Yolanda Ngwenya Earns First NAMA Nomination After a Decade of Fashion Excellence
Yolanda Ngwenya, founder of the fashion brand Bakhar, has secured her first nomination at the National Arts Merit Awards, marking a milestone in a career that spans over ten years. Her designs have graced major international platforms such as Durban Fashion Fair and Berlin Fashion Week, and she has dressed high-profile figures including musicians Berita Khumalo and Vuyo Brown, as well as former model Samantha Tshuma. Ngwenya’s journey has been shaped by mentorship from industry leaders like Omoyemi Akerele, founder of Lagos Fashion Week, and Joyce Chimanye, creative director of Zuvva and chairperson of the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe. Her early potential became evident when one of her gowns was selected for a New York showcase, signaling her readiness to engage the global fashion stage. As the youngest board member of the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe and an alumna of the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Programme, Ngwenya has positioned herself as both a creative force and an industry leader.
Ngwenya’s journey began with art, inspired by sketches she discovered as a child at St James Secondary School, where her mother taught. She learned to sew from her mother and grandmother, merging her passion for drawing with garment creation. Childhood experiments, including mini fashion shows with altered clothes, helped spark her early interest in design. Although she grew up in a musical and theatrical family, she focused on fashion, honing her skills through high school illustration before studying fashion in South Africa. These formative experiences laid the foundation for Bakhar, her brand that now represents innovation, precision, and African creativity.
The vision for Bakhar has evolved over the years from a desire to be the biggest and best to a mission of elevating African fashion on a global scale. Ngwenya emphasizes the need for visibility, market positioning, and respect for local talent. She encourages young designers to recognize Zimbabwean talent and celebrate local craftsmanship rather than constantly seeking validation abroad. Her design philosophy focuses on detail, perfect fit, and bespoke tailoring, blending eclectic inspiration with technical precision. This approach has earned her international recognition and a reputation for creating garments that are both visually striking and technically sophisticated.
Ngwenya sources materials widely, combining traditional fabrics with unconventional items like ropes, glass, wires, and upholstery to create unique designs. She stresses the importance of understanding African roots to foster authentic and impactful creativity. Authenticity, she notes, allows a designer’s work to resonate deeply with consumers, transforming fashion from mere clothing into cultural expression. Her career milestones include having gowns showcased internationally, collaborations with embassies, and participation in mentorship programs with prestigious figures such as Omoyemi Akerele. These experiences have expanded her professional network and enhanced her creative output, solidifying her presence in the international fashion scene.
Over the past decade, Ngwenya has worked with local personalities, conducted workshops, and facilitated industry training. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation reflects her dedication to strengthening Zimbabwean fashion. She advises aspiring designers to master technical skills, understand business operations, and maintain discipline, consistency, and professionalism. Her first NAMA nomination is both a recognition of her achievements and a validation of her commitment to elevating African fashion. With her talent, strategic vision, and international exposure, Yolanda Ngwenya continues to build a legacy that inspires local designers and promotes Zimbabwean creativity on the world stage.
