Matabeleland’s most promising fashion designers will take centre stage at the third edition of the Icansi Fashion Fest, a vibrant celebration of style, culture and cuisine that will unfold in Bulawayo this 28th of November.

The event, which will be held along 12th Avenue and Fife Street the former Spar.
It promises to be a unique blend of runway spectacle and traditional hospitality, drawing visitors from across Zimbabwe and beyond. The festival’s theme, “A Fruity Harvest of Style,” was inspired by the simple, nostalgic pleasure of gathering wild fruits in the village as children by the designers.

Organisers explained that the concept pays homage to the flavours of the region the tart omkhemeswana, the sweet umyi and the fragrant umhagawuwe and uses fashion as a medium to preserve and promote these local delicacies. By weaving the colours, textures and stories of these fruits into their collections, the designers aim to create a dialogue between heritage and contemporary creativity.

Among the names of designers to showcase are Noliwe Mhlophe, Penelope Lacha, Nqagu D from Esigodini, Zah Designs and Lumia. Each designer is set to present a collection that reflects the festival’s fruity theme

The Icansi Fashion Fest is more than a runway show it is a platform for cultural exchange and education.
Arlington of the Magugu Heritage Centre will be on hand to share insights into indigenous food systems, offering workshops that link the visual language of fashion with the culinary traditions of the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste traditional dishes prepared by local chefs, while learning how the same ingredients that inspire the designers’ fabrics also nourish the community.

Ticketing for the event has been structured to accommodate a range of experiences. VVIP guests will enjoy a premium dining experience featuring at least three starch options rice, samp and pap accompanied by traditional proteins such as braised goat, beef stew or dried fish. VIP ticket holders will be served a seated meal presented on tables and pins, allowing them to sample a curated menu that highlights the diversity of Matabeleland’s cuisine. Standard tickets, meanwhile, grant access to the fashion show and the lively communal areas where guests can mingle, enjoy live music and explore pop‑up stalls showcasing local artisans.

The organisers hope that the festival will not only showcase the creativity of Matabeleland’s designers but also reinforce the importance of preserving the region’s culinary heritage. “Our aim is to create a space where fashion, food and culture intersect,” said the festival coordinator. “By celebrating the fruits of our land and the stories behind them, we hope to inspire a new generation to value and protect our traditions.”