FROM the dusty streets of Nyazura in Manicaland Province to dressing up renowned artists and models in the country, Marshy “Chimoto” Mubaiwa (28) has made great strides in the fashion industry with his unique mixture of Western & Afrocentric designs.
Afrocentric designs are outfits that embrace the African cultural themes and styles. They are characterised by bold geometric patterns, vibrant colours, and distinct textures, and they use organic materials.
Marshy has designed outfits for several artists and models in the country that entail Prince Chigwida, KPD Boss Princo Dollar Meke, Mambo Dhuterere, ZCC Fashion Minister, David Kanduna, Orbert Chari and Runako Tales.
Marshy was taught to design by his father, Kumbirai ‘Chimoto’ Mubaiwa who took him after attaining his ordinary level, but due to lack of funds, failed to gain ground and decide to return to Nyazura to engage in other hustles, until he met his fate when he fell in love with Theresa Chibaira, who was studying ‘Cutting and Designing’ at Life College.
Refusing to let his dream fade away, Theresa, who is now a wife to Marshy, encouraged Mar-tress Boss to keep holding his dream, and he later started sketching designs at home.
As he got married, Marshy then re-engaged with his father in Harare, and he later opened his company with his wife, Mar-tress Fashions, although he still supports his father’s company, where his young brother also works, since it’s a family business.
His breakthrough came after they got an order from Mutendi High School that they even shared with his father’s company.
His uncle, Tawanda ‘Jigger’ Mubaiwa, encouraged him to turn the designs into real garments, who also played a pivotal role in providing a car for Marshy during the early days of 2018 to deliver his orders.
“I never pictured myself as a seamstress one day. I simply loved making designs, and my wife and uncle Jigger gave me a different perspective altogether,” he recalls.
In 2019, Marshy designed the outfit that was donned by the Gospel star, Prince Chigwida, at his show.
With Theresa’s encouragement, Marshy started to learn the art of garment making.
He had to employ more people to join Mar-tress Fashions as orders were growing rapidly.
Almost every celebrity in Zion Christian Church (ZCC) – Mbungo, including ordinary individuals, has passed through Chimoto’s fashion label.
In the old days, he would rip apart old clothes and rejoin them, as he learnt how to assemble a garment.
From these pieces, he mastered how to draft pattern pieces.
“I would strip old clothes, then reassemble them. That is how I grasped the art of making a garment,” said Marshy.
“With time, I started making my own clothes and in a short time, I became the talk of the neighbourhood, although I was not confident of my work.”
It was, however, supportive for Marshy’s father to convince his son that one can earn a living from designing.
Marshy had to sell some of his possessions to acquire his first electric sewing machine with the help of his beloved wife, Theresa.
He indicated that his greatest motivation has been his father, who is a professional tailor and has been helping him grow his brand.
“I grew up in a home with a tailor, and I believe that this is where my desire to venture into fashion emanated from. My father is my greatest support system; he has taught me a lot in relation to operating machines and sewing.
Through passion and hard work, Marshy has risen to become one of the most sought-after designers.
“When I started designing, no one believed in my abilities and a number of them regarded me as a mere tailor. Many people started appreciating my work when they saw me dressing some renowned artists.
“The other challenge that I faced was the lack of business and financial knowledge, which is very crucial in any business. I struggled to navigate the different factors like branding, marketing, and sales. I faced several hiccups, but I have learnt a lot in the past years and I have started improving in my management.
“The other key factor is maintaining the energy, being consistent in your craft and ensuring that you always come up with spectacular designs. Being creative, collaborating and maintaining enthusiasm requires a lot of work,” he said.
He stated that he is grateful to God for his accomplishments and believes that there is a lot in store for him in the industry.
“I am grateful to God for the journey and the vision. I am glad that I did not give up, regardless of the challenges that I faced in my journey. I can safely say that I am on track, and I believe that there is a lot in store for me in the industry; the sky is the limit,” he said.
“That marked the beginning of my journey.
“Later, I was to get a surprise call from Mambo Dhuterere, seeking my services. I still feel like I am dreaming, considering where I come from.”
He has opened an office in the central business district since his workshop is out of town.
