RECAP ON F_ART 2016

In 2016, the incredible spark of Fashion Conversation ignited F_ART (Fashion meets Art), culminating in this first collaborative performance art fashion exhibition. My colleagues and I co-curated a unique experience merging multidisciplinary arts to explore sustainability, identity creation, and storytelling. Spanning Village Unhu and Amanzi Gallery in Harare, Zimbabwe, the event showcased a vibrant tapestry of talent.

"As young Zimbabwean designers, we often discuss sustainability from a "Eurocentric" perspective, a current global trend. However, I yearned to understand what true sustainability meant to me, an independent designer navigating socio-economic instability and restrictive government policies in Zimbabwe. This exploration led me to the realization that sustainability is relative, directly tied to the specific time and socioeconomic space we inhabit. It should reflect the capacity of individuals or groups to implement positive, sustainable practices within their own environments, practices that make sense within that specific context.
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Sustainability is not a fixed, one-dimensional concept. It shouldn't be an exclusive idea manipulated for the benefit of a few, governed by rigid rules that hold no relevance in every space and for every individual. I believe in the power of sharing ideas, that every voice matters, even if some resonate more than others. This is just a glimpse into the social commentary our performance art fashion exhibition, F_ART, sought to address." - Danayi Madondo (Circa Nov 30, 2016 - Zimbabwe Fashion Network)

A massive thank you to all the incredible creatives who made it possible:

• Concept: Danayi Madondo & Rutendo Karikoga
• Apparel: Haus Of Stone
• Bags: Famba Neni
• Thrifted apparel: Vintage Hippo by Chiedza Chinhara
• Swimwear: Noees by Nompumelelo Marilyn Samambgwa
• Live performances: The Monkey Nuts, AMAbeyond, Love Dale
• Host: Shea Mlandeli-Machiri
• Models: Alisa, Pretence, Kim
• Contemporary dancers: Charlene Chimara & Peter Lenso