In a dazzling debut at New York Fashion Week, the illustrious South African design house, Zazi Fashion, commanded the spotlight with its Runway 7 collection at Sony Hall in the heart of New York City.
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ZAZI FASHION MAKES A SPLASH
The mastermind behind this remarkable showcase is none other than the founder and creative director, Onwaba Mleve, a visionary hailing from the vibrant city of East London.
Armed with seven colossal suitcases bursting with garments, Mleve embarked on an exhilarating journey to New York, where she navigated a whirlwind of model castings, fittings, photo shoots, and rehearsals.
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ZAZI FASHION AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
Despite the weighty excess baggage fees, her infectious enthusiasm remained undaunted. “The castings and fittings went very well, and we have 10 models to present the collection,” she shared with TimesLIVE.
Among the models gracing the runway are three South Africans, two of whom have traversed the nation with Mleve, recently showcasing her collection on eNCA.
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SOUTH AFRICAN FASHION
Adding a touch of international flair is Wilhrisca Britz from Polokwane, now based in New York. Mleve’s Traditional Elegance collection, proudly named after Mahikeng, is a captivating fusion of traditional Xhosa fabrics from East London.
It features a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and African prints suitable for both red-carpet events and traditional settings.
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WORLD OF DESIGN
Mleve, now at the helm of a company with over 50 employees, reflected on her journey from the corporate world to the realm of design.
A Deloitte employee turned sangoma, she draws inspiration from her dreams, considering the design aspect of her business a unique gift. Z
azi, meaning recognition, confidence, and wisdom in Zulu, encapsulates Mleve’s ethos of making an impact while making a living.
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HONOUR FOR HER COUNTRY
Initially skeptical when an Instagram inquiry beckoned her to join New York Fashion Week’s Runway 7, Mleve now revels in the honour.
“What inspires me is making an impact while making a living,” she said. “I’ve been sent to help on this Earth, and that is part of my journey.”
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DREAMS COME TRUE
As she boarded her Air France plane, Mleve expressed gratitude for the sponsorship assistance that made her dream designs a reality.
Acknowledging her team’s unwavering dedication, she emphasized that the achievement was a collective effort. With anticipation building, she thanked South Africans and the fashion industry for their support, eagerly anticipating the transformation of her dreams into reality on the illustrious New York Fashion Week stage.
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