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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Lifestyle Writer
It is known that celebrities rise to fashion fame due to the sartorial visions of their stylists.  They become known for their personal styles and quirks while their dressers maintain their anonymity.
Some of the greatest style moments in recent fashion history have been created by this talented group of individuals whose work has catapulted Amara Brown, Jackie Mgido, AKA, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwen Stefani and Naomi Watts from hometown girls to fashion icons.

But who are these behind-the-scenes stylists whose eyes for fashion have transformed the entertainment industry?

Last week fashion enthusiasts, designers, stylists, and artistes converged at the Zimbabwe Fashion Week and SADC Fashion Week, taking pins, needles, stitches, make-up and cloth to put up a memorable showpiece of style and taste.

And one of the shining lights was Zimbabwean-born Ngugi Vere who is based in South Africa.

Vere (26) is a creative entrepreneur, celebrity stylist, designer, corporate wardrobe stylist and creative director and producer of Soweto Fashion Week.

He has worked with local, international and regional celebrities such as Khuli Chan, AKA, Da Les, Khanyi Mbau, Thembi Sete, Dj Cleo, Lungi Naidoo, Miss Cosmo and Bongi Mvuyana among others.

Just like the late Joan Rivers of Fashion Police, Vere had his share with the recently ended television show “Star Wars” which also talked about fashion, grooming and deportment, red carpet and beauty tips.

But what makes Vere tick?

Saturday Lifestyle caught up with the man.

Vere said his secret was confidence.

“Confidence is the trait I look for most in people I work and play with. I’m drawn to those who are smart, original, and absolutely unafraid to be who they are — honest, with no sugar-coating or side-stepping. Being confident is essential,” he said.

Asked to describe his career, he said: “My career is to change the fashion world.”

Vere, who is the owner of Velly Images and Style in South Africa, said he began the career at a tender age.

“I never planned to be a designer-cum-stylist. When I was young, at my family’s urging, I set out to look for a job. One person recommended me to do designing and styling. I never went to school of fashion or some sort. It just came naturally,” he said.

As a reputable fashion guru, people do expect also to know what is in the closet of Vere and does he have favourites or dislikes when it comes to fashion.

“I am a stylist and one thing I can’t live without is my mobile phone. I love all clothes in my closet. I don’t have favourites or dislikes in my wardrobe because whatever you might hate, I can turn it into something else playing around with accessories and colours,” he said.

The creative entrepreneur said his dream is to dress the President (Mugabe) of Zimbabwe.

“I have worked with different people from politicians to celebrities. What I usually do is I tell people what to wear and how it looks good on them apart from wearing my designer label – Church Swag. My biggest wish is to style the President of Zimbabwe, Cde Mugabe. I can tell you that he is a man of style and if you check closely he is always on point. I like his combination when it comes to colours,” he said.

Vere, who loves to eat anything with meat, said a stylist is a creative person who usually collaborates with the clients, photographer, art director and makeup artist to come up with the visual concept of the project.

“It’s my job to make the people and also the clothing and accessories look their very best in the shot. Most stylists are personally stylish themselves while some just wear black for practicality. In my business, I strive to take the best of each role and meld them together except I don’t do hair or makeup,” he said.

To date, Vere is the first person to question the country on the fashion council board which he said was lacking in the country.

“I have noticed the talent in Zimbabwe when it comes to fashion but the challenge is on the board. Of late we had two shows promoting the same cause and that is a disaster. In South Africa we have a board which monitors the designers and stylists and everything is run professionally,” he said.

He said his worst moment was when he lost his mother at a tender age.

Born Alexio Chamunorwa, Vere said he was named after his grandmother Ngugi and the name was later changed on the birth certificate.

He was born from a Zimbabwean mother and a Malawian father.

He grew up in Marlborough and attended Mutoko High School. Apart from playing around on “people’s bodies” – styling – Vere is a great soccer player and a Manchester United supporter.

An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as his father Allen Mapila was a former Dynamos player in the 80s.

Vere is a devout Christian and was inspired to name his label “Church Swag”.

“I received God and I am using that opportunity to maximise my talent in a Christian way. Many people think designers and stylists are much of illuminati and all but believe you me my creations and style are inspired by God,” he said.