On Monday thousands of Zimbabweans gathered at the National Sports Stadium in Harare to witness the swearing-in ceremony of President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his second term in office.
The event was not only a political occasion. From designer labels to dazzling party regalia, the inauguration ceremony transformed into a mesmerizing fashion spectacle that rivalled the grandeur of the official proceedings.
The crowd was a sea of colours, as supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF party donned their green, yellow and red outfits, some with Mnangagwa’s face printed on them. Some even accessorized with hats, scarves, umbrellas, and flags.
Among the notable fashionistas at the ceremony was Grace Mugabe, the widow of former president Robert Mugabe, who made her first public appearance since 2019.
Famously nicknamed “Gucci Grace” due to her fondness for high-end designer brands, she donned an extravagant ensemble from head to toe, worth thousands of dollars.
Unsurprisingly, her outfit became the focal point of social media discussions.
Notably, Grace Mugabe and her entourage carried handbags that collectively exceeded a staggering US$19,000 in value.
These included a Green Chanel Vintage bag valued at a minimum of US$9,000, a Limited Edition Gucci bag worth US$4,000, a Black Chanel bag also priced at US$4,000, and a Manolo bag valued at US$2,000, according to Zim Live.
Another person who caught the attention of many was Priscilla Chigumba, the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), who was responsible for announcing Mnangagwa’s victory in the disputed election.
She wore a black and white outfit that some described as an “undertaker” or a “trendsetter” on social media.
Some praised her bold fashion statement, while others criticized her for being insensitive to the opposition supporters who felt aggrieved by the election outcome.
The inauguration ceremony also featured performances by local artists, such as Jah Prayzah and Chief Hwenje who mesmerized the ZanuPF loyalists with his Mai Welly song,
They were both well-received by the audience, who sang and danced along to their tunes.
The inauguration fashion was a reflection of the diversity and creativity of Zimbabweans, who expressed their political views and personal styles through their clothing choices. It was also a way of celebrating the occasion and showing support for their leader, who promised to improve their lives in his speech. Mnangagwa said: “The lives of our people should be improved, nothing less.
Elegance Meets Tradition
Elegance permeated the scene, with many women choosing to wear traditional attire with a modern twist. Richly embroidered African fabrics, such as kente and ankara, were transformed into stunning dresses and head wraps. Young women opted for bold and vibrant colours, in Zanu-PF colours while the older generation showcased timeless, intricately beaded outfits that paid homage to Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
Nomsa Chigariro, a 60-year-old grandmother, proudly displayed her meticulously crafted outfit, saying, “This is a special day for our country and my president and I wanted to show my love and respect for our president by wearing our traditional attire with his face. It’s a fusion of the old and the new, just like our nation.”
Designer Extravaganza
Not to be outdone, Zimbabweans flaunted their designer labels with style and flair. High-end fashion took centre stage as some attendees wore luxurious gowns and suits that wouldn’t look out of place on the international fashion runways. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana made appearances, elevating the fashion quotient to new heights.
Sandra Moyo, a fashion enthusiast, donned a stunning couture gown from a local Zimbabwean designer. She explained, “I wanted to support our local talent and showcase that we have world-class designers right here in Zimbabwe. It’s important to celebrate our own while also embracing global fashion trends.”
