Chardesignz is the brand of Zimbabwean fashion designer, Charmaine Nziradzemhuka who is set to showcase the brand’s latest collection at the prestigious ‘I Wear My Culture’ event.

With a focus on telling Nambyan stories through innovative designs, Chardesignz is poised to make a lasting impression on the fashion scene while promoting Zimbabwean culture and community.

My Afrika Magazine reporter Tapiwa Rubaya (TR) sat down with the hands behind the brand, Charmaine (CD), to discuss their inspiration, creative process, and what attendees can expect from their showcase.

TR: What inspired you to showcase your designs at ‘I Wear My Culture,’ and how do you think your brand will fit into the event’s theme of celebrating Zimbabwean heritage?
CD: The ‘I Wear My Culture’ intiative was a project done by Gilmore Khumalo who is the lead researcher on the project. The project began in 2022. After applying and being selected as one of the designers to be part of the project, I wanted to be part of the project because it was a way for me to communicate our own Zimbabwean heritage through fashion and tell our own stories and also because I really wanted to see a narrative that showcased the Zimbabwean culture and community.

TR: You’ve had experience showcasing at high-profile events like Afro T10 cricket show and Zim Fashion Week. How do you think these experiences have prepared you for I Wear My Culture?
CD: My first showcase was the ‘I Wear My Culture’ Project. Where a documentary and fashion film was produced. I later showcased at T10 Fashion Week and later on the schedule for Zim Fashion Week last year.
I am glad to continue the Nambyan narrative by producing a commercial yet artistic designs on the runway while sharing the platform with many other talented designers. The ‘I Wear My Culture’ Platform taught me to think about commercial design.

TR: What should people expect from your showcase at I Wear Culture? Will there be any new or surprise elements in your collection?
CD: People should be excited to learn about the culture and story behind every piece and really learn more about the Zimbabawean heritage and history. Showcasing at the I Wear My Culture is a privilege to learn and research about my culture as well the designer.

TR: Why is I Wear My Culture important to your brand, and how do you think it will help you reach new audiences or showcase your designs to a wider audience?
CD: I Wear My Culture is learning more about the culture and continuing to tell the Nambyan story and hone the craft to make the clothes commercially viable for more people to access. It’s a huge project that needs to be spread. I want to be able to make a difference in the Nambyan community by giving back. So far, it has allowed me to be recognized by people I never knew but I know now from working on different projects later. I believe it will open new doors and opportunities and excited for it.

TR: What inspires your designs, and how do you incorporate Zimbabwean culture and heritage into your work?
CD: Various things inspire my designs. My brand is focused on building connections, memories, healing and empowerment through clothing. Born Zimbabwean is a part of me but bringing it into the work is more of a lifestyle.

TR: Can you walk us through your process of developing a new collection?
CD: It starts with a story or concept and then its usually derived for there or living life, research to capture the story. Then it develops into a collection through the process of sketching and the process of experimentation , fittings and prototyping before we get to the final stage of the finished garment.

TR: How do you balance creativity with commercial viability in your designs?
CD: Understanding who you are designing for makes a difference and who you want to capture helps me achieve the commercial aspect and the styles I focus on and the ideal customer I am trying to reach.

TR: What message do you hope to convey through your designs at I Wear My Culture?
CD: Relatability, creativity and for the Nambyan people to learn more about themselves and appreciate themselves and be proud of who they are while others to also learn about the Nambyan community and appreciate their community.

TR: What do you hope attendees will take away from your showcase?
CD: I would like them to appreciate and be proud of their culture and language and relate with the different tribes.