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Ngugi Vere

Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
South African based Zimbabwean fashion stylist and designer Ngugi Vere is set to conduct workshops on fashion and style at the SADC fashion week scheduled to take place on 25- 27 September in Harare.The fashion week is running under the theme, “Utilising Natural Resources while Creating Social and Economic Transformations within Southern Africa”.

Vere who is expected to jet into Zimbabwe this week ahead of the show said in an online interview the workshop will empower and enrich creative individuals.

“I will talk about my international exposure and experience in the fashion industry. The workshop serves to give fashion designers and enthusiastic some directions to grow, knowledge and skills in the fields so as to become much professional,” he said.

The stylist is well known for his fashion label ‘Church Swag’, that is currently causing a stir in South Africa.

He said his desire is to make Zimbabwe a fashion destination.

“The element of synergies is lacking in Zimbabwe as everyone wants to do their own thing instead of working together for the betterment of industry. My workshop will target stylists, designers, models and creative entrepreneurs because they are the key players who need to turn their craftsmanship into profits,” he said.

The 26-year-old stylist said he will also discuss the strategies to commercialise fashion

“If you check closely countries like France and Italy, they are well known for the fashion which is a way to promote tourism. How do designers intend to profit when fashion shows don’t have buyers either local and international? What standards are used for quality control and what is the selling point of each designer? All these will contribute to the confidence of pricing your products. I will also focus on the profession of celebrity styling and how to become one,” he said.

Vere who is the founder of Velly Image and Style said he has a lot to give to Zimbabwe but like all the others with bright ideas he faces financial challenges.

“Fashion is for everyone. I just need sponsors and partners to come on board on my initiatives which I will be launching in Zimbabwe called Velly-Inspire. I want to do more fashion talks, shows and workshops. I have great deals in South Africa but home is best. It pains me to see how some people perceive the fashion industry as being inconsequential,” he said.

Vere has worked with prominent faces in the entertainment showbiz who include Khuli Chana, Da Les, Dj Cleo, Khanyi Mbau, Thembi Seete, Bongi Mvuyana, Lungi Naidoo and Dj Miss Cosmo.

He has hosted 2014 Soweto Fashion Week, Ghana Independence- SA fashion week, Urban Zulu Launch, Hilton Weiner among others.