Fashion gurus showcase talent

BARBERTON – It was hip and happening at Taribo Arena Lifestyle on Saturday when Lowveld Comes Alive with Fashion, Trends and Style was in town to showcase its wares.

This was after fashion gurus from various districts, including Gert Sibande, gathered and displayed their goods.

Mpumalanga News learnt that this was the first time this town had held such an event and it attracted a variety of people.

Speaking to this publication, the event manager of Taribo Arena Lifestyle, Ms Stella Mabunda, stated that it was the start of greater things to come.

“What you saw over the weekend, was the tip of the iceberg. Watch this space as bigger events that will play a significant role in empowering or changing people’s lives, are in the offering. We are going to host numerous big events like this one. It is part and parcel of raising funds for various institutions and organisations. This fashion show, for instance, raised funds for the Methodist Church and at the same time, we are promoting talent for our local designers.

“There is another show in the pipeline and we have yet to identify a centre to support. Our focus is not only on churches, but on the entire community if we can identify a need,” said Mabunda.

This newspaper also interacted with various designers who voiced their opinions.

A Matsulu-based designer, the owner of Bless-Sobi label, Mr Nathi Shongwe said,

“As fashion designers, we feel honoured to be given this opportunity to showcase our talents. Such gatherings boost our confidence because we are able to rate ourselves, whether or not we are fit to compete in other provinces.”

Ms Silindile Dube of Piet Retief, the owner of Mtimos Creations commented,

“This is a good platform because our work must not only be recognised locally and in other provinces, but people must know what we are doing and what makes our clothes different – some of us focus on African ethnic and we have participated in fashion shows such as anti-rhino poaching awareness.”