The Sunday Mail
DAVID Tlale is undoubtedly among the royalty of African fashion designers.
The top South African designer has a reputation for bringing a dramatic flair to both his designs as well as his runway shows. His creativity has seen his work being exhibited in New York, Paris and Washington, among other fashion hubs. Considering Tlale’s stature, it would be any fashion student’s dream to be an intern under the wings of the designer.
The Genius
Such is the dream that Adby Tinashe Phiri, a local young designer got to live in 2012 and this would mark the beginning of a new page in his creative journey. Although he only got to spend a single year under the wings of one of Africa’s finest, Phiri has already proven that he is a force to reckon with.
He bagged the Best Emerging Designer award at the 2013 edition of the Zim Fashion Awards and went on to launch his own fashion line “Znzorzi Adby”. The creative designer intends to curve his stack in the fashion industry and has kicked the year off with a bang by creating a collection that has been inspired by a number of prominent figures.
Phillip
“The Untouchable Gentleman Collection” features unique designs in which Phiri showcased his talents as a creative individual. The various designs have been named after prominent individuals, among them Dr Phillip Chiyangwa “The Phillip”, Genius Kadungure “The Genius”, Prophet Walter Magaya “The Walter MG”, minister Walter Mzembi “The Walter MZ”, Mudiwa “The Mudiwa” and Tawanda Mutyebere “The Tawanda”, to name just a few.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure, Phiri said that his recent collection is inspired by iconic individuals who would have influenced society one way or the other.
The Magaya
“The Untouchable Gentleman Collection” pays homage to what we might refer to as modern-day icons. Overseas, fashion brands such as Gucci, Hermes and Michael Kors, among others honour their local icons by naming their products after them.
“For example, the Hermes Birkin bag which was named after the actress and singer Jane Birkin. Right now the bag is a symbol of prestige and wealth,” said Phiri.
He said that his collection was also meant to cater for the classy men who prefer having an exquisite look when attending functions.
“In this collection we aim to do what those high end international brands do as we intend to dress the discerning gentleman on all the important occasions at which he wants to acquire and maintain.”
The names that were adopted for the various designs radiate influence, class and style.
“When it came to naming our new collection we found it wiser to honour our very own local icons whose personal achievements and journeys serve as inspiration.
“There are several other individuals which our designs are named after and all of them are highly esteemed gentlemen who embrace style with honour and dignity who can also be easily placed on the best dressed list of the country.”
He said his brand had a unique vision that aims to create true and rare beauty for both women and men.
“Our lady is regal while our gentleman is sartorial. Through the use of very fine fabrics and advanced pattern making techniques, our products are of the highest standards and their fit is unbeatable.
“Our deliberate intention is to provide our clients with products that are both luxurious and vital to their lives.”
The 25-year-old Phiri, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Clothing Fashion Design, has several prominent collections under his belt and these include “The Blue Blooded World” and “The Capsule Collection”, to name just a few.
