Matabeleland North, located in the northern part of Zimbabwe and including areas such as Hwange, Binga, Lupane, and Victoria Falls, is prominently known as the tourism hub of the Southern African nation. However, little is known about the fashion industry in the province, despite being home to international models like former Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, Ashely Morgan, and Mister Africa International 2023 1st runner-up, Future Nyoni. The fashion industry in the region has largely been left behind.

That, however, is about to change as fashion designer Mr. Chico, of the brand Chico Designs, is among the organizers of the newly established ‘Hwange Fashion Show’ in collaboration with the Hwange Youth Hub.

In an exclusive interview with My Afrika Magazine, Mr. Chico shared that despite Hwange being primarily known as a coal town, it also boasts a wealth of talented designers and models who are now ready to be noticed, along with the province.

“Hwange is mainly called Coal City, but both local and international aesthetics, fashion enthusiasts, designers, visual artists, models, upcoming artists, and tourists will converge to define Africa’s worth in fashion, art, and tourism,” he said.

“We have youths in Hwange and Zimbabwe as a whole who have a passion for fashion designing, modeling, and music. The Hwange Fashion Show is an event that intends to define a true cosmopolitan lifestyle of a modern Africa,” he added.

The Hwange Fashion Show is scheduled for the 26th of October, 2024.

Mr. Chico elaborated that local models and designers will be given first preference when it comes to casting, though designers and models from other regional countries like Zambia and Malawi have also registered to participate.

“Hwange youths will have first preference to showcase their talents, though there will be models and designers from across Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi,” said Mr. Chico.

Additionally, those who attend the event will have the opportunity to connect and network with businesspeople from various sectors.

“The event intends to bring people from all walks of life to interact and share business ideas. Both local and international audiences and participants will converge to unlock economic potential and build new opportunities. The event will bring together the corporate sector, small-to-medium sized entrepreneurs, fashion, culture, art enthusiasts, and artists,” he said.

Mr. Chico also highlighted that hosting the event in a region known for its tourism destinations, such as Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls, will be an added advantage. Therefore, the event’s theme is closely associated with tourism.

“Since our theme for the Hwange Fashion Show is fashion, tourism, and networking, it will be hosted in Hwange, which is Zimbabwe’s resort town, also home to Hwange National Park,” he said.

Chico Designs has previously exhibited its products in Malawi at the Mzinda Fashion Show.

Calls have been made to both international and local models and designers who aspire to take part in the event to contact the organizers at 0713016865.