Zimbabwean creativity took centre stage at the prestigious Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) 2025, where two young designers, Kundai Caryn Mangena and Ncominkosi Sibanda, showcased their work alongside some of Africa’s leading fashion talents.
The two emerging designers earned their place on the international runway after impressing audiences at the I Wear My Culture Fashion Gala, held on August 30 at the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. The gala, hosted by Paper Bag Africa and supported by the British Council, brought together 14 Zimbabwean designers and peers from South Africa and the UK to celebrate heritage and contemporary fashion.
At DFF, which ran from September 17–19 at the Durban Exhibition Centre, over 60 designers presented collections under the theme “The Awakening.” The annual event, now in its 14th edition, has grown into one of Africa’s most influential fashion showcases, spotlighting both established brands and rising stars.
For Kundai Mangena, a recent graduate from Chinhoyi University of Technology, the experience was transformative. She presented an all-female collection on opening night, describing the opportunity as “an unparalleled inspiration” that broadened her perspective on fashion.
“This journey has expanded my understanding of fashion as a boundless reservoir of opportunity,” Mangena said. “Zimbabwe’s creative talent is formidable, but our biggest challenge remains access to resources to fully realise our potential.”
Sharing the spotlight was Ncominkosi Sibanda, founder of Ncoma Style Lab and an alumna of Durban University of Technology. Known for her bold exploration of cultural narratives—including her Venda-inspired collection at I Wear My Culture—Sibanda marked her first regional and international showcase at DFF.
“Community and collaboration are invaluable lessons I’ve carried from both I Wear My Culture and the Durban Fashion Fair,” she reflected. “African fashion carries an inherent richness that demands global visibility, and platforms like DFF amplify our voices and stories.”
The participation of Sibanda and Mangena was made possible through the collaborative ties between the City of Bulawayo and eThekwini Municipality, with continued support from the British Council Zimbabwe. Their success highlights how initiatives like I Wear My Culture are not only preserving cultural narratives but also positioning Zimbabwean designers on global stages.
With their innovative collections and strong cultural grounding, Mangena and Sibanda’s Durban debut signaled a bright future for Zimbabwean fashion, proving that the nation’s designers are ready to claim their place in the international spotlight.
Pictures – Paper Bag Africa
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