Designer defies odds

MERE mention of the name Natasha Ruvimbo Mubare (22) evokes a glut of mixed feelings among a cross section of Zimbabweans.

MERE mention of the name Natasha Ruvimbo Mubare (22) evokes a glut of mixed feelings among a cross section of Zimbabweans.

SHARON SIBINDI OWN CORRESPONDENT

Mubare has proved beyond doubt she is among the leading young female designers in Kwekwe and Zimbabwe in general.

In fact, she could be described as one of the few nation dressers having dressed the who’s who of Zimbabwe’s cat-walk industry, including leading personalities.

Her friends hail her as a perfect example of a multi-talented student at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) who has emerged as a designer of repute.

Mubare is working on a new project in collaboration with Rutendo Denise, the Towering Goddess, on her new collection for Spring Summer 2015.

She participated at the Zimbabwe Fashion Week young designer of the year competition in 2013, Clothing Indaba Bulawayo 2013, Trashion Show Harare 2013, Acoustic Fashion 2014 and Chinhoyi University Fashion Show 2014.

She has become a role model and shown other women that it is possible to make a name for oneself in one of the most competitive industries as long as one remains focused and draws inspiration from a higher power.

“Everything did not come on a silver platter, but through hard work and dedication to my work,” Mubare told Woza Weekend in an interview.

“I am so grateful to God for giving me strength to do what I love and am passionate about.

“God has given me the strength and vision to fulfil my dreams. My work makes me realise that l can make it big and even become a better designer in the fashion industry.

“I appreciate my work a lot and it has put me on a competitive platform and made me believe in myself and realise that nothing is impossible with God.”

Born and bred in Kwekwe, Mubare first ventured into fashion designing in 2010 at the Peter Birch School of Art where she spent time learning more about art.

“That is when l chose art as a career and by attending this school l was interested in exploring more,” she said.

Besides being a fashion designer, she is studying for an honors degree in art and design at the CUT. She is an Illustrator.

She said the Zimbabwe Fashion Week young designers’ programme in 2013 catapulted her onto the pedestal she finds herself on today.

“This programme helped me grow and start my own fashion label,” she said.

“Although I did not win the competition, the education and techniques were the foundational concepts that I would use in the fashion designing industry. I met an inspiring Kate Worswick who had amazing illustrations that gave me the drive to be a fashion illustrator as well.”

Mubare’s designs cater for both men and women.

“I do crazy stuff to impress and, yes, people are falling in love with my designs. I am an artistic person who enjoys painting and drawing fashion illustrations,” she said.

Mubare supplies her finished products to Kwekwe, Gweru and Harare where a lot of people scramble for her designs.

“I create ready-to-wear garments that l would have done illustrations on,” she said.

“My designs have a feel of African print and this has inspired a lot of customers to purchase and order more. The designs are unique in such a way that they suit young women and girls who want to retain their African pride.”

She described her designs as ethnic and African.

“My designs are ethnic and African,” she said.

“I want to create a new perspective for African print style to be trendier. During the Zimbabwe Fashion Week, l designed a 1950s look that had an African print style and a lot of people fell for it.”

She revealed that her passion for drawing and fashion illustration were her major strengths that inspired her to design unique outfits. “Garment making and stylish designs come natural to me because I love what I do,” she said.

“My father George Mubare is my number one role model and motivator. After the young designers’ competition, I started my clothing label called DesignersHeart. This collection is hand-made and every garment I make is from within my heart.”

Mubare added: “I am happy with the achievements so far, but there is more to come. I have had individual clients and corporates, among them DesignerCloset and Linkon Botique.

“I desire to be the biggest fashion illustrator in Zimbabwe and I see my collection as one of the top brands in the fashion industry.

My clothing line will not be for fashion alone, but to be an inspirational brand for all young women in Zimbabwe.

“The recipe for success is to utilise the talent we have in us to achieve everything we desire.”

She encouraged women to use their talents to their advantage.

“To women in Zimbabwe, the Bible says women should be an inspiration, so we should use our talents to produce something that can impact on the nation. Let God be the strength of your career.”

Mubare is currently an intern at SpidexMedia where she does advertising designs while at the same time working on her DesignersHeart collection.