HARARE - Three Zimbabweans will showcase their works this week in Cape Town during the Mercedes Benz Africa Fashion Week.

Intisaar Mukadam, Joyce Chimanye and Maita Marimo will rub shoulders with designers from other countries during this high-profile event which includes top-notch designers and models.

Chimanye and Mukadam have stormed into this fashion extravaganza courtesy of their works which excelled during the Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW), run by award-winning model, Priscilla Chigariro.

Chigariro’s ZFW is in its third year now and is giving hope to local designers.

Mukadam and Chimanye are making their debut in Cape Town. Marimo last year show cased her “ready to wear” collection inspired by ancient Egypt but with a futuristic look.

Maita in several interviews has mentioned that black is her inspirational colour.

The pint-sized designer believes that each garment she creates is a collectable piece of art.

She is a young self-taught Zimbabwean-born fashion designer.

Intisaar holds a BA (Honours) in Fashion Design and started her label, Intisaar in 2010.

Her inspiration comes from African tribes: “I have been able to create prints and textures, and from the movement and change of nature itself, I’ve created luxurious collection of knit and woven outfits.”

Chimanye started her Zuvva creations in 1994.

She studied at the Southern African Academy of Clothing Technology in Cape Town and worked for three garment manufacturers in Harare before branching out on her own.

In 2002, Chimanye cofounded an HIV orphanage programme called Vana Vedu Foundation.

Vana Vedu is involved in the provision of food, school fees and uniforms, stationary, counselling, health care and accommodation for HIV orphans and neglected children in the high density township of Pfupajena in Chegutu.

Chimanye’s fashion background was also complimented by her husband, Edwin who is the former CEO of David Whitehead Textiles.

The Mercedes Benz Fasgion Week is part of activities set up by the African Fashion International (AFI) which ensures that the international community responds positively and commercially to African-designed products, which are available, unique and on-trend.

Through its fashion weeks and initiatives, AFI opens up the continent to commercial projects, both locally and internationally, increasing the geographic spread of Africa’s fashion and the market access to the continent’s apparel.

African Fashion International showcases the best designers from the continent, offering them access to domestic and international market share while also growing a platform for the sustainability of the fashion industry in Africa in creating jobs through fashion and developing new designers in its fast-track programme.