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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Senior Arts Reporter
Two of Zimbabwe’s leading fashion houses, Chenesai and Zuvva Fashion Hub have merged their two campaigns — Wear Local Campaign and WearZim to form, ‘WearZim LoveLocal campaign’, in a bid to promote and market their wares.

The two power houses will tomorrow night host a fashion show at Star FM studios where some of the radio personalities will showcase their designs. Chenesai brand was founded by Chenesai Mangoma and Zuvva Fashion Hub is by Joyce Chimanye. In an interview, Chenesai Mangoma said the purpose of the collaboration was to effectively boost the local design and manufacturing industries.

“The fashion and design industry in Africa is booming and headed for its peak, yet Zimbabwean designers are missing from the limelight,” she said.

“Due to economic hardships and several other factors, upcoming designers are unable to build recognised brands in the country and globally and that’s where WearZim is coming in to encourage Zimbabweans to wear apparel, accessories, and footwear designed and manufactured in Zimbabwe,” said Mangoma.

Mangoma confirmed that they have partnered Star FM, the leading radio station in the country that is always breaking new ground. “Star FM is one of the supporters and will host a networking event, scheduled to take place at their studios this Friday, incorporating fashion exhibitions to promote WearZim Campaign. “Designers will have the opportunity to dress selected guests giving them marketing and networking opportunities,” she said.

Under the WearZim campaign, designers and manufacturers are encouraged to collaborate with diverse markets, improve product quality, increase profitability and in the process create viable sources of income.

This, according to the movement ambassadors, will contribute to the national economy through job creation. WearZim has started putting together an e-directory listing Zimbabwean designers, manufacturers and retailers of apparel, accessories and footwear on the Facebook Page, WearZim Directory, for the convenience of all Zimbabweans in the country and in the diaspora.

The campaign has already began to receive support from Zimpapers, The Ambassadors’ Cup 2017 (Polo) and some media personalities.