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Showing posts from November, 2024

From His Closet to Mine: The Art of Borrowing Style

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From His Closet to Mine: The Art of Borrowing Style Growing up, I always had a knack for dressing differently. I wasn’t the type to be boxed into skirts and frilly tops—no, I found comfort and power in oversized hoodies, loose jeans, and well-loved shirts. But here's the kicker: most of those wardrobe gems weren’t originally mine. They came from my brothers, my grandfather, and now my partner. It all started innocently enough. I’d find myself wandering into my brother's room, sifting through his wardrobe for something to wear. Hoodies, t-shirts, shirts—if it caught my eye, it was mine (temporarily, of course). I remember one time vividly. It was Civic Day at school, the one day we could ditch the uniform and show off our style. My brother had this hoodie—his absolute favorite—and a pair of jeans that fit just right. He’d warned me not to touch them, but stubborn as I was, I snuck them out while he was asleep. That day, I felt like I was in a Sister Act music video, serving full...

The Timeless Elegance of Fafs: A Zimbabwean Creative with a Passion for Authenticity

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  The Timeless Elegance of Fafs: A Zimbabwean Creative with a Passion for Authenticity In the ever-evolving world of fashion and modeling, few creatives manage to blend authenticity, cultural heritage, and global aesthetics as seamlessly as Fafs. Her journey into the spotlight is anything but ordinary—it’s a tale of quiet exploration, bold self-expression, and unwavering love for the vintage charm that shaped her early years. Growing up in a home filled with timeless treasures, Fafs’ creative eye was sharpened by her family’s love for all things vintage. “Everything in our house, from the furniture to the decor, carried that timeless vintage aesthetic,” she shares. This upbringing not only shaped her fashion sense but also laid the foundation for her deep appreciation of storytelling through style. Today, her wardrobe is a blend of cottagecore, vintage, and old-money aesthetics that she wears like a second skin. “I don’t overthink it,” she says with a smile. “I just find myself com...

From Fear to Healing: My Journey with PTSD and Mental Health Awareness

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From Fear to Healing: My Journey with PTSD and Mental Health Awareness They say life can change in the blink of an eye, and for me, that moment came during the COVID era. It was an ordinary day, one where I planned to meet my brother in town. Little did I know, it would become a day I’d never forget—and not for good reasons. In Zimbabwe, transport can be challenging, and back then, the most available option was mishika-shika taxis. These small, unofficial taxis are infamous for their reckless driving, but they were often the only choice. Reluctantly, I boarded one alongside a lady and a gentleman. The driver refused to let anyone sit in the front, citing a faulty door. Something felt off, but I brushed it aside. As the car veered off the usual route, my heart raced. I asked the driver where we were going, but his response chilled me: “Shut up.” Suddenly, the two men at the back lunged forward, covering our mouths and pressing a gun to our heads. In that moment, my life flashed before m...

Love Under the Lens: Navigating Life and Love in the Public Eye

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Love Under the Lens: Navigating Life and Love in the Public Eye We never thought we’d find ourselves living under a magnifying glass, with our relationship dissected and analyzed. Back when we first met in Zimbabwe, it wasn’t about being seen or known; it was simply about the magic we created together. Fashion, art, and music drew us in, and late-night calls kept us hooked. We'd talk for hours about our dreams and aspirations, sketching out a vision for a life of creativity and purpose. What started as a friendship blossomed into something deeper, built on trust and shared passions. Privacy was our sanctuary. For months, we kept our relationship away from prying eyes. It wasn’t secrecy; it was sacredness. That time allowed our bond to strengthen without distractions. But life has a way of shaking things up. The day I moved to Japan was bittersweet—celebrating an exciting new chapter yet mourning the physical distance between us. We promised to reunite, and with faith as our anchor,...

Matsikirira: Wrestling in the Spirit

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  Matsikirira: Wrestling in the Spirit Have you ever woken up paralyzed, your heart pounding, unable to scream for help? In my Shona culture, we call this matsikirira, a chilling phenomenon often linked to bad spirits or unresolved spiritual battles. Growing up, I never imagined I'd face something so terrifying—or that it would push me toward profound spiritual transformation. It all started after my grandmother's passing. Her death left a void, but it also opened a door—one I never asked for. I began to see her in hallucinations, not just in dreams but as though she were alive, walking among us. Nobody else could see her, but her presence felt real. Around the same time, I experienced fainting spells. My family took me to countless doctors. They ran tests, including ECG scans, to figure out what was wrong, but there was no explanation. The fear gripped my family as much as it did me. I remember my grandfather organizing Wednesday prayer meetings at home, gathering church elder...

Drip Psycho: A Zimbabwean Visionary Redefining Streetwear and Social Change

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Drip Psycho: A Zimbabwean Visionary Redefining Streetwear and Social Change In the heart of Harare’s bustling creative circles, one name has become synonymous with bold expression and unapologetic individuality—Drip Psycho. Known for his daring streetwear and fearless approach to creative direction, Drip Psycho isn’t just reshaping Zimbabwe’s fashion scene; he’s transforming how fashion speaks to society. His journey is one of resilience, authenticity, and an unyielding desire to challenge the status quo. Drip Psycho’s creative roots run deep into the world of abstract art expressionism, where color, texture, and emotion take center stage. From a young age, he felt a pull toward the unconventional, drawing inspiration from the avant-garde movement to craft his signature aesthetic. His streetwear is a canvas for experimentation, combining vibrant hues, emotive silhouettes, and unexpected textures to create pieces that make a statement. For Drip Psycho, fashion was never about blending i...

Embracing Modesty with Style: My Journey with Long Skirts, Baggy Clothes, and Mom Jeans

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Embracing Modesty with Style: My Journey with Long Skirts, Baggy Clothes, and Mom Jeans There’s something undeniably special about fashion that speaks to who you are. For me, my love for long skirts, baggy clothes, and mom jeans isn’t just about style—it’s deeply rooted in my upbringing as a Seventh-day Adventist. Growing up, modesty wasn’t just a suggestion; it was a rule. Clothes that revealed too much—cleavage, thighs, even underarms—were simply off-limits. And trust me, there was no sneaking around it! Deacons at church would politely send you home to change if your outfit didn’t meet the “code.” At first, dressing modestly felt like following rules, as though my fashion choices were prescribed rather than desired. I remember feeling a bit confined, like I was missing out on the freedom of style others seemed to enjoy. But as I grew older, I discovered that modesty and style could blend beautifully—and perhaps unexpectedly, this became my creative outlet. Long skirts and loose-fitt...

A Bond Beyond Life: Reflections on Friendship, Love, and Loss

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A Bond Beyond Life: Reflections on Friendship, Love, and Loss Sometimes, life hands you friendships that feel like destiny. It was love at first sight when I met her, the day after orientation as we were moving into the hostel. The connection was instant, a kindred spirit I hadn’t realized I needed until she appeared. From that day forward, we were inseparable. When people saw her, they knew I was close by—two halves of the same soul, tied by laughter, loyalty, and an unspoken promise to always have each other’s backs. She was more than just a friend; she was my sister. We shared everything—clothes, secrets, dreams, and even our quirkiest insecurities. She was the type of friend who would do my hair and nails without hesitation, making everything look effortless. I’d marvel as she twisted her hair into perfect braids or painted her nails like a professional, a reminder of her quiet strength and creativity. She made me feel confident, beautiful in my own skin, and always stood up for me...

Ebbernezer: Uncovering A Zimbabwean Gem

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Ebbernezer: Uncovering A Zimbabwean Gem In the ever-evolving world of fashion and photography, few voices resonate as authentically as Ebbernezer's. Hailing from Harare, Zimbabwe, Ebbernezer brings a rare blend of vision, culture, and heart to the creative scene in the creative and art world. His journey has been one of discovery, resilience, and a commitment to creating impactful stories through his work as a creative director, photographer, stylist, and model. Growing up in a traditional Christian household in Harare, Ebbernezer’s creative journey began within the walls of his home. Inspired by his father’s background in media and journalism, Ebbernezer developed an early fascination with photography, which has only deepened with time. The importance of family is woven through his work, as he often draws on the styles of his parents and siblings, blending a love for vintage with a contemporary twist. "Fashion was a way to express myself, even within the structure of a school...

My Journey Through Fashion, Art, and Finding Authenticity

My Journey Through Fashion, Art, and Finding Authenticity Fashion has always been a part of my story, almost like a heartbeat pulsing with each new chapter. Growing up, I eagerly awaited Saturdays—not just for worship, but for the fashion parade at church. Our congregation was the runway, and every Sabbath was a fashion show. That’s where my love for style was born. I could tell early on that I was different from my siblings and friends. While they followed the trends, I was drawn to outfits that stood out, that said, “Here I am!” Fashion became my armor during my teen years, a time when self-esteem was hard to come by. Being slender wasn’t always celebrated, and society had names for it—chicken legs, stick, mabhonzo. The criticism chipped away at me, affecting my relationships and self-worth. But clothes became my comfort. They gave me confidence and a way to feel unique, even if it meant layering shorts under skirts to feel a bit “thicker.” I would even go so far as to crush brown br...