The ManicaPost
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
A LOCAL designer and three models from Manicaland raised the province’s flag high after coming out tops in the best casual wear category at the highly-successful cultural night organised by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa last Friday in Harare.
Manicaland was represented by Nyasha Gerald Mukonyora (30), Amanda Tafadzwa Simba (22) and Mellisa Nakai Matsikure, fondly known as Yellow Chyna (23) in a tightly-contested event where models showcased designer national fabric attire.
The inaugural event ran under the theme: “My Culture My Pride #Jira Takayenda naAmai”.
Designers and models from across the country showcased and contested in various categories such as evening, cultural, corporate and casual wear made from the national fabric.
Congratulating the designer and the models, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, said the four did Manicaland proud.
“We are very proud of the winners. It was a tightly contested event, but our models shrugged off the stiff competition and did us proud.
“We wish to continue placing the province at a higher level.
“It feels very great that we are winners, and we would like to thank Dr Mnangagwa for doing wonders to the nation,” he said.
The designer, Albert Jeyacheya, said he was elated to stand among the best. Jeyacheya, is the founder of Sir Albert Designs, and is set to officially launch the design in near future.
“The event was so amazing and interesting. It had big names, and we thank God because we managed to shine through. We represented Manicaland well and we thank God that we did well. I used the beautiful national fabric and mixed it suiting to come up with something unique while using the Nigerian theme. We ended up coming with unique designs,” he said.
Said Mukonyora: “I am grateful to have represented Manicaland so well. I was not expecting to win because of the stiff competition. We motivated ourselves and became confident because the clothes were extremely elegant. Congratulations to the designer for a splendid job.”
Matsikure, who is a fashion and editorial model, said: “It is an amazing feeling to be among the winners. Winning at this big event leaves us with prestige.
“We are trying to push Manicaland and make it recognisable in all arts sectors such as modelling and fashion among others. We would like to thank Dr Mnangagwa for the opportunity.”
In the cultural category, Masvingo scooped the first prize, while Matabeleland North came second.
Mashonaland Central Province won the evening wear category, while Midlands Province came second.
In the corporate wear category, Mashonaland Central Province came out tops trailed by Bulawayo.
