The National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) remains Zimbabwe’s premier platform for honouring creative excellence. In its 2026 edition, the continued elevation of fashion reaffirms a powerful truth: fashion is not merely clothing, it is art. It reflects identity, culture, innovation and social commentary.

By recognising designers and industry contributors alongside musicians, filmmakers and visual artists, NAMA validates fashion as a legitimate creative language, one that tells stories and shapes national aesthetics. For the sector, this recognition strengthens visibility, credibility and economic relevance, while inspiring emerging talent and attracting investment into Zimbabwe’s growing creative economy.

Yet important gaps remain. While designers are celebrated, key collaborators, makeup artists, models and stylists, are absent from the awards framework. These professionals are central to fashion’s visual storytelling. Makeup artists transform faces into expressive canvases. Models bring garments to life through movement and presence. Stylists curate cohesive artistic statements. Fashion is collaborative by nature, and its recognition must reflect that ecosystem.

Beyond the awards stage, designers are already shaping the moment. As the ceremony approaches, ateliers are busy crafting bespoke red-carpet pieces, turning NAMA itself into a runway of innovation and craftsmanship.

This year’s nominees reflect the industry’s diversity and depth. Rangarirai Kenias (Raengah), Brightman Dlamini (Tocar Narrations) and Ishmael Tsakatsa (Zargue’sia) represent bold, conceptual and experimental design voices. In the women’s category, Nomakhosazana Khanyile Ncube (A Tribe Called Zimbabwe), Danayi Madondo (Haus of Stone) and Yolanda Ngwenya (Bakhar) continue to merge heritage with contemporary expression. Industry contributors Amanda Mutangadura (AM Model Management), Priscilla Chigariro (Zimbabwe Fashion Week) and Joyce Chimanye (ZUVVA) underscore the structural backbone supporting the sector’s growth.

NAMA’s recognition of fashion marks meaningful progress. The next step is expanding that recognition to honour the full creative ecosystem, ensuring Zimbabwe’s fashion arts are celebrated not only as style, but as a powerful, collective art form.