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Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
VETERAN modelling instructor Sarah Mpofu-Sibanda and Face of Africa 2010 finalist Tholakele Dlamini will this weekend strut their stuff on the ramp when the Matabeleland Fashion Week launches. The inaugural fashion week to be held next year will be launched on Saturday at the Heath Streak Academy with a fashion show and awards ceremony to honour designers, fashion contributors and models.

Organiser of the event Amanda Mutangadura said the launch would be a sneak peek of the main event which will be held in the city on a date to be advised.
“The Matabeleland Fashion Week being held next year will honour models, fashion houses, designers and outstanding fashion contributors for their immense contribution to the country as a whole.

“The launch will be a precursor to the main event,” Mutangadura said.
The former model said she had included Mpofu-Sibanda and Dlamini on the line-up to add glitz to the event as the two are well known in Zimbabwe’s fashion industry.

Mpofu-Sibanda and Dlamini will showcase latest fashion trends by local designers including Shadow by Sidumiso, Litso Fashion Label, Brand Room, Immaculate, Bold, Oh Lala and designers from the Bulawayo Board of Designers.

Mpofu-Sibanda, the Fingers Modelling Academy founder said she was excited to have been invited to be part of the Matabeleland Fashion week launch.
“I’m excited to be part of the fashion show as it’ll be a platform for creative designers to meet the retailers and showcase their designs,” she said.
She said the fashion week was a key event as it showed that the city’s fashion industry was growing.

Mutangadura said those who have contributed to the fashion industry would be honoured in various categories including outstanding photographer, best male and female models, best hairstyle and makeup and best designer.

Socialites and fashionistas Craig Zoowie, Gilmore Tee, Nkanyeziyethu Malunga, Crox, Mbo Mahocs and Nyasha Mutamangira are vying for the style icon of the year award.

Accessory fashion house, Ndau Collections will be awarded at the Fashion Week for their immense contribution to the growth of the fashion industry.
“The Ndau Collection is this years’ recipient for the International Fashion Contributor award.

“The award is honorary for their contribution to the growth of the local fashion industry and also their bringing of international recognition to the industry as a whole,” she said.

Tickets to the launch have been pegged at $10 and $20 and can be obtained from the Heath Streak Academy, Alliance Francaise de Bulawayo and AM Model Offices.