The Sunday Mail
Talk of the Town with Kimberly Mhembere
HARARE has long been revered for its vibrant nightlife.
From its plush night clubs, entertainment hotspots or its revellers renowned for downing some of the most elegant and expensive whisky and champagne, H-town has always been the place to be.
However, change does come eventually.
The credit crunch has taken its toll on revellers, separating the rich from the poor, the men from the boys.
Competition among the rich and famous to show off the latest expensive wheels, latest apparel and bottomless pockets in now the in-thing.
The way these rich folks party is definitely something to behold.
The late Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure was famed for lavish and extravagant all-white parties, which were sometimes hosted in Sandton, South Africa.
But it seems the night club scene has slowly given way to braai and themed parties.
A lot has been said, and written, about popular culture.
While some believe it speaks to good taste, others dismiss it as mere elitism.
One undeniable fact is that it is here and cannot be ignored.
However, what do these themed gigs actually entail?
Zimbabweans now seemingly rival their Western counterparts when it comes to donning the latest style and accessories.
Not only that.
There are now folks who throw lavish gatherings that can easily be at par with Jay Z and P Diddy’s Roc Nation-themed brunches.
More of a get-together of the who’s who of the Zimbabwe elite, these events have spawned colourful characters such as The Rich Cousins, Presidential Click and, of course, Power Circle.
Guests are strictly by invite, usually three months before the event, which gives them ample time to shop for chic designs.
Getting an invitation to such events is similar to winning the lottery.
They don’t come easy.
You would need a deep pocket, high contacts and style.
Social media – Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook – has evolved as a communication tool of choice for high culture.
Views and followers are currency in this world.
And local designers – Dapper Kings, Tapfumanei Munenge and Minister of White Linen – are increasingly turning these events as runways for their latest designs.
Radio personality Samantha Musa, popularly known as MisRed, recently brought her own new dimension to themed celebrations when she hosted a champagne birthday brunch in the capital recently.
How the event was conceptualised is still the talk of the town.
One of the masters of luxury parties, Glamour Events, never disappoints, too.
They believe themed brunches are about exposure.
Samantha’s birthday began with a photo-shoot, as portraits create lasting memories.
And of course the food was a feat made in heaven, as guests enjoyed caviar, champagne, sea food and desserts.
Wine tasting was also on the menu, and added a rare flavour to the event.
Entertainment was provided by Ishan and Nutty O.
Given a chance to rate the MisRed’s themed brunch, I will generously place it at 8/10 as it ticked most of the right boxes.
