It seems summer is off to a good start for Zim fashion, with arguably the first release of season—the much anticipated Babwê jersey.
Released on August 5, the replica football jersey is a continuation of Babwê’s thrust since inception—inspiring pride in our heritage. Creative Director at Babwê, Lesley Manokore, sees the jersey as an apt representation of Zimbabwe’s sporting legacy; something that has often been overlooked in general and especially fashion discourse.
”The purpose of a jersey, in any sport or discipline, is to represent. So with this new drop, it’s all about embodying that,” said Manokore. “I find a lot of frustration when seeing other countries that have really cool jerseys that they wear sort of iconic type of clothing that they wear that’s represented in sports. Zimbabwe doesn’t have anything but just the lack of variety.”
The Babwê jersey is inspired by the aesthetics of 90s Zimbabwean football, particularly Fabisch’s famed Dream Team. Everyone can agree that this was the golden era of Zim football; with the likes of of Bruce Grobbelaar, Henry McKop and Peter Ndlovu donning the nation’s colours on their way to a memorable World Cup qualifying campaign. The Dream Team became a symbol of hope and a source of national pride, turning many Zimbabweans into football fanatics.
Two decades later, Babwê has tapped into that golden era to create a jersey that will invoke memories, bring meaning to the present, and give us hope for the future.
”The jersey is inspired by the Dream Team days of the 90’s. I personally think was the most lively era for our sports because I hear my parents and uncles speak of how the team was iconic. Just as everyone in the 90’s took pride in the Dream Team, we want everyone to feel inspired by the Babwê jersey. The jersey is for everyone,” explained Manokore.
Babwê’s latest release is a beacon of a broader renaissance—a wave of renewed pride in our Zimbabweanness, a yearning to stand firm and stand out in the global conversation.
“It’s very important for us to create something that is in our own lane,” concluded Manokore.
Babwê THRIFT DAY—A befitting homecoming
Four days after the release of the Babwê jersey, the international brand hosted its first popup in Zimbabwe; headlining an event dubbed THRIFT DAY held at Theatre in the Park.
“Babwê THRIFT DAY was all about bringing people together. It was about harbouring and fostering this creative culture that we have in Zimbabwe that we hold so precious despite all the hard things that are happening around the country.
“I think it was important to have something like that and to bring the people who support Babwê together in one place,” recalled Manokore as we reminisced on the event.
Indeed, THRIFT DAY was a special moment in Zimbabwean fashion history. Fashionistas came in their droves to support sustainable fashion, homegrown brands and captivating musical talent. It was on this day that Manokore and Babwê got to immerse themselves within the emerging fashion scene in Zimbabwe.
The brand had their own thrift sale going on, giving away old merch at low prices. And of course, the Babwê jersey was on full display; in its full glory!
Thrift stores on show included Grayville Thrfit, Sickwear Thrift and Tripple Tee Clothing; while Obey The Stylist was also there to give attendees some pristine combos on the day. The stores made it a worthwhile event to attend as fashionheads got bargains on some quality, authentic merch.
Instead of the usual runway showcase, fashion brands were donned by charismatic models who then interacted with the crowd, adding flair to the scenery. An assortment of brands showed up and showed out—Soleil, Rebel Streetwear, The Eth, Croshe, GFG, Tibzy Wears, RARE ART.
MC for the day, award-winning rapper Donne Jovi, brought the energy that kept the crowd alive and engaged; even through a couple of technical glitches. CHOMUKOBODO set the stage with a ngoma-infused rap performance, while singing sensation Hylee’s acoustic renditions alongside Savanna Sound coasted the crowd as dusk approached.
Conversations flowed, moments were captured beautifully; and in those moments, Zim fashionistas felt they belonged. Inbetween performances and as attendees shopped around, the DJ’s kep the vibes going. Mufasa, N.K doombot and Calvinmadeit did justice to the music policy for what was a get-together for fashion lovers.
As the event approached its peak, jD came out in none other than the Babwê jersey, a core memory for everyone who came on the day.
He delivered an electric performance of songs from his debut EP Shumba Nyamuziwa, complete with choreography supported by young dancer Kendy.
As if the crowd had not already gotten more than their money’s worth, Mutare’s finest Leodale rocked up on stage for a surprise performance that got everyone on their feet. Surely, his song ‘4Am Freestyle’ is still ringing in attendees’ heads two weeks later.
Music headline for the day, the soulful SAIIREN came on stage with the picturesque sunset as a background, and delivered a heartfelt performance. Renditions of RIOT, Show Me, and crowd favorite Kufarisa proved the songstress’ prowess as a live performer. Fans then got more than what they bargained for when she closed off the performance with a teaser for her upcoming single, What You Made Me.
As promised, Babwê closed off the show with a giveaway of one last Babwê jersey, as the piece had already been sold out on their website by August 7. In the end, it was DirectedByFloyd, a budding filmmaker, who went home proudly wearing the Babwê colours.
Babwê THRIFT DAY was testament to Zim fashion’s potential to unify the youth and define culture. It was a befitting homecoming for a brand that has taken the Zimbabwean story to the world through threads. Whatever the next chapter holds for Babwê, what it has managed to achieve in half a decade is nothing short of astounding.
Distinctly Zimbabwean identity, global appeal and now firmly rooted in the Zim fashion scene; this is history being made. Mcheno and More is just there to document it.
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