Proud Zimbo Wear fashion design launched

A South African-based Zimbabwean designer has launched a new clothing line that seeks to celebrate Zimbabwe as a brand in the region and continent at large.

The Kuwadzana-born Joe Mavasa works for a South African event management company that inspired him to come up with the Proud Zimbo Wear.

Speaking from his Cape Town base, Mavasa said the design was inspired by the need to create a brand that defines Zimbabwe and its varied cultures.

"The brand will definitely define the Zimbabwean culture with style. The idea is to provide quality yet affordable branded Zimbabwean clothes," he said.

Mavasa is involved in designing clothes with specific themes and as a event clothing designer he seeks to bring his expertise to market Zimbabwe.

Mavasa has also worked for Ikapa Media.

"The label was started in 2010 ahead of the Fifa World Cup in South Africa and we launched the design in April of the same year.

"We have since decided to launch the label internationally, but we need to bring the label back home before we take it beyond Africa and the world at large."

He said Proud Zimbo Wear also sought to inspire and unite Zimbabweans in the Diaspora to be proud of their country and heritage.

"I started the project during the World Cup in South where people from all nations used to work, play and even sleep in their national colours

with flags as a sign of patriotism.

"The Zimbabwean flag was missing in the cosmopolitan crowd and I believe the label would also be a symbol of pride and honour displayed our rich culture," he said.

The label is made up of the Star and Zimbabwe Bird using embroidery.

The golden star and Zimbabwe Bird are part of the country's flag set on the white triangle depicting the peace being enjoyed since independence in  1980.

"I chose the labels based on the deep part of our history reflecting our pride as a people and Zimbabwe's history.

"The label is embroidery than screen printing as it is close to the nature of the Great Zimbabwe monuments while it is the best quality with a lasting effect on the people's minds and clothing," he said.

Mavasa currently bases his designs on the Slazenger label.

"The whole aim is to promote unity, pride and style to any Zimbabwe across the globe. This is a proudly Zimbabwean brand."

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