Wander and Weave

A Different Kind of Christmas: My First Holiday Away from Home Christmas in Zimbabwe is nothing short of magical. The festive season buzzes with weddings, family gatherings, vacations, and endless nights of laughter. Growing up, December meant one thing: family time. It was our sacred tradition to plan everything ahead—meals, outfits, and the much-anticipated meeting place. As a child, nothing compared to the excitement of new clothes, perfectly styled hair, and visits to fancy restaurants. For the past few years, I held the title of family chef, curating festive feasts that brought everyone together. The joy of watching my family savor my recipes while we danced to the rhythm of life created memories etched deep in my heart. Fast forward to my first Christmas in Japan—it was a world apart. The festive spirit I cherished seemed elusive. While Zimbabwe’s streets would be alive with music and celebration, here in Japan, life went on as usual. To make matters worse, I was signed up to wor...

Zimbabwe’s Fashion Visionary Taking Bold Strides Fashion is a universal language, but few speak it as fluently and passionately as Zimbabwean creative, Scott. His journey into the world of fashion design, modeling, and styling is one of resilience, innovation, and unapologetic authenticity. Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down with Scott to explore his incredible story, and trust me, his journey is as inspiring as it is stylish! Scott’s foray into the creative world started young. “I’ve always been drawn to art, design, and self-expression,” he shared. “Fashion became the perfect medium for me to tell stories.” What began as experimenting with sketches and textiles eventually transformed into ScottStree-twear, his very own high-fashion streetwear brand. But Scott’s journey isn’t just about creating clothes; it’s about creating connections. “Modeling helped me understand how clothes interact with the body—it’s like seeing my designs come to life,” he explained. And life, for Sc...

The Soleful City: Tokyo’s Love Affair with Sneakers When I was preparing for my big move to Tokyo, I did what any curious traveler would do—I dived into research mode. I looked up everything from the unpredictable weather to the tantalizing food and, of course, the legendary fashion scene. Tokyo, after all, is synonymous with style. But let me tell you, nothing prepared me for the cultural phenomenon that is sneakers. I’ve always been a sneakerhead at heart. Back in Zimbabwe, I was that girl rocking sneakers to church, ignoring the side-eyes from the "heels-only" crowd. Comfort and confidence were my fashion gospel, and sneakers were my holy grail. But here in Tokyo? Sneakers are practically a religion. The first thing I noticed was how effortlessly people integrate sneakers into everything. And I mean everything. Think of it: traditional kimonos paired with fresh kicks, sharp suits softened by stylish trainers, or head-turning streetwear elevated by a pair of classic Air Jor...

  The Melody of My Life: How Music Shaped Me Growing up in a household where music was a constant companion felt like living inside a never-ending playlist. The speakers in our home were always alive with melodies, carrying the voices of The Fugees, Beyoncé, Bob Marley, and a myriad of other artists. My family had an eclectic taste in music, and it rubbed off on me in ways that continue to influence my life today. My brothers played a significant role in shaping my musical journey. They introduced me to genres that I might not have gravitated toward on my own—reggae, hip-hop, jazz, soulful ballads, and even some classic rock. Life lessons also steered me toward certain singers. Their lyrics felt like a conversation with my soul, teaching me resilience, love, and introspection. Reggae was one of the first genres to sink its roots into my heart. The raw honesty of Bob Marley’s lyrics coupled with the rhythmic beats made me feel connected to something greater. Pop music and jazz broug...

Shining Bright: The Trailblazing Journey of Miss Rosebud In a world where creativity is the heartbeat of progress, few embody its transformative power like Zimbabwe’s very own Miss Rosebud. With a palette of talent that spans makeup artistry, modeling, and voice-over work, she has painted a vibrant picture of what it means to be a multifaceted creative. But her journey wasn’t without challenges—it was built on grit, passion, and an unwavering belief in her craft. When asked what sparked her foray into these artistic fields, Miss Rosebud’s response was as heartfelt as it was inspiring: “I’ve always been captivated by the transformative power of creativity. It’s about enhancing individuality, connecting with people, and bringing stories to life.” This philosophy has been the backbone of her flourishing career. Her first big break came through social media—a stage she turned into her personal runway. Sharing her meticulous artistry caught the attention of brands, leading to collaborations...

The Post-Grad Blues: How I Turned My Setbacks into Stepping Stones The day I graduated from college in Zimbabwe, I felt invincible. My future seemed bright, with dreams carefully laid out like a perfectly constructed puzzle. I had everything figured out—or so I thought. That year was supposed to be the year. I planned to land a great job, start crossing off my bucket list, and finally live the life I had envisioned during countless late-night study sessions. But life has a way of laughing at our plans, doesn’t it? Just when I thought I was ready to take on the world, COVID-19 came crashing in, and with it, the entire world seemed to grind to a halt. Companies shut down, recruitment froze, and I was suddenly confined to my home. I remember applying for a dream position with Qatar Airways, only to receive the devastating news that their recruitment was suspended due to the pandemic. That email felt like the sound of my dreams shattering. I spiraled into despair. My family, seeing my frus...

  Bridging Two Worlds: The Shared Traditions of Japan and Zimbabwe Stepping off the plane in Japan, I quickly realized something remarkable: I was a world away from Zimbabwe, yet so much felt oddly familiar. From the warm smiles of strangers to the subtle bows exchanged in greeting, I couldn't help but marvel at how two cultures separated by oceans and continents could share such profound similarities. In both Japan and Zimbabwe, respect for elders and hierarchy is a cornerstone of society. Growing up in Zimbabwe, I learned to kneel when greeting elders, a gesture that acknowledged their wisdom and authority. In Japan, the act of bowing serves a similar purpose. It was humbling to see students bow deeply to their teachers, just as we kneel to show respect at home. These traditions, though expressed differently, bind generations and create a sense of order. Meals in both countries are sacred family rituals. In Japan, sharing dishes and the ritualistic "Itadakimasu" before ...

  Faffy’s Creative Renaissance: Merging Music, Fashion, and the Art of Denim In a world where individuality is celebrated, Rufaro "Faffy" Chiwandire is carving her niche as a creative powerhouse. A Zimbabwean artist with a flair for music and fashion, Faffy’s journey is a tapestry woven with threads of nostalgia, innovation, and relentless determination. Her aesthetic, rooted in old-school vibes, combines the raw authenticity of vintage denim with the storytelling power of modern design. Through her work, Faffy is redefining the boundaries of art, making her mark in the creative world. Faffy’s love for creativity was ignited during her childhood. Inspired by the timeless style and music of the "OGs," she found herself drawn to the aesthetic of that era. "There’s just something about the way they dressed—it was a vibe," she recalls. This passion blossomed further as she watched a neighbor excel in art. By the time she reached tertiary education, her fascina...

The Weight of Our Crowns: Black Hair Stress and My Journey to Embracing It Growing up as a Black girl, my hair journey was anything but easy. In my childhood, lessons on how to care for and love my hair were scarce, leaving me to navigate a world that didn’t always appreciate its beauty. My hair was kinky, thick, and challenging to maintain. Combing it felt like a battle, and achieving a desired style often seemed impossible. The schools I attended didn’t make it any easier; they offered little flexibility or options for hairstyles that allowed us to embrace our natural hair while feeling confident in our own skin. Christmas was the only time I felt a little relief—a rare moment of joy where we would pool together the little money we had to buy relaxers from the black market. The relaxers were far from ideal, but they allowed me to manage my hair more easily, even if it was just for a short while. Still, most days, I stared longingly at the TV, watching girls with perfectly braided or ...