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Brenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Preparations for this year’s edition of annual fashion event Zimbabwe Fashion International (formerly Zimbabwe Fashion Week) are on course and organisers will mainly focus on rebranding.

The trust formerly introduced its new board of directors at their first event of the year, a Sponsors’ Cocktail party that was held at The Circle in Borrowdale last Wednesday.

Priscilla Chigariro, the event’s founder, is the executive director while Joanne Wells and Marshall Mutsamwira are directors.

Colin Ratisai is the young designers director, Kate Worwick is production director and Marcus Green is operations director.

Also on the team is Chamu Mararike, who is creative director, while Simba Bapiro is technical director.

Tinopona Katsande is responsible for public relations and marketing, Tatenda Chinamasa is personal assistant while Sekai Sandamu chief administrator.

The event saw the organisers announcing this year’s theme: “Fashion Redefined” which they said was focusing on forgotten tribes.

Chigariro said the theme was aimed at focusing on our roots, a change from looking to predominant culture for inspiration on fashion

“These forgotten tribes employ their own unique fashion, utilising the natural elements around them.

“We trust the designers will develop and incorporate these tribes’ natural dress to create trendy fashion in the hope of shedding new light on these unique people,” she said.

The theme goes to show that while ZFI has gone global, it is showcasing local talent on international fora and not merely going with the international trends.

The cocktail saw the organisers announcing future programs as well as awarding last year’s outstanding designers in the Young Designers Program with certificates.

“Designing is not about making clothes but a whole lot of skills in the fashion industry.

“These include drawing proportions, illustrating in colour, designing in colour, pattern making basics and other traits essential in the trade,” said Ratisai.