On Saturday, August 30, the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo came alive with vibrant energy as the city hosted a groundbreaking fashion event celebrating the nation’s rich cultural heritage and innovative design talent.

The showcase, I Wear My Culture—a pioneering initiative supported by the British Council and powered by Paper Bag Africa—featured 14 visionary Zimbabwean designers alongside guest creatives from Durban and the United Kingdom.

Far more than a fashion show, the event was a living celebration of Zimbabwe’s diverse ethnic traditions, reimagined through contemporary design. As the organizers note, “I Wear My Culture is more than just a fashion platform; it’s a movement dedicated to exploring, documenting, and reimagining Zimbabwe’s diverse traditions through design.”

With over 115 striking looks on display, the show captivated audiences eager to witness the country’s craftsmanship and cultural richness.

The spotlight shone brightly on two rising stars, Ncominkosi Sibanda and Kundai Caryn Mangena, who both secured coveted opportunities to present their work at the 14th Durban Fashion Fair—further proof of Zimbabwean designers’ growing recognition on the international stage.

Kundai Mangena, a recent graduate from Chinhoyi University of Technology, described the experience as transformative: “Participating in Durban Fashion Fair was an eye-opening, inspiring journey. It expanded my understanding of fashion as more than just art—it’s a dynamic industry full of opportunity.” Her collection, radiating empowerment and innovation, marked her as a designer to watch.

For Ncominkosi Sibanda, founder of Ncoma Style Lab, the Durban experience underscored the power of collaboration: “My time at Durban Fashion Fair taught me that community and collaboration are everything. Working alongside other designers and mentors highlighted a vital truth: when we lift each other, we amplify our voices.”

The event reinforced a clear message: Africa’s creative potential is boundless. Initiatives like I Wear My Culture and the Durban Fashion Fair are vital platforms for showcasing cultural narratives and fueling innovation globally. As Paper Bag Africa emphasized, “African fashion is bursting with artistry that deserves to be seen worldwide.”

This collaboration between the City of Bulawayo, eThekwini Municipality, and the British Council Zimbabwe highlights a united effort to elevate African fashion while creating opportunities for emerging talent. With designers like Mangena and Sibanda leading the way, Zimbabwe’s creative voices are resonating louder than ever.

The future of African fashion is unstoppable—heritage-driven, globally recognized, and unapologetically innovative. Or, as Mangena put it, “Zimbabwe’s creative talent is extraordinary, and platforms like this prove we can make a significant impact on the global stage.”