Innovative Recycled Fashion Stuns SADC Leaders at Harare Summit
Two talented Bulawayo designers, Bishop Felicia Phiri and Prisca Masukume, captured the spotlight at the recent SADC Summit in Harare with their groundbreaking recycled fashion creations. Their innovative designs not only showcased their creativity but also highlighted the potential of sustainable fashion in Africa.
Turning Trash into Treasure
Phiri’s eye-catching lobola dress, crafted from used bin liners and incorporating the national fabric, drew admiration from high-profile attendees. Meanwhile, Masukume’s unique lobola dress, constructed entirely from recycled cardboard boxes, left onlookers in awe. These eco-friendly masterpieces caught the attention of several heads of state, including President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, President Masisi of Botswana, and King Mswati of Eswatini.
A Legacy of Creativity
In an exclusive interview with the Saturday Chronicle, Phiri revealed that her passion for design began at an early age. Growing up in a family of artists and designers, she was deeply inspired by her mother’s innovative approach to creating something useful from everyday items.
“My mother is my greatest inspiration,” Phiri shared. “She made me believe in using God-given talents, training us to use our hands and our brains. I remember she once made us raincoats from used milk papers, designing them so beautifully that no one could tell they were from used milk plastic containers.”
Fashion with a Message
Phiri’s designs go beyond mere aesthetics. As a social worker involved in relationship coaching, she infuses her creations with meaningful messages. “Whenever I design a dress, it has a message behind it,” she explained. “Some messages are about teaching young brides how to dress as African cultured women, bringing out the beauty of an African woman, and also how to relate with their in-laws.”
Empowering Through Fashion
Both Phiri and Masukume have ambitious plans for the future. They aim to nurture fashion and designing talents, with a particular focus on empowering single mothers. Phiri has already initiated a training program for young single mothers interested in dressmaking and designing.
Masukume, the founder of Shongedza Fashions, expressed her excitement about the reception her cardboard box dress received at the SADC Summit. “The attention and appreciation it received was overwhelming,” she said. “Presidents and other important people from all over Africa were amazed by the design.”
A Call for Sustainable Fashion
The designers urged youth to take recycling seriously, emphasizing that there is money in waste and that it promotes clean and safe environments. Their work serves as a powerful example of how creativity and sustainability can intersect in the world of fashion.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Sipho Mazibuko, founder of Esteemed Business Women, the platform under which the designers showcased their work, expressed her delight at the reaction from SADC leaders. “Our President couldn’t believe the plastic bin bag dress. He touched it to see if it was really plastic and asked how it was made,” she recounted.
The success of these designs has opened new doors for the creators. King Mswati of Eswatini extended an invitation to the designers on the spot, demonstrating the international appeal of their work.
As these Bulawayo designers continue to push the boundaries of sustainable fashion, they not only inspire a new generation of African designers but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious approach to style. Their success at the SADC Summit serves as a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and sustainability in the world of fashion.