Zimbabwe News Update
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9 min read
Mbulelo Mpofu in South AfricaCAPE TOWN, affectionately known as the Mother City, recently pulsed with the energy of African creativity as it hosted the prestigious South African Menswear Week Spring/Summer 2026. Amidst dazzling runway shows and the buzz of industry insiders, one nation stood out with undeniable force: Zimbabwe.From 21 to 25 October, Wonderland Film Studios was transformed into a stage for cultural storytelling and sartorial excellence. Zimbabwean designers, supported by the Group of Creatives, Cape Town Fashion Council, SDR Photo, and Arts Thread, delivered a masterclass in heritage-infused innovation that left an indelible mark on the continent’s premier menswear event.
The week drew a global audience of fashion enthusiasts, students, industry titans, buyers, and policymakers, all eager to witness the evolution of African style. It began with a potent two-day symposium that fostered rooted dialogues and plural voices, setting the tone for a week of bold expression and cultural introspection.Among the esteemed international speakers — Alex Brownless from the UK, Mille de la Valette of Louis Vuitton, and Thorsten Traugott of Coloro — Zimbabwe’s own Gilmore Qhawe Khumalo commanded attention. As the visionary founder of Paper Bag Africa and the groundbreaking “I Wear My Culture” research project, Khumalo brought nearly 15 years of industry experience to the fore.
He passionately illuminated the critical importance of reconnecting with cultural roots, positioning heritage as a powerful narrative tool across fashion, film, and music. His message of authentic, passionate, and unapologetic expression resonated deeply, setting a powerful precedent for Zimbabwe’s participation.The crescendo of Zimbabwe’s impact arrived on the final day with the highly anticipated return of Nkululeko Ncube, founder of Ara Kani, to the SA Menswear Week runway after a five-year sabbatical. A key figure in the “I Wear My Culture” initiative, Ncube unveiled a triumphant 15-piece collection — a captivating exploration of artistry, deep cultural resonance, and the nuances of modern masculinity.
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