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Kundai Marunya Arts Correspondent
Eight years of on and off study finally came to an end with an explosive exhibition at Chaka’s Lodge in Nyika, Bikita.

In a final showcase to cap off her studies, Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) Visual Art and Design student Stella Pasipanodya took the glamour usually associated with big cities to her rural home.

Her move did not only awaken the usually sleepy growth point but inspired young students from Pamushana High School who were part of the audience and beauty pageants that donned Pasipanodya’s fashion pieces.

The designs, a collection of Tonga aspired female wear stunned with a fusion of modernity and traditional prints. The collection featured from street wear in form of jumpsuits and elegant dresses to wedding dresses and evening wear, all fused with Tonga prints.

Chaka lodge’s Great Zimbabwe inspired rock architecture all but added magic to yesterday’s opening event.

Guest of honour at the event, fashion entrepreneur Esther Madhuku said fashion is a universal language which allows constructing and deconstruction people’s identities. Describing her designs Pasipanodya said, “Stellar Couture is synonymous with elegance, sophistication and cultural flare. It aims to market a culture oriented clothing line.”

She added that cultural inspired costumes ensure an impartation of a cultural affiliation in the young generation through fashion.

“It has always been my passion as a designer to inspire high school students to be culturally fashion conscious,” she said.

Pasipanodya is one of scores of young designers exhibiting their pieces as part of their final exams.

It took her eight years to complete a degree program that is supposed to take only four due to various personal challenges.