South Africa-based Zimbabwean Thembani Mubochwa will launch his Teez-M clothing line in the country early next year.
The designer has made outfits for the late Sam Mtukudzi and a host of South African celebrities like the late Vuyo Mkwena, Sfiso Ncwane, Lira,Thandiswa Mazwai and hip hop star JR,among others.
Speaking from his Durban base, Mubochwa said Zimbabwe lags behind in the fashion arena as compared to other African countries and he hopes the launch will go a long way in the
provision of locally-designed clothes.
"I think it is my duty and that of other designers to work hard for our nation and join other countries in setting trends," he said.
"We are sewing from the streets so sometimes we do not realise how much wealth, power and how influential the industry can be."
He paid gratitude to Priscilla Chigariro of the Zimbabwe Fashion Week and said it is now easier for upcoming designers to gain exposure and experience.
Mubochwa said Teez-M will focus only on tailored stuff for celebrities, for different red carpet events.
"I feel that is where it all starts; by changing the way influential people dress thereby setting trends," he said.
Mubochwa was introduced to the fashion industry by his uncle when he was in Form 4 in Harare, before he went across the Limpopo to further his studies.
But besides being in South Africa where the industry is more lucrative, he concedes it has not been a stroll in the park.
"I have never looked back after setting my foot in South Africa back in 2004 with the aim to learn and I think for the past nine years I have learnt a lot," he said.
"It has not been easy to break into the market in South Africa; as you may know a foreigner in a foreign land has to work 10 times harder for recognition and I have worked hard to get where I am today."
Born on March 17 1983 as a third born in a family of five,Mubochwa is married to Mozambican Celia Ndjive.
Asked what he had managed to achieve working from South Africa, he preferred to be modesty: "All I can say is I am at a level of affording life for me and my family; I do not have much yet."
Among the youthful designer's exploits is having worked with wardrobe departments for different soaps like Generations and Muvhango; as well as television actors, presenters and radio DJs.
He also designs for weddings, among other events and says by next year he hopes to start supplying chain and retail stores.
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