Black offset by white. Darkness giving way to light. Ubusuku. An exquisite merging of fashion and storytelling. The debut collection of Icatha. A tapestry of fabric from the mind of Marcus Zvinavashe. If I had anything to sum up my experience at this year's Fabrik Party Convention, that would be it.
When Icatha's "Ubusuku" collection closed off the runway, and it was met with awe and a chorus of gasps, the essence of the Fabrik Party was encapsulated. A space for uninhibited self expression. Not bound by creative art form, race, language or any other boundary we use to separate ourselves. Held together by creation of fabric, it weaves a web that binds a community together. An embrace of the different.
It was my first time attending the Fabrik Party and I was taken aback by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. From the performers, models and other attendees, it felt like the organisers were intentional about fostering a sense of community. The talent was incredible, I felt like I was watching performance art, not just a fashion show. The food was also 10/10, Bird's Nest is the best on the Zim restaurant scene. - Lisa (Part time journalist and PR expert, full time baddie)
This year's Fabrik Party Convention was the culmination of a 3 stop journey that saw the event branching out of Harare and the country for the first time. The first stop was in Lusaka, Zambia, then Bulawayo, and both editions came with mixed success. This put added pressure on the Harare event to be Fabrik's shining beacon. Something it managed to be with ease and in addition, it brought about a collaboration of creatives that crossed borders.
Friday brought conversations on building communities, leveraging social media and a Do It Yourself (DIY) workshop, led by cultural journalist Usher Nyambi, entrepreneur Chido Chidziwo, and Frypan & Kombonation (South Africa based creatives) respectively. Saturday was a day of music at Alliance Française de Harare and it saw the debut of SKATE CITY at Old Greatermans building (now Zimbabwe Creative and Cultural Arts space) a space for Zimbabwe's bubbling skate culture.
Fabrik Sunday, the day that puts textiles in the events name was a tale of striking designs and well choreographed runways. While Icatha's "Ubusuku" line stole the show, they were more than a few designers that presented memorable collections. With a backdrop of murals created during the recently held Art Passa Passa for the runways, fashion and art were merged together.
Mimi Bouvier returned to once again grace the decks at the event, and her story showcases Fabrik Party's potential as a platform. Making her first performance as a DJ at last year's edition, she has since gone to grace platforms like KAOS, Deep End, and most recently Hinde. With a touch as dexterous as ever, she brought with a touch of Afro house to an afternoon of fashion.
The Homeless Kids' (THK) showcase was a presentation of both dance and drama, with a unique interpretation of street wear as a centrepiece. PEZZECUL!AR was true to their name with creations that ignited the imagination.
True Colours Worldwide (TCW) had a line of jean based fabrications that received universal approval. A meeting of graffiti and cotton that was an ode to hip hop. I immediately wanted a pair.
Zed The Label had renowned model and Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2023, Brooke Bruk Jackson, on the runway for their collection. A collection that was simple yet eye catchingly chic.
D.O.E went ancient, with an interpretation of fabric that brought to mind pre-colonial Zimbabwe, while on an adjacent pathway Soleil explored rich earth tones in their collection. The creative display spoke to a shared vision in the countless possibilities of what fashion can be.
Icatha closed off the runway to resounding applause, which brings us to where we began. Appreciating what the Fabrik Party is as a platform and a space for free expression. Born as a platform for fashion but embracing the mediums of all other art forms.
As the last runway ended, the stage was graced by music performances from Inga who serenaded us with her vocals, Mokoomba lead guitarist Trust Samende who was playful and precise, and Bantu Spaceships who gave us a rather short lived tribal house experience.
Kombonation took over the decks well into the night, to sign off Fabrik Sunday with a fitting revelry. Another edition that left me wanting more. And as symbolised by its growing turnout, I'm not alone.
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