A Glimpse of the Runway with Char Designz

Bhekie Bhekie (BB) sat down with Char Designz (CD) for an interview.

BB: Would you say the Zimbabwean arts industry is giving you the recognition you deserve as artists?

CD: Yes, this year the Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers Association has recognized people in the industry for their contribution to the fashion industry. There are strides being made in the industry that are positive. True impact is being recognized in your own country and making a difference in your own country. The National Arts Council of Zimbabwe are making a viable effort to improve and promote the arts in its various disciplines. Now fashion can be considered a merit award at the NAMAs, which I believe is a stepping stone to recognition.

BB: What can be done to improve your welfare as artists/creatives?

CD: Financial management and planning, which could go towards diversifying income streams, grants, commission, and product sales, can help. As well as budgeting for the next few months when things are slow. Professional development and networking, pursuing workshop courses, continuous learning, and mentorships. Also, developing and having a strong portfolio and online presence as a way to communicate the work effectively.

BB: Would you by any chance be needing recognition/aid from the textile/commerce/arts and culture ministry in terms of sustaining your field?

CD: Aid from textile would go a long way to sustain a business of a creative in the industry, and this not only helps the creative themselves but the whole ecosystem of the arts industry. As fashion interweaves with music, film, costume design, and commercial retail stores. One needs visuals of good quality to create stories and market their brand effectively with impact and reach a global audience. Pay models which will help the modeling industry grow, as well as hiring tailors who are skilled in order to sustain the business and produce high-quality products and clothing that will last. Fashion is an intersection of many different art disciplines.

BB: Would you say women have at least covered a decent space in the fashion industry?

CD: Yes, most designers are female, but with male designers in the industry. I would like to see more women take up leadership roles in the textile manufacturing industry, as it is more male-dominated. It would be interesting to see how women will approach the industry and create solutions to make local fabrics more affordable and accessible for local designers.

BB: What's the biggest myth you've had to bust as an artist?

CD: It's all about designing clothes!! Well, there's more to it than meets the outcome. The fashion industry encompasses different roles like buyers, merchandisers, stylists, PR, and pattern cutters, sample makers, tailors, and more. It's a team of people working together to make a brand successful. I've been learning to delegate, ask for help, and collaborate by working with others to achieve the intended goal. Listening to others' ideas and opinions. You need to be in a Fashion Capital to succeed. This is another myth creatives are riding on. Now the world is an oyster with technology and globalization; it's now easier to access different parts of the world. Fashion is all glamour!! Instead, it comes with 100% hard work, patience, persistence, and dedication to continually improve your portfolio or body of work.

BB: Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule.

CD: You're welcome, and thank you too..