ZIMBABWE MODEL JOINS AMMFI WORLDWIDE MODELS AGENCY.

20 year old Zimbabwean model  prominently known in the modellingscenes as Ray Motsi (RM) joins a new family AMMFI agency.In an interview with Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR),Ray tells us what AMMFIshould expect from him. He further tells us about his nomination inZimbabwe Models Awards.

TR:Who is Ray Motsi?
RM:Well in a nutshell Raymond is this 20 year old Model who Grew up in
Chadcombe Harare Zimbabwe, learnt at Churchill High school , eldest
son in family of Four and hopefully i’ll be studying law at any
college i finally decide to enroll at. I can basically be described in
one word , “perfectionist”, mediocre has never been my Forte, i never
leave something until its perfect , so to a certain extent its been my
biggest strength in modelling, i always strive to be better all the
time, never satisfied because its a gate way to complacency , so i
feed off criticism and use it air brush any imperfections.

TR:Tell us about how you emerged in the modelling scenes?
RM: So there was a concert at school, i came up dress in formal , so a
friend just commented “you should consider taking up modelling”, so
two months later after my i finished my exams, i hired a photographer
started working on my portfolio and it wasnt long after that i started
working with designers such as Shona , jan jam and recently truworths.

TR:Which modelling agency are you working with and why?
RM: Currently i’m working with two agencies , 106 models and AMMFI
international . At 106 , i just basically liked how Nigel (the
Manager) is driven , and shares the same vision that I do , so I was
fascinated by this and signed up with him a few months after i
met.Recently I was approached by a scout for the AMMFI , basically he
said i fit all the criteria they consider when looking for models ,
its an exclusive agency and i saw it as my big break, for the exposure
i so needed .

TR:What type of a model are you?
RM: Mostly into Commercial print modelling .I have been  always a fan
of photography , but I wanted to be the subject , so it got me
thinking that this could really be an area where i could really
flourish,  its fun , and there's no limit to the creativity i can
bring in when following a concept. I also do runway but commercial is
my biggest strength and i enjoy it more.

TR:State some designers you have previously worked with ?
RM: . I havent had much time in the modelling scene but i have the
privilege of working with designers such as Chennaneni , Janjam ,
Shona and Most Recently Truworths Men.

TR:Highlight your inspiration ...
RM: My inspiration has to be Tyson Beckford.

TR:What do you love about the modelling industry in your country ?
RM: What i love about the modelling industry in Zimbabwe, is that it’s
still growing , and it just offers room for new talent to come up and
flourish given you have the drive , determination and uniqueness.

TR:Do you believe that modelling industry in Africa has improved
compared to the previous years?
RM: I wouldnt know what modelling was like back in the day , but i
would like to believe that like any functional sect , modelling in
Africa has improved if not on par with whats termed “international
standard” , we have a lot of raw talent and i believe the expression
of our ethnicity in modelling makes African modelling one of the best
visual expressions out there.

TR:This year you have been nominated in Zim Models Awards what do the
awards mean to you and your brand
RM: Well the awards do mean a lot to me , its not about the shiny
accolades but it represents recognition, for all the hard work and
dedication i put in , thats what feels really good , to know i’ve made
my mark and its approved.

TR:How many awards are you hoping to win and why?
RM: (laughing), well i hope to win as many awards as i can , mainly
three categories , most improved model , most photogenic model and
best upcoming model.

TR:Recently you joined the AMMFI what are you planning to bring to the family?
RM: Yeah i recently joined the AMMFI , and i just intend on doing so
much good basically so that AMMFI becomes synonymous with the word
modelling, it should be first agency that people mention with regards
to modelling.

TR:What led you to join the AMMFI family?
RM: . I joined the agency because i believe its the platform i needed
to step on for that much needed exposure i sought after, and i believe
that they can mould me into the best version of myself possible.

TR:What are your future plans?
RM: Well i just intend on working with as many reputable designers as
possible, improving myself generally to a point where i’m someone
else’s role model, i wanna give hope to the zim modelling industry, to
show if i could chase my dream and make it reality , so can some other
kid who started off like me.

Instagram Sir_Raymond_jr , please follow and check out my blog
Facebook Rayrae junior Motsi
Twitter Rayrae junior 3rd

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

No one had any idea that Shadel Noble was going to be one dayrecognised as an international model when he began his adventure inthe modelling industry.

Shadel Noble has been working hard since he ventured in the industry
this has made him to be nominated in local,national and regional
awards.
"My hard work is starting to pay off and people are starting to notice
me and also its through God's grace",said Shadel .
Mr Noble is prominently known as Mr Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.
The young gentleman said he was happy to be one of the nominees in
Zimbabwe's Zim Models Awards which are to be held on the 16th of
December.
"My nomination means more and better portfolio and my brand will have
more clients.
"I am also looking forward to go up  against familiar names and
faces,"said Shadel Noble.
He further said she was hoping to at least break the record of the
awards and win 8 awards.
When he was asked why 8 of tgem ,Mr Noble said his profile says it all.
"I am glad you asked that question (laughing). I am hoping to win:Most
handsome,Most photogenic, Best Fashion Male;
Best Fashion Model;Model Of the Year;Most Talented Model;Outstanding
Charity Work and People Choice award,"he stated.
Mr Noble didn't rule out that there are some models who also deserve
to be awarded as they did well in the industry this year he provided
some of their names who are:Fisher;Wade;Tatenda;Ashely Morgan (Zim
Miss Toursim);Miya.
Currently Mr Noble is expected to grace a fashion event in Botswana this month.

FB:Shadel Noble

The Iconic Bomber jacket Trend

The 'Iconic Bomber Iconic Jacket ' is trending in the streets of Southern Africa.Thanks to the 'House of Hohwa' founder

Kuda Matiza (KM).Multi talented designer Kuda Matiza (KM) is interviewed by freelance  journalist Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR).

During the interview Kuda Matiza highlights the journey that led the 'Iconic Bomber Jacket' to be part of the trend in the fashion sector.

TR:Who is Kuda Matiza?
KM:I am a designer,Creative Director,musician,filmmaker and entrepreneur to summarise it all I am an artist prenuer.Born and raised in Zimbabwe now based in SA.I am fortunate to have found my meaning as an artist and had the opportunity to study music and I am also a film graduate.
I ventured into fashion from the aspect of creation, construction -Design and the love for clothing.The interest came into the aspect of speaking many stories that Africa has put being able to fit them into constructive garments I have worked with.
Influential people in different industries including film,television and music.

TR:What keeps you going in your journey in being a designer?
KM:I am driven by the need to tell stories through design.The need to put across a message.At House of Hohwa we believe in doing things out of the box or beyond the fence as some would say.I am inspired by the richness of the diversity and culture that make up the African continent people are amazing and if I can get everyone's story in a piece of garment then we defiantly have something there.

TR:Take us to the background of 'House of Hohwa'?
KM:House of Hohwa is a personal journey that I made a public because the name 'Hohwa' initially involved everything around me as a artist.
4 years ago I sat down and decided that the brand would be named after the neighbourhood I grew up in Craneborne nicknamed 'Hohwa',but everyone and the connotation is diversity of mushrooms themselves as they come in different sizes,shapes,colour etc.

TR:What makes the designs of House of Hohwa to be unique,comparing to other fashion houses?
KM:Like I said before we think and do beyond the fence.We come up with something new and never been done before.
For example the ' Iconic Bomber Jacket' are our creation.We also try as much as we can to create brand interaction with our followers by giving them something tangible other than the garments.In a fast paced market like today it is important to always stay in contact with your market you will never know what we will do next but when you do you will be blown away.

TR:Your iconic Print Bombers are trending in the world of Fashion.What inspired you to design them?

KM:The iconic Print Bomber like I love to call it is the epitome of street ethnic ethnic,another concept we launched at our official runway launch in 2015.The bomber is a cool item that adds to trends and a look.Its seriously cool I think and that was my thought before I designed it We wanted something different so I got in and made it and it just 'mushroomed'.(laughing).

TR:What do you think has made the iconic bomber jacket to trend?
KM:The print Bomber was the first on the market I'd like to think as a new concept we owned it and gave birth to the idea.It didn't need a lot of work so we just made sure we let people wear it the way they wanted to and it trended I guess.

TR:One might ask who is entitled to wear the iconic bomber jacket?
KM:The print Iconic bomber jacket is unisex item.Anyone can wear it,its a very iconic item which means you will be wearing it in the next few years too.
You will pair it up with a nice pair of jeans,some cool sneakers and just a plain coloured tee.
For the street wear lovers its a chance to just get on fleek!

TR:Where can one buy a the  print bomber?
KM:If you want to get the Bomber for you or someone else (As a great gift) you can go to our social platforms or visit our studio in Braamfontein Jhb.We also deliver anywhere in the world.

TR:Which fashion shows has the iconic bomber jacket been showcased in and how has the out come been?
KM:The print bomber jacket was on our own runway,when we launched the 'Winds of Change' collection earlier  this year.The plan is to launch it globally in future fashion events.
People love these and some are willing to sell a kidney for it (laughing).At the launch of WOC17 we had a couple of them bought straight from runway.The response is amazing.

TR:state some celebrities who have woren the print bomber jacket?
KM:We have a few people who are celebs or influential in their own spheres that one or a couple,these are Dereck Badze an entrepreneur,Hastings Nyirenda a great musician and well known Drummer.
Rapper A-reece also owns one.The  famous Great
Moscow Circus also owns a couple for their performances.

TR:After the print bomber jacket,what's next to trend from
Kuda Matiza?
KM:The print bomber is part of the Winds Of Change Collection17 and we are pushing the rest of it this whole year.There are some really out of the box sophisticated designs featured on this collection.On what will trend?I really can't say but something will defiantly.

Ins&twitt:@houseofhohwa ;FB:House of hohwa
FB:Kuda Matiza official  email:houseofhohwa@gmail.com

David Alford Release His Autumn/Winter 17 Look Book&Campaign.

David Alford is one of the biggest fashion brands in Zimbabwe's fashion industry owned by David Alford (DV).
In an interview with Tapiwanashe Rubaya (TR),David Alford  shares some of his experience that he has faced since he ventured in the fashion industry,he also talks about his brand's autumn/winter 2017 look book campaign.

_I had a very strong and explosive entry onto the Zimbabwe Fashion circuit, something which was created I think by peoples intrigue into the house. I was_

TR:Define your self
DA: I make clothes with a passion for drama and emotion. 

TR:When did you  started to have a vision of becoming a fashion designer?
DA:I discovered Fashion at the age of 15, where I quickly fell in love with the avante garde/ theatrical side to Fashion. That idea of being able to make an audience go through emotions as if they were sitting in a theatre rather than a Fashion Show. Having always had an interest in music, theatre and then clothing, it seemed to be the right avenue to take to be able to combine all three in creating my own world. 

TR:What challenges that you faced when you started in the industry?
DA: A key challenge for me to begin was to break the initial ideas associated with Fashion in Zimbabwe, I found many people never took it as a serious industry/ profession, something I personally feel has changed for myself over the last two years. 

TR:Is there someone in the fashion industry you look up to? And why that person?
DA: There are several people I look up to in the Fashion Industry however I find it hard to aspire to any individual as everyones journey in this industry is so varied. My greatest influencers would have to be designers such as Galliano, Van Herpen & Mcqueen, as they have a fearless approach to their work and stay true to Fashion being an art form, something I feel very strongly about. 

TR:How has travelling influenced your work in the fashion industry?
DA: I think the biggest thing I have experienced by travelling internationally is a certainty of what we produce as a house is of good standards, but instead of relaxing into this confidence it has actually driven me to become more pedantic over every detail of our work. It is very easy to allow standards to slip and travelling has definitely reenergised me and made me a lot more confident and daring. 

TR:What is your personal relationship with Harare's fashion industry?
DA: I had a very strong and explosive entry onto the Zimbabwe Fashion circuit, something which was created I think by peoples intrigue into the house. I was certainly welcomed with open arms and Fashion in Zimbabwe will always be in my heart, sadly this year I feel we have slightly left it behind because of outside commitments but hopefully this will be put right towards the end of this year, with some exciting projects coming up. 

TR: You recently released your autumn/winter 2017 look book and campaign tell us more about it?
DA. The Autumn/Winter 17 Look Book & Campaign kind of brings the collection and the first half of 2017 to a close. The Campaign which was photographed by Mike Wall, is a billboard for the brand for the next few months, a mood setter for what clients can see in the Alford showroom etc. As the collection was inspired by the demise of the Great Barrier Reef, I wanted to create a simple yet dramatic mood for the Campaign, so we Pixelised the images to emphasis that feel of decay and destruction. 

TR:Where can your fans buy your collections?
DA: Our collections are sold exclusively through our showroom & Studio, however this collection is slightly different as all the fabric is produced individually for each garment so we are working on a pre order custom made basis. 

TR:Is there any runway which your collection hasn't been showcased in,which you dream to showcase your designs ?
DA. I never thought thatIwould make it to such an event like New York Fashion Week so in a way the dream has been reached in at least some respect. However the ultimate dream is to show in Paris, that is definitely the ultimate goal. 

TR:Next year February it will be a special month for you as you will be showcasing in New York what should your fans expect from you.
DA. I cant say too much about what we have in store for New York Fashion Week in February just yet, however all I can say is it will definitely be our biggest and most daring collection to pull off as of yet.

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.