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Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo Arts Correspondent
Local fashion designer Kudakwashe Chihungwa is a happy man following a successful showcase at Accra Fashion Week held in Ghana recently. Chihungwa, who is popular with his brand KudaSeven, could not hide his joy after showcasing 15 suits outside the country for the first time.

“I am so excited and it is a milestone for me to have been part of this great event held last week. My collection comprises 15 outfits, 10 of them for men and the rest were for ladies,” he said. The 29-year-old’s designer collection was called “Military Touch” a theme that was in line with the Ghana’s 60th Independence celebrations.

“My collection was called Military Touch because it took an inspiration from military colours and the feel of freedom that resonates with the achievements of freedom fighters. This resulted in the selection of cotton, wool and soft polyesters,” he said. This came a time when Ghana is promoting boycott of second hand clothing and promoting locally made outfits. Chihungwa said the response was overwhelming and the show enabled him to network with other popular African designers.

“The experience was good because I connected with designers, buyers and other fashion organisers. A number of people placed orders after they saw my collection and that was so inspiring. I had an opportunity to rub shoulders with top African fashion designers like Zamarjesty from Nigeria, Jants and Aishas closets from Ghana and Fafa Creations from South Africa,” he said. Chihungwa started designing clothes in 2009 on his own without going to school.

“I always loved fashion from childhood but started designing in 2009.I never received any formal training for my designing career and I registered my clothing company in 2013,’ he said. The KudaSeven brand has grown over the years from a one man band into an orchestra that produces high quality garments for both men and women. They manufacture clothing ware including shoes for both men and women. He has showcased under Zimbabwe fashion Week 2013 and 2014, Sapatos 2014, Zimpraise 2016 and Edgar Extragavanza 2016.