Harare, Zimbabwe – US Ambassador to Zimbabwe (formerly to Philippines),
Harry K. Thomas invited world-renowned Filipino fashion designer, John C. Ablaza to
conduct workshops in Zimbabwe under the 2016 Fashion Entrepreneurship Exchange program sponsored by the US Embassy Harare and in partnership
with cultural champions, KUSIKA Design Centre, Zimbabwe International Film andFestival Trust, Mustard Seed Africa, Zed Label, Hunnar Management Agency and National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
Images credit Luke Molai and Jhenny Morales Evans of Jhenny Evans Photography
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US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas congratulates John Ablaza for
a successful Fashion Entrepreneurship Exchange workshops in Zimbabwe. |
With Zimbabwe being rich in many organic substances, Ambassador
Thomas immediately recognized the opportunity to tap and leverage Ablaza’s expertise in eco-conscious production, local sourcing and sustainable natural
materials utilization to help support the nation's fashion industry and economic growth. Ablaza’s classes were initially held in the cities of Harare
and Bulawayo, though with words spread fast and by popular demand, it had
extended to an impromptu seminar in majestic Victoria Falls, as well as a guest
lecture on Design and Business of Fashion at Harare Polytechnic University. The
overall initiative that ran from July 19th thru Aug 17th also
included a photography group practicum facilitated by US-based Filipino photographer
extraordinaire Jhenny Morales Evans, models networking and meet-ups joined by US-based fashion journalist/model Sheila Vidamo-Vertuno, an orphanage visit for future
charity fundraiser and several meeting consults. The impact of this joint program did not go unnoticed as it headlined Zimbabwe’s major magazines and
periodicals for weeks.
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L-R: Ambassador Harry K. Thomas and wife Mithi Aquino-Thomas with
Jenny Morales Evans and John Ablaza at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe |
The strong collaboration between Ablaza and the local
artisans and designers resulted in custom masterpieces that were featured in
the concluding fashion show, a first showcase event for many of the artists, at
the National Gallery of Zimbabwe on Thursday, August 4th 2016.
Harare and Bulawayo artisan and designer creations in collaboration with John Ablaza:
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| Model: Pretence Gonyesa |
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| Model: Floret Chikomwe |
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| Model: Mithi Aquino-Thomas |
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| Model: Samantha N Tshuma |
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| Model: Michelle Wallace |
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| Model: Sheila Vidamo-Vertuno |
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| Model: Michael Steve Reks Jacobsen |
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| Model: Kate Jailos |
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| Model: Lungani Mkhwebu |
John Ablaza Couture and Culture masterpieces:
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| Model: Nesta Kanemeyer |
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| Model: Tich Maruziva |
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| Model: Mithi Aquino-Thomas |
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| Model: Alisa Adams |
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| Model: Sheila Vidamo-Vertuno |
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| Model: Samantha Tshuma |
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| Model: Michelle Wallace |
By-invitation-only, the event was attended by no less than the dignitaries and
cultural and community influencers of the country.
Ablaza’s interactive and hands on approach fostered deeper
relationship and teamwork amongst the participants. In sharing their visions
and creating art together, the local artisans were in awe and touched to
realize how much their ideas and crafts complemented each other’s work. Uplifted with joy, many shed tears upon seeing their modernized and innovated products after
only a few days of collaboration. Truly inspiring!
In his 30 years of career in arts and fashion, Ablaza is
grateful that he is able to give back and make a difference. “I am thankful and blessed to be able to
do and share what I love. Four years ago, I committed to educate and train the indigenous
community of Puerto Galera Oriental Mindoro Philippines, where I mentored the
tribal women and local artisans to hone their skills
utilizing natural materials. Now, I am thrilled for the opportunities to
extend that work and pay it forward in the global arena. My month-long work in
Zimbabwe, thanks to Ambassador Harry Thomas and his wife Mithi Aquino-Thomas, was
very humbling and heart-warming, and I hope that it is only the beginning,”
says Ablaza.
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| John Ablaza, International Eco-Couture Designer based in the Philippines. |
Forget the shallow cosmetics, John Ablaza fashion is deeply
couture and culture sophistication, a brand admired for its advocacy to
protect the environment and help preserve Mother Nature’s bounty.
Kudos to Ambassador Harry Thomas, John Ablaza, Jhenny Morales Evans
and all advocates for this successful endeavor, and best wishes on future
undertakings. Definitely more to
look forward to!
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