RUMBIDZAI CHIKUNI & TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
Thrifting has always been a mainstay in Zimbabwean culture, as evidenced by the thriving ‘bhero’ markets scattered all over the country. Nicknamed ‘Mupedzanhamo’ for affordability or ‘Kotamai Boutique’ to add some class to what is otherwise a gritty practice thrifting has grown from crowded spreads in markets like Mbare and Sakubva to curated collections in malls, homes and online platforms. An obvious off-shoot of this is brands dedicated to reworking clothes (we have seen this in the realm of denimwear) into uniquely fashionable masterpieces. And this is where the bimonthly fashion event Thrift & Threads fits into the equation.
On October 4, 2025, Mcheno and More provided a stage for these designers to interact and showcase their creativity with the thoughtfully curated retro edition of Thrift and Threads; all with the aim to shine a spotlight on their visibility and growth.
The show was an an intimate commerce between brands and their audience who showed up in tasteful outfits reminiscent of fashion trends from way back to honour the theme (and interesting if not tasteful, plenty of skin and creativity on display).
Designers, content creators, photographers and musicians got a chance to exchange inspiration to such an extent that the event was less a fashion show and more a gathering of the finest artistic minds among Zimbabwe's youth. Which is what Mcheno and More strives to achieve with Thrift & Threads.
Models that could rival any on international runways strutted the small tight passage created by patrons at Theatre in the Park in fantastical denim pieces cobbled together from different clothing pieces. Blue waistband, pink bodice, whitewashed pockets. The designers conveyed a uniquely Zimbabwean story, the jean and takkies our mothers wore lost their conservative trappings and emerged anew; infused with the resilience of the artist and telling a story of creativity streamlined by a lack of resources. The message of sustainability comes to the fore in this instance: as old fabric finds new life and love in different hands.
The heart of a professional thrifter (read, Rumbidzai) was thoroughly satisfied by the stall brands with their racks and piles of clean clothes curated to fit current trends. With collections tailored to appeal to fashion forward youth, alternative music in the background and walking talking Pinterest boards in the periphery, the showcase did an amazing job of bridging the gap between fashion designers (and the attendant fashion products) and consumers.
It was as elegant as it could get, and the primary takeaway from this second edition of Thrift & Threads was the considerable interest from the attendees -- a youthful demographic excited about the idea of a fashion event that brings together different creatives to one place. The music performances made it a wholesome vibe (for what is an event of this nature without some music?) Leodale, Meekah Blue, and Madeinromee dug into their impressive catalogues to keep the crowd satisfyingly entertained.
What is evident beyond any shadow of doubt is that emerging creatives in fashion spaces are getting fearless in their approaches. A positive aspect to highlight is how they are conscious about sustainability in how they present such curated looks, which proves how much Thrift & Threads is the relevant platform for them to showcase their boldly exquisite creativity. The buoyancy exhibited by all who came is testament to the fact that for a long time, an event like this was critically needed.
The next edition will be on the 6th of December – at On The Roof, Travel Plaza – and it is one to look out for as the event steadily grows. This is a refreshing celebration of the fashion that surrounds us; fashion that demands as much expression as possible. There are still aspects that require improvement (and of course the organizers are working on that), but there can be no doubt that Thrift & Threads is on its way to become one of the foremost fashion and arts events in Zimbabwe.
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