Maria Chiguvari
LOCAL brand ‘PFEKA,’ owned by Netherlands-based fashion designer Eglet Mtengwa Nyabvure, is making a BIG statement at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Pfeka’s national Olympic costume celebrates the history of Zimbabwe’s ancestors.
The outfits, designed by Pfeka, include a cream blazer with the Zimbabwe bird paired with green pants and also a jacket inspired by Ndebele prints.
It is characterised by vivid colours and symbolic patterns.
There are also golf and T-shirts in Zimbabwe’s national colours of black, red, and gold.
Nyabvure said when the brand was established in 2018, she did not foresee it breaking barriers at such pace.
In an interview with H-Metro, Nyabvure said the Pfeka brand was about representing Zimbabwe.
“Appearing at an international level has been a long-standing dream for Pfeka. The opportunity to showcase our brand at the Olympics is a tremendous honour.
“Pfeka is an Afro athleisure clothing brand dedicated to storytelling.
“We narrate African, particularly Zimbabwean, stories through our apparel.
“Sharing these stories with the international community is important and significant. Zimbabwe is rich in history, heritage, culture, flora, and fauna, all of which are woven into our clothing. There’s nothing more powerful than telling your own story on a global stage.”
She added:
“As the founder, I am deeply humbled and to see a humble idea grow into something so significant is a remarkable success story.
“Starting Pfeka in 2018, we aimed for gradual growth and it’s incredibly gratifying to see our work appreciated by so many.
“Pfeka’s visibility to millions of people, especially at the Olympics, signifies that we have truly gone global. It’s been a journey of perseverance, learning, and growth, and I am grateful for where we are today.”
She said she was cautious at the beginning.
“I was cautious about radical marketing because we wanted steady, sustainable growth. Although we are achieving significant success now, it wasn’t an overnight phenomenon.
“Since our inception in 2018, we’ve experienced wins, failures, and valuable lessons. Our current success is a result of consistent effort and presence and, while it feels like a breakthrough, it’s a deserved and well-earned achievement.”
She had the privilege of dressing the Zimbabwe David Cup tennis team, the netball team for the World Cup and the hockey team for the World Cup.
“These experiences have given us a taste of high-level exposure. Our next steps involve maintaining this momentum by engaging with more teams, clubs, and countries.
“We aim not only to be a clothing brand but also to help connect Zimbabwean athletic talent with international communities.
“Our exposure and network can support the sports industry in meaningful ways.
“I am working with ZimTrade to promote local fashion brands and prepare them for international markets.”
