashion show which us going to be hosted in South Africa. 

TR:You will be hosting a fashion show this weekend. Can you tell us the name of the show and why it was given that name?

VC:The name of the Fashion show is Vanshells Creations Fashion Show. My business name is Vanshells Creations and alot of my clients know me by this name hence the name Vanshells Creations  Fashion show . I create what ppl want in fashion. I feel everyone has their own personality and own style of fashion they need as an individual thats why its a Creation something different from the ordinary.

TR:Why did you thought of establishing the fashion show?

VC:I thought of hosting the fashion show because it would be a great way of making my passion and dream come true and providing the community of Uitenhage and its designers a platform to showcase what they can do and the talent this small community have . Its also a platform to grow my business and to get noticed by the community. Us as designers makes clothes and create new designs and is not often seen by a wider audience but get the compliments from the clients and those close to them about the designs and clothes they wear that was created and made by us thats why i decided to host this Fashion show.

TR:Your vision as hosts is to assist and empower your economy.Aside from yourself who are other designers who will be showcasing their brand?

VC:Apart from myself , i have selected a few designers from the community that is underprivileged but has a great talent for designing and making their own clothes to empower themselves. I have selected 4 designers. Sipho, Alida, Bulelwa and myself as well to showcase. They have different designs and styles that they create ranging from traditional african clothes to suits wedding , evening and casual wear both for men women and children.

TR:Take us to the collection you will be showcasing?

VC:The collection i will be showcasing is my spring collection consisting of casual, evening, ISlamic and formal wear with a bit of traditional hand made designs in between on the garments that i believe will bring out  the beauty and confidence in anyone wearing my creations.

TR:Excluding the exhibition which will be done by designers can you tell us what other activities will be taking part?

VC:The other activities thats in the fashion show is also by local artist. There will be a talented solo dancer ,  a group of dancers that the eldest is 22 years old and the rest are between 10 and 16 years of age , two dancers and one guy thats performing one song . All the artist are from the leas privileged community that has talent in different styles of dancing and singing. The reason why i included them in the show is to encourage them to do better and live out what they love to do in front of an audience that will enjoy the performance.

TR:Where do you see the future of your brand?

VC:I have a great vision and always strive to do my best and at whatever i do. I see my brand making it internationally and encourage other designers to do their best. Theres always a new fashion trend coming out and for designers like myself that have the passion and vision to move forward and bringing the fashion out their to the people that likes fashion and new trends. Everyone wants to look good and by wearing something beautiful u feel more confident.

TR:You are from South Africa and a number of young African designers derive from your country.What advise do you have for young up coming designers from your area?

VC:A school teacher once told me, if you want to gain something u must sacrifice. I was in grade 7 at the time. My years of schooling has long gone and those words still stick to me in everything i do. My advice to those designers out there is to follow your dreams, be determined in what u do even if u have to make a sacrifice but reach your goal. Be around positive people that encourage you and not bring you down. That way the mind will stay and think positive .

TR:Lastly what words do you have for those who are going to be attending the event?

VC: I would tell them never to give up . Stay drug free . Keep your head held high no matter what others say behind your back. Be an example to those that are serious about their vision and what they want in life . Encourage the younger generation.. after all they will represent you one day when u cant do it yourself. That way your legacy will live through them and what u teach them today will benefit them tomorrow.

Facebook... Vanshells Creation, Instagram: Vanshell Kaumba Vicker

By Rubaya Tapiwa 

MULTI AWARD WINNING MODEL CLIMBS UP THE LADDER.

 'When your time has come no man can stand on your way..,'Ben Chest 

As the fashion and modelling world was celebrating with the award winning model Ben Chest for winning the Best Male Award during the 3rd edition of the Roil Bulawayo Arts Award last month. 

Another celebration is being done this month by the Ben Chest fans' as he managed to become the first male model from the second capital city of Bulawayo to feature in the video of the multi award musician Jah Prayzah'.

The video of the song that Ben Chest cast in is titled Ne Muriwo and it features the award winning dance ensemble IYASA and Tanya Chikuni.

 The video was shoot at Matapo area in the outskirts of the City of kings and Queens.

Ben Chest described the collabo in featuring at JP aka Jah Prayzah as a motivation to his career.

"Working with JP was so inspiring the man is too relented,his energy is very much contagious, sort of likes  feeds your energy and that  brings the best out of you.

"Soft spoken but very focused,it really was an eye opening experience at the same time exciting," described Ben Chest.

On how he managed to take part in the video, he said a call that was made by the award winning artist to him,requesting him to take part in the video  he agreed upon it. 

Ben also further added that he believes it was after he won the BAAzw that captured JP's attention. 

"The collabo with great Jah Prayzah came as a surprise. I just received a phone call from the Man himself JP,soon after the awards it was probably inspired by the big award.

"I really felt honoured,so instead of going alone to take part in the shoot of the video. I decided to go with other two models,Zizi and Hazel to also take part,"informed Ben Chest. 

Ben Chest further told Aftv mag that he felt blessed to win the Roil Bulawayo Arts Award,as it has shown to the world that his home town appreciate his work and talent. 

"#RoilBAAzw meant so much to me because it's an award  from home where I have grown the talent,when home acknowledges you the rest of the world will feel your impact,you penetrate with such unstoppable dynamic force 'bhayisikili lifundelwa ekhaya' (All great works start from home).," he said.

The award winning model said his looking forward for more international collabos as an ambassador in companies and organisations,more acting and more in the modelling sector. 

By Rubaya  Tapiwa

THE BEST MALE TOGO MODEL AWARD GOES TO ...

"If you want to build yourself as a top or a good model apart from hard work you also need to travel to other countries ..."Bruce David.

The Togo fashion awards were hosted on the 13th of July,one of the categories of the ceremony  was the Best Model category. The gong of the category went to the 21 year old model,Bruce David (BD).
The young model who derives from Togo had a chit chat with Aftv Magazine and told us what it meant for his name to announced as the winner of the category. Further during the interview he tells us some of the brands he has worn since he managed in the industry.

TR:At the age of 21 Bruce David,you have already made a name for yourself.Who is Bruce David to those who don't know you?
BD:Bruce David is a simple genial and kind guy ,that guy who lives to make others happy who just like life and everybody.

TR:Your journey in the modelling industry emerged in 2016 .One might wonder how did it all started or what is the story behind the start of your journey?
BD: Before I started my journey in the modeling industry ,it was after my first fashion week in Togo I realized that if you want to build yourself as a top or a good model apart from hard work you also need to travel to other countries to get more knowledge from there  your own meaning of fashion come then I just throw myself in the adventure.

TR:Aside from participating in fashion shows in Togo you also are taking part in other international shows that are out side Togo...
BD:The difference between shows in Togo and outside shows is the organizing done.
In Togo I can say that "we are trying" but outside the are making shows "good shows" In Ghana for example many people admire fashion they know what that meaning of that word for real so they do their best effort to make it really good.
. 
TR:Can you state some of the brands that you have worn in those shows?
BD: In those shows I worn brand for Ibrahim Fernandez from Ivory coast, Oneney from Ivory coast, Tiag couture from Ghana, Wakal from Ghana, Vlisco from Togo, Woodin from Togo, David Parjov from Paris, Jean Doucet from Paris, Leslie from Benin Eldior sodeck from Benin...

TR:Besides catwalking international shows you were a nommine at the Togo Fashion Awards briefly tell us more about your nomination and the category that you are in?
BD: I thank God I am nominated to the Togo Fashion Awards under  Best Male Model of the year, the staff recognized my work and they just sent me message that I will be nominated under Best Model of the year.
 I said wow I am just thankful they asked some questions about me and after some weeks I saw my picture on the models nominated we passed the stage of voting and this  Saturday 13th they announced the winner and it's was me the Best model of the year 2019.

TR:What does it  mean to win those awards ?
BD: Winning these Togo Fashion Awards means a lot to me first it means I am on the right way to the success cause best model of the year is not my barrier I want more, why not best Black Male Model of the world (giggles).
 So that trophy means to me it's possible to do more.

TR:In future which fashion shows in Africa are you hoping to attend as a model?
BD: Specially in Africa I hope to attend 2 fashion shows, Arise Fashion week in Nigeria and FIMA it's part of my best wishes.

TR:What inspires your work and your lifestyle. 
BD:I am a boy obsessed by the best,so do better is what inspires my work and my lifestyle.

By Rubaya Tapiwa 

LETS SUPPORT OUR VERY OWN DIAMOND.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Accra is already upon us as its situated to be hosted on the 2nd of August to the 4th of the same month. 

Part of the models who are taking place in the 3 day event is Edison Diako who will be representing the Southern Africa hemisphere. 

Edison has previously graced various fashion show runways and has also wore,different designs from international designers.

The shows include Mpumalanga Fashion and Design Week in South Africa,Global Expo to mention a few. 

Diako has created an online presence that sets him apart as one of the few trailblazers in the Botswana modelling scene,where he derives from.

Edison said taking part at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Accra will assist him to climb up the ladder in the modelling industry. 

"Participating in the fashion week will therefore be in valuable platform which has the potential to accelerate his career in ways unfathomable,"he said. 

Edison is currently appealing to the public for donations towards his travel logistics,the list of sponsors and receipts will be available to the public at the end of the event. 

To Sponsor:

Account Details  :Stanbic Bank

Branch Code:061012

Account Holder:Thato Edison Diako 

Account No:9060003510153

Cell (+267) 77178488,72640379

ARTICLE :GET TO KNOW HOW HOMBYO FASHION BRAND WAS FOUNDED!

Establishing a fashion brand in Zimbabwe is one of the difficult things to do due to the economic crisis the country is facing .But for Nkosi Nkomo he has managed to face all the odds,and established an exclusive fashion brand 'Hombyo' and also he has created an annual fashion show hosted monthly. 

In an interview with Aftv Nkosi tells us more about the uniqueness of his brand and how it has managed to be where it is today!

TR:Its not easy to have a strong,exclusive fashion brand in an economy that you have in Zimbabwe,how do you manage to survive in such situation?
HM:It's all by God's grace that Hombyo designer brand is surviving in this hard economy. The idea is to work more, be consistent,  resilient, patient and relavant then God takes over...

TR:One might wonder how did your brand got where it is today?
HM:God has been good to me. I 've been blessed i understand and trust my craft very well that confidence and faith in the work of my hands has kept me going.


TR:How do you manage to convert your fashion designs or products into a productive language?
HM: Just like a musician who produce music song by song and every song has a different feel and sound. 
I produce my pieces one by one with a different feel and design from each and every other piece  just like a  musician and songs, so as Hombyo designer brand pieces  

TR:Do you mentor upcoming designers?
HM:Not yet but Hombyo has been involved in community development by empowering the youth in sewing and tailoring skills for sustainable livelyhoods that has seen  some of the youths in ward 22 in Nkulumane,Bulawayo,Zimbabwe benefiting from this social corporate responsibility from Hombyo designer brand 

TR:Who are Hombyo's major clients ?
HM: My pieces are for everyone, the idea is to celebrate Africa and express the Morden  African fashion style inspired by the life, love, joy and piece in Africa.
Now anyone who wanna identify with the above is my major client.


TR:What ways do you engage in to make sure your clients as they leave your studio they leave with a smile?
HM: I try to explain each and every piece in the studio to my clients so they understand the difference of each and every piece and how the pieces  were conceived from an idea to a product. All my products  are different and peculiar  from each other and what you get at Hombyo designer brand is the one and  only piece and design under the sun. People want to dress  different and percuiliar so I try to capitalise on that to put a smile to my client.

TR:Besides being the founder of Hombyo you are also the brainchild of Umceco fashion show?
HM:Umceco The Show is a live fashion talk show which aims to expose and document Zim fashion stakeholders, discussing and unpacking their fashion stories to a live audience with the aim to create dialogue between fashion stakeholders and the audiences, creating business opportunities and awareness of local fashion stakeholders. 
Some advantages of hosting Umceco the Show are that our audince/community has got a chance to know, learn and understand the stories and products of our Zim fashion stakeholders and to bridge the gap that is there between fashion stakeholders and the community. 
This will create more opportunities for local fashion stakeholders 

TR:Hombyo in 5 years to come will be ....
HM: Hombyo designer brand  will be one of the  best home grown  local designer  brands to have a global market with global clientel offering a wide range of fashion products.
Facebook- house of mutu byo
Instagram- house of mutu zw

By Rubaya Tapiwa

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NIGERIAN MODEL YUSUF OLUWAFEMI.

Having migrated from Nigeria to Tanzania, award winning model Yusuf Oluwafemi (YO),has been welcomed with open arms in his new home. He has also managed to grace a number of fashion shows across Zanzibar and Nigeria. In an interview with Aftv,Yusuf tells us more about his modelling career.

TR:Can you describe yourself? 

YO : I am Yusuf Oluwafemi  by name am a Nigeria easy going, God fearing, hardworking ,humble, loyal person,I am a shy type.

 

TR:What do you love about your journey?

YO :Everything honestly .

TR:What has declined in the modelling industry since you embarked on the journey of modelling?

YO:It's not an easy journey but am blessed to be part of this journey.

TR:You are both a footballer and a model is there any connection between the two careers of your life?

YO :Yes  there is a number of connections and this has boosted both my careers.

TR:You have participated in several fashion show runways in Zanzibar and Nigeria.What have you gained from these shows? 

YO:A lot not in Zanzibar and Nigeria I worked I do some jobs too in Kenya Mombasa,Nyali too and I worked with best designers in east Africa  like Ally Rehemtulla, Kasicana, Waiz, a Zanzibar UK base designer too called Tgazi collection ,Makeke etc.

 

TR:Last year you won the campus Top Model 2018 contest can you tell us more about the competition?

YO:Well it's a year to remember for me it wasn't easy because online competition alot of taxes ,with I represent Tanzania and am a Nigeria a very good experience for me a dream coming true.

TR:Also you were nominated for the Swahili Fashion Week Awards .How did the nomination changed your career in the modelling sector?

YO :A lot because I  am a Nigeria model and base in Tanzania, Tanzania welcomed me very well they gave me the chance for  I worked hard to represent the flag in both side and they believe in me too both the designers and the photographers over there, seriously Tanzania show me to the world.

TR:You are into photogenic and pageantry modelling why did you select the two?

YO:The short answer I would give is I  love them  both. 

TR:Lastly can you give us a brief bio of yourself.

YO:I am the first born of six four boys two girls was born in Lagos state Nigeria school in Lagos before I left to east Africa

By Rubaya Tapiwa

EMPRESS PRIMY MAKES HISTORY AT THE 3RD BAAZW AWARDS.

 The season has came and gone for the 3rd edition of the BAAzw(Bulawayo Arts Awards) which were hosted in the 2nd capital city of Zimbabwe.

This year the awards' nominees list contained new and old names who are doing well in the industry.

This year 3 prominent and unique fashion brands,from Zimbabwe contested for the Best Fashion Designer's Gong.

However unlike the previous years where the names in the category consisted of male fashion designers only or the category being dominated by male designers. 

This year the category had only 3 female designers these are:

Umakoti by Nkazana,Empress Primy and Thobekile Zondo. 

The winner was Empress Primy who became the 1st woman to win the Best Fashion and Designer gong.

The brand became the 3rd to hold the gong after The Brandroom (Bukhosi and Muzi) who were the first winners of the Best Fashion Designers Award of BAAzw in (2017) while the 2nd edition in 2018 was won by Arakani. 

Fikile Ncube is the founder of the brand Empress Primy. 

She emerged in the fashion world in 2017 and founded her brand a year after. 

The brans mainly specialises on female wear . 

Fikile named the brand in honour of her mother Primrose who she referred as the Queen.

Besides being a fashion designer,Fikile is a former model. 

Pic credit @Mgcininyoni

By Rubaya Tapiwa

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT! AFWL2019 Luxury Boutique headlines with South Africa's Vanessa Gounden.

Vanessa Gounden is a luxury womenswear brand, with Vanessa herself as Creative Director and the inspiration behind the brand’s artistry.

 The Durban-born designer is also renowned for being one of South Africa’s most successful mining magnates – for her business savvy and for the role she played in South Africa’s political landscape.  She began her career as part of former South African president, Nelson Mandela’s administration in 1994 and also worked with  Mandela’s successor, Thabo Mbeki, as manager of the Human Resources for the National Intelligence Agency. 

Her career evolved into a passion for fashion and by the time she launched in London in 2011 under the label "Vanessa G", Vanessa was already dressing international models such as Poppy Delevigne, Jade Jagger, Yasmin le Bon and Natalia Vodianova.

Since then, her wearable-art garments have showcased at several London and New York and South Africa Fashion Weeks.  International celebrities such as Princess Charlene of Monaco, Nomzamo Mbatha, Pearl Thusi, Orange is the New Black actress Dascha Polanco and James Bond beauty Naomie Harris have also graced her designs.

In 2015, she opened her flagship store in the heart of London’s Mayfair district where she still operates today.  

Vanessa’s signature style combines bold prints and patterns with innovative tailoring techniques, such as 3D layering. Her work is handcrafted in the finest luxurious fabrics and embellished with hand painted buttons, beading and embroidery.   

Vanessa designs her work for intelligent, glamorous, spirited women where classic styles endure over trends.  Each collection centres around a concept that is close to Vanessa’s heart, the narrative beautifully created on garments with such attention to detail, each piece retains its sense of bespoke individuality.With a strong sense of citizenship and responsibility, Vanessa is committed to uncover and sponsor new artists as well as train and employ craftsman, tailors and seamstresses in fine skills and pattern matching.

Artistry and techniques already used in Vanessa Gounden creations have revived bygone textile skills and provided employment to local artisans not only in her South African based Atelier but in various parts of the world where unique talent is discovered and nurtured.

Save the Date

9-10 August 2019 Freemasons' Hall 60 Great Queen Street London WC2B 5AZ Doors open from 12pm both days for shopping, browsing and Seminar talks Friday Catwalk Shows: 4pm & 6pm* Saturday Catwalk Shows: 2pm, 5pm & 7.30pm*

THE KING GETS AN INVITATION TO ATTEND ZAMBIA MENS FASHION WEEK

"He is one of the models with a brand in Africa and one of the greatest models of our time in Southern Africa...,"Lephana 

An invitation to the King of runway to Zambia's Men Fashion Week which is to be hosted on the 3rd of August has been sent,this was confirmed by Lephan Madida one of the organisers of the event. 

Madida said Shadel was selected to be part of the models crew because of his uniquness from other models and as he is a role model of other models in Southern Africa.

"Shadel was chosen all because he is one of the models with a big brand in Southern Africa and he is the one of the Greatest models of our time.

"Having Shadel in our show is to carry weight to the fashion week as he is one of the models we look out for in the Southern African region,"said Madida.

Speaking in the same atmosphere,Mr Noble said he is looking forward in representing Zimbabwe at Zambia Men Fashion Week and to grow his brand. 

"Yes I will be taking part in this years,Zambia Men Fashion Week,I am looking forward to attend the event and to represent Zimbabwe and to grow my brand through it. 

"The invitation was sent along with the posters,advertised with my face which is exciting and something I don't think,I"all ever get used no matter how many billboards or posters are put out especially when they elevate my career and pocket (laughing)," said Shadel.

He also assured that he will be participating in other international shows before the year ends.

Aside from the Zambia Men Fashion Week,when questioned about his loss at the BAAzw's 3rd edition and if it will affect his career.

Shadel responded by saying he didnt loss the gong but someone was given an opportunity to shine as that person had worked hard. 

He however said this has granted him an opportunity to work even much harder than before. 

"I didnt loss someone else was given a chance,its not a loss when it recognition of hard work is seen and appreciated by your own and no it hasn't at all affected my career, as a matter of fact it has made me even more hungry to elevate my work rate and it had shown me a different side of me and an increased drive.

"Winning is not everything if your mentality and drive doesn't change,always a winners mentality and losing isn't the end it should always be an elevation to go even harder,never quitting is the key in it all,"said Shadel. 

Mrr Noble will be joined by models from countries such as Tanzania,Botswana,Malawi,Ghana and Zimbabwe. 

By Tapiwa Rubaya

CUTE-SAINT TO SHOWCASE AT GHANA MEN FASHION WEEK

Its that month of the year,where by fashion designers are given an opportunity to exhibit their work in front for spectators from different countries across the globe at Ghana Men's Fashion Week. 

This year joining other fashion designers in the platform is Cute-Saint a brand founded by Femi Ajose, a Fashion Stylist/ Fashion Editor who turned into being a  Fashion Designer.

Femi Ajose tells us the history back ground behind his brand and he gave us an insight of his collection which will be released at Ghana's Men Fashion Week. 

TR:How did you come up with the name Cute-Saint? 

CS:Cute-Saint is a name that was given to me by my school father from high School. It was given to me because, I was very gentle in school and hardly talking to anyone. Hence, when I  started my brand, I couldn't think of a better name to represent my brand other than this historic name that I consider to form part of the aesthetics of my brand. Don't just be a saint, be cute with it. 

TR:Can you take us to the historic birth of your fashion brand?

CS:Cute-Saint as a brand was born out of the desire to create a brand that will produce high quality locally produced garments that can be internationally accepted. 

I started as being a Fashion Stylist, to then working as a production Manager at a Fashion brand in Lagos, then going to a fashion school to widen my

Knowledge about fashion and finally creating the brand.

TR:When you look at the time when your brand was established,how has it performed in the past  in Africa?

CS:Journey has been a remarkable one since the establishment of Cute-Saint. Since the release of our debut Collection, the brand has received recognition from the African community; We have been invited to showcase at the Africa Fashion Week London, Accra Fashion Week and will be showcasing at Ghana Menswear Week.

TR:What impact  has your brand brought to the society via the collections that you have released previously?

CS:The brand has been able to impact the community through the creation of jobs for local creatives and artisan. Some of the fabrics used in the collection were dyed locally. And we also hired the service of local artisans in the production of our shoes. All of our fabrics were sourced locally.

TR:As Cute-Saint what is your description of Men fashion Wear in Africa?

CS:African Men's Fashion has evolved over the year as our men have became more stylish. In their heydays  men wore only dull colors. These days, men have started exploring bright colours and different silhouettes to explore their fashion consciousness.

TR:Speaking about Men Fashion Wear you will be showcasing your brand in Ghana Men Fashion Week this month

CS:Since the release of our debut Collection, we have been invited to showcase at different fashion shows out of which we have decided to showcase in Ghana Menswear Week, because we believe in the vision of the fashion week. And also to explore the Ghanaian market.

TR:In a summary can you give us some clues on what your collection will look like?

CS:I'll be showcasing The Collection tagged "Gene Explosion". The human DNA forms the major inspiration behind Gene Explosion. It is a unisex collection that is very eclectic and explores various aspects of our lives. From work to leisure, not leaving the urban street styles.

TR:Aside from showcasing your designs what are you looking forward to benefit from this event?

CS:I'm looking forward to meeting fashion buyers and retailers in Ghana to start stocking our designs with and selling to the Ghana market.

By Rubaya Tapiwa