Nkomazi Fashion Show showcases local designers and models
The first Nkomazi Fashion Show took place at Far East Country Lodge on November 18, and featured local models wearing outfits by two local designers.
TONGA – Models of different sizes and ages took to the ramp in fashion from local designers Nontobeko Zitha and Chicco Matuke during the first Nkomazi Fashion Show at Far East Country Lodge on November 18.
Organiser Marcia Mkhatshwa, of the Miss Marcia Modelling Agency, said she hoped to have designers and models be recognised for their work and supported by the larger community. “I hope that this can be a stepping stone to greater platforms, to other fashion shows.”
“I want to motivate local designers not to design for the sake of it, but to be proud of their work and know others think it’s a masterpiece too.”
Mkhatshwa said they also aimed to teach children a new skill. Not just pageantry and modelling, but advertising and life skills. She said she taught them from her life experience as a model and stated that she did not want models to have a contradictory lifestyle.
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“I want them to grow up knowing what it means to be a young woman and a lady. I want to empower not only the girls but also the young boys.”
One of the models, Sethu Lubisi, stated that it was a great experience, and that they got to choose whatever fashion they liked. She also appreciated the designers letting them wear their clothes and showcase their talents.
Parents commended both designers and models.
Mkhatshwa said they chose to use clothes and models of different sizes because they wanted to change the perception that modelling is for thin people only. “We want everyone to feel important, because we are created in different ways and that is what we are embracing as Nkomazi Fashion Show,” she stated.
The organisers said they hope to get more support and to give more exposure to local talent next year. “We want people to get out of their garages or wherever they work and start the road to fame. If our local models enter competitions, we don’t want them to be dressed by someone if we have the skills here in Nkomazi. We want the designers to showcase their work so that when people want something to wear, they know who to go to because they know their work,” she concluded.
