Fashion week for Harare models only Zim Fashion International models
Zim Fashion International models

Zim Fashion International models

Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Models from beyond Harare will likely miss out on an opportunity to expose themselves after the Zimbabwe Fashion International (Zfi) failed to secure their accommodation ahead of the fashion fete slated for September this year.

The event’s organisers are currently calling out for interested models to audition at Chez Zandi in the capital in the capital on May 31. But selected candidates will have to foot their own accommodation bill throughout the show.

This continues to side-line talent from other parts of the country each year and they miss a break on the international fashion show.

Speaking on the matter Zfi chief administrator Sekai Sandamu said the development was unfortunate.

“We are welcoming interesting models to come for auditions and those who are unable to come to Harare can apply online.

However, those who are selected to participate will have to look for their own accommodation. What we will provide is transport to the Zfi venue daily,” she said.

Sandamu said while they had a reputation of holding some of the most prestigious and glamorous events since their inception six years ago, they were too broke to accommodate models.

The fashion show that has been labelled elitist by some recently announced they were going international this year after launching the inaugural Zimbabwe Fashion Week UK set for Birmingham, United Kingdom on July 4. The event will feature emerging designers from Zimbabwe showcasing their work while celebrating Zimbabwe talent in the UK.

“We are a trust and do not make any money out of this. If we do not get sponsors, then we are unable to do a lot of things. Imba Matombo provided accommodation for our regional models last year because we failed to find sponsors to accommodate the models,” she said.

“Sponsors pull out and some do not honour their pledges and at some point Priscila (Chigariro the founder) was accommodating people in her home.”

Meanwhile, the scouting exercise is expected to zero in on 15 male and 15 female models as the count-down to the fashion fete intensifies. The specifications for the models are 173cm minimum height for female models and 183cm for males. Just like last year, the Zfi will be hosting regional and international designers and models.

“We expect a few people (to take part) since we have received applications from Botswana, Uganda, Namibia and other countries,” she said.

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