Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
FASHION and lifestyle enthusiasts converged at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds in Bulawayo this Saturday for a unique style showcase that fused casual denim with the elegance of pearls.
The event also saw international artists such as Platform One’s Nani Ntengo and South African artist Dladla Mshunqisi performing.
Guests turned out in jeans, touches of white, and pearls, with the aim of networking, celebrating fashion, and having fun.
“The event was more about networking and, of course, having fun. But it was also about getting customers and advertising my work,” an entrepreneur, Sharon Ncube said.
“What pushed me to come here is the work that our sister Sandra Ndebele does. I saw it fit that as men, we need to support her. We are grateful that the event was a success and we wish her all the best in hosting more such events,” a guest, Themba Sibanda stated.
International artists and the event organiser have hailed Denim on Pearls as a powerful platform for collaboration, women empowerment, and cultural exchange.
“I feel very happy. I met Sandra when she was still a young girl coming to see Nani Ntengo sing, and she said, ‘What can stop me from doing it as well?’ All the energy she has comes from the Platform One sisters. She is doing a great thing by bringing women together,” Ntengo said.
“I am honoured to be invited today by my lovely sister. Doing such an event with so many women is true women empowerment. We saw different people coming together for the beautiful event. The stage was on fire, the people were on fire, and I cannot wait to come back,” Mshunqisi added.
“It is more about collaboration, interaction, and empowering each other as women in ‘Kwantuthu Ziyathunqa’. We also want to show other women that things happening in other countries can also be done here. As President Emmerson Mnangagwa always says, a country is built by its own people, and even the cultural and creative industry must be built by those who live in that city,” Sandra Ndebele noted.
Denim on Pearls continues to grow as a platform that blends fashion, culture, and empowerment, proving that creativity and collaboration can light up the local fashion scen
