{"id":10722,"date":"2015-04-08T01:09:42","date_gmt":"2015-04-08T01:09:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/africafashionweek.com\/newyork\/?p=10722"},"modified":"2018-06-04T17:13:57","modified_gmt":"2018-06-04T17:13:57","slug":"zimbabwean-designer-behind-nicki-minajs-fashion-line-farai-simoyi-zimbabweans-redefining-africa-globally-in-style-zimbabweans-killing-it-in-fashion-entertainment-media-globally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adiree.com\/magazine\/zimbabwean-designer-behind-nicki-minajs-fashion-line-farai-simoyi-zimbabweans-redefining-africa-globally-in-style-zimbabweans-killing-it-in-fashion-entertainment-media-globally\/","title":{"rendered":"Zimbabweans Who Rock Globally In Style"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Zimbabwe Fashion Week is coming up in September. In honor of the platform and its 2015 theme, \u201cFashion Redefined\u201d, we shed light on Zimbabweans redefining the world\u2019s perception of Africa globally.<\/p>\n

For many years, mainstream media, fashion, and lifestyle brands have looked to Africa for inspiration. However, there is a lack of praise surrounding Africa being an inspiration to many, instead the focus at many times is on the continent\u2019s conflict and lack.<\/p>\n

As a result of this disparity, we\u2019d like to shed light on how Zimbabweans are breaking down barriers. Zimbabwe is taking the fashion, entertainment and media world by storm and now, more than ever, is providing other emerging brands in media, fashion, and beauty a platform on which to receive recognition. Media moguls like Farai Gundan of Farai Today,<\/a> for example, inspire young black women globally to explore their voice in the media. Her features of African talent (women and entrepreneurs) also provide visibility to other African moguls. A recent feature on Farai Simoyi, a Zimbabwean and British designer, hit the wire, placing Zimbabwe on a mainstream pedestal–and not without merit.<\/p>\n

Farai\u00a0Simoyi\u2019s <\/a>collections and economic influence on and off the continent have received global recognition. The Zimbabwean and British fashion designer\u2019s client list include\u00a0House of Dereon by Beyonce & Tina Knowles, Rachel Roy, Robert Rodriguez, Rocawear, Luxurie by LRG, Anne Klein, Rachel Roy, Nine West, and Nicki Minaj Collection.Through pop up shops and retail events (\u2018Fashion Roundtable\u2019) in Zimbabwe,\u00a0Simoyi\u00a0has provided both short and long term employment and development opportunities for young black women across the globe; those in sales, marketing, and design, entering into the fashion industry in Zimbabwe. Her pieces can be purchased at Passport Boutique in Harare, Zimbabwe and are also available in US boutiques.<\/p>\n

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In New York, Farai\u2019s influence has been tremendous. Apart from designing for leading labels, Farai Simoyi also showcased at Africa Fashion Week in New York (AFWNY)<\/a>. AFWNY, a five-year staple on New York\u2019s fashion calendar, is a luxury multi-day event produced by Adir\u00e9e that has been featured in Elle, Hearst Magazines (Cosmo Nigeria), Forbes<\/a>, \u00a0Forbes Africa, Huffington Post, etc. Simoyi\u2019s showcase presented the audience with a mid 1920s and bohemian luxury meets Africa theme.<\/p>\n