Fashion Archives | 7:30

Tafadzwa Makoni The Distilled Gentlemen

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Ash Posted in Fashion 2 Comments

Following up on the success of Takura’s music video Noise released earlier this year we took time to get to know the stylist behind all the well-dressed actors in the video.

Tafadzwa Makoni has been putting work in and striving to make a name in the fashion game by helping to nurture and groom the distinguished gentleman.

Where did the passion for fashion come from?

It started around late 2005 when my mom got into the retail business. I basically grew up watching her buy and sell clothing not knowing that it was grooming me to understand supply chain management, merchandising and other foundational structures in the business of Fashion. As my interest in Fashion grew I could analyze colors and patterns and forecast trends by the age of 16. What’s interesting is I didn’t realize that all the information I had could be turned into a skill because the lifestyle itself had been normalized in my family.

Looking at your Instagram page there are a lot of pictures that are aesthetically pleasing, you model as well, How has that been?

How I got into modelling can only be explained by one sentence: I strategically placed myself into situations that allowed me to see opportunities and go for them.

The first time modelling became a thing for me was when I tried out for Mr & Ms Interact during my A Levels. At the time everyone around me believed that this wasn’t a competition that students from mission schools should partake in as if they didn’t deserve to be part of it. I just didn’t believe that being at a mission school had anything to do with my individual capabilities so I tried out in spite of all the negative feedback that I got from some of my peers.

As God would have it, I won the competition and got a contract from Catherine Ruze Agency. What started as a bid to prove to myself and my peers that we shouldn’t be bound by our fears, later on, defined the path my career would take.

Model@tafadzwa_makoni263
Photographer @theafricanselfiestick

In 2015 another opportunity came when I went to UCT. I joined a charity club called UCT RAG and was assigned to the Fashion Show project. We had Boss Modeling Agency helping us to scout models for the show so on the last day of auditions I took a chance after the final contestant finished and just got into the room. As soon as I got in the Boss team asked me to audition even though I wasn’t on the list and actually offered me a place in their Agency that day.

I worked with Boss for a year and my experience was tough due to the competitiveness of the industry, but nonetheless inciteful. In the larger view of things, the exposure I got from the industry taught me the value and impact of content in the digital age. It gave me a revelation that we have the opportunity to rewrite our narratives and tell a different story about Africans, one that’s made by Africans for Africans. Our creative culture can only progress if there is an effective dialogue between creatives in all fields. I encourage all creatives in Africa to keep collaborating because we have the chance to deconstruct those narratives that purposefully make us forget who we are; we can finally redress all the false representations that purge the richness of our people and our culture. The time is now!

So you are styling Takura, how did that feel?

I have to say, I’m truly blessed to work with people who share my vision. What I appreciate the most about working with him is that he is very time conscious and keen to listen to new ideas so it never feels like work with him. 2019 is going to be interesting for our team.

Stylist @tafadzwa_makoni263
Photographer @theafricanselfiestick

By the way, you did a great job, how did you get it to be such a success with everyone dressed so well?

Thank you very much. That was the first music video I’ve ever styled so it means a lot to know that I tried my best at the time and the response was positive. I honestly worked with what I had: I have a good network of friends and colleagues who are designers, bloggers and directors. They helped me come up with the right outfits for the video so collaboration definitely made that video a success. It’s by the Lord’s grace that I have met these people as they have become a valuable asset in my life.

Give us some tips on coming up with the ultimate outfit and being the ultimate gentleman?

My motto is that true style has nothing to do with how much money you have, it has everything to do with how you curate your taste to your means. The secret to coming up with the ultimate outfit already lies within your wardrobe so first work with what you already have, play with colors and patterns that you usually wouldn’t wear because chances are you actually look good in them.

What else are you doing that we haven’t mentioned?

I also offer image consulting for anyone who wants to see a change in their life through improving their appearance, behaviour and communication. So if you feel you need to improve your personal or professional image or desire to tap into your inner gentleman, you’ll know who to come to.

What is the future looking like?

I’ll have to save that information so you can experience the journey with me.

PS: I always leave subliminal in my instastories.

Soul’d Dreams, back your map

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Ash Posted in Fashion Leave a comment

Nothing speaks “love” of your country more than carrying it on your back. For the love of your country, Soul’d Dreams put the map on the back.

In a country where limitations are not only what you are told but you see them everyday in the streets, Dreaming is the only way to make it out and this brand seeks to speak to all the dreamers so they know that hope does not necessarily lie abroad but here in our beloved country, Zimbabwe.

For those out there who want to stand for where they belong. Where they come from. It is an actual movement. The love for the movement may be exaggerated because of the times we are in right now in Zimbabwe and all, also don’t get me wrong it is not an alternative to war regalia at all. It’s for making the simple yet impactful statements in the world

The brand run by Tadiwa Mashiri & Anesu Gwatizdo. These two artists took on the task of making a clothing item into a brand for us by us (all Zimbabwean). Young at heart, speaking to the young vibrant dreamers as well it is safe to say they have done it.

Just by looking at the aesthetically pleasing Instagram page you will be completely dazzled. I think to sum up all the praise, their pieces really stand out.You will Look really cool wearing their clothes period. It is the type of thing you wear and then gets people asking you where you got it from.

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A post shared by Sould Dreams ® (@sould_dreams) on May 4, 2018 at 7:57am PDT

From my point of view the brand is all about empowerment and being proud of where you are from regardless of what other people say. We may have cases where people are ashamed to show the world that they are from Zimbabwe and some even going as far as hiding away in exaggerated accents. They say otherwise, they say put it on your back and carry it proudly. Not only that, show How proud you are, How beautiful the place where you come from is, How beautiful Zimbabwe is, How beautiful you are. And like Studio 263 theme would say show them “It is the place where you want to be”.

They’ve been making waves in the country and buzzing so many ears. Last year they hosted creative avenue in collaboration with ABC art movement which was a success as most of the merch they had to sell was sold out.

When i got introduced to the brand, it mainly consisted of jackets and now they’ve been diversifying into tees and ‘other items. They also have phone cases and that’s nice. The jackets have a signature Zimbabwean map that covers the back. All their merch is reasonably priced.

Diversification signals growth!. I appreciate the hustle in anyone. They keep the dream alive for others and these two lads are out breaking parameters... Follow suit and #backyourmap.

5 hacks you can use to keep your favorite T-shirts looking fresh.

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Tanaka Samukange Posted in Fashion Leave a comment

We all love our tees. They are comfy, colourful & expressive. It’s very disappointing when your favourite tee comes out of the wash looking faded and worn out.

Here are 5 hacks you can use to keep your favourite T-shirts looking brand new for years:

1. Don’t bleach – When it comes to protecting your clothes, not all washing powders are created equal. To keep your tees looking as good as possible use high-quality detergents that are gentle. Don’t use bleach & remember to wash with like colours.

2. Hand wash your tees in cold water – Commercial washers are damaging to many tees. If your machine washes a shirt with a mild detergent the design might start to flake, peel or fade.

3. Never put your tees in the dryer – Dryers are the cause of death of millions of T-shirts every year. Even on a low-temperature setting dryer can cause T-shirts to shrink and the printing to crack and peel off. Always line dry your T-shirts instead of putting them in the dryer.

4. Add vinegar – vinegar doesn’t have the most pleasant smell, but adding a cup to when washing your tees will give you a natural fabric softener and help prevent colours from fading. Don’t worry about the vinegar smell it goes away when you dry your tees after the wash.

5. Choose a quality Product – Last but not least, be sure to purchase a quality tee, to begin with. Look for a brand that produces exceptional products.