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Valerie Mpundu

Local designer Charmaine Nziradzemhuka is set to showcase her collection at the upcoming T10 Cricket Series set for this weekend at Harare Sports Club.

She will continue with her showcase tour in Matobo, Bulawayo before proceeding to Victoria Falls for the Zim Fashion Week slated for October 16 to 20.

In an interview ‘Char’ as she is affectionately known by the fashion buffs, expressed joy at the recognition of young fashion designers who are getting opportunities to showcase at major events.

She said the platform will help build and expand her brand.

“The T10 fashion week is going to showcase emerging and industry fashion designers. The line-up is great.”

“Fashion and sport are intertwined and inseparable hence this will put us as local designers on the map. I will be showcasing from the September 21 to 29,” she said.

Wrapping up T10, Char sets her eyes on the Matobo project under German Society slated for October 3.

“It is quite a beauty to cherish as we experience women in Matobo having their designs showcased.”

“This is a historical moment for us as cultural preservation is becoming more valuable. As citizens we should be proud to embrace our culture,” she stressed.

Char said is looking forward to the Victoria Falls gig saying this is a dream come true.

“It is an opportunity to meet with industry leaders, amplify networking collaborations and the beginning to many future global fashion presentations,” she said.

With a deep passion for designing her primary objective is to establish a viable global brand that she can take pride in within the next decade.

“It has always been a dream to build my brand in Zimbabwe and expand globally. Participating will be another stepping stone to reaching the goal.

“I seek to inspire and guide aspiring fashion designers who intend to pursue an educational path firmly believing all activities converge towards a grander objective,” she added.

Char has rubbed shoulders with some of the elite names in the global fashion world and has showcased in various parts of the world.

“I have received feedback both positive and negative regarding my creative work. Through these experiences I have gained a deeper understanding of the industry.”

“I am also evolving with growth and I strongly believe I will continue to grow my craft continually learning to adapt and change,” she said. Char focuses mainly on recycling her products to aid in environmental conservation.

However, she believes as competitive as the fashion industry is, it takes determination and commitment to stand out.

“It takes a certain level of fortitude, maturity and inner strength to succeed. This has been demonstrated by renowned brands who have stood the taste of time. “It is my intention to follow in their footsteps and cultivate the same level of resilience and determination as I pursue my passion for creativity,” she said.