Makoti - The Traditional Wedding

The traditional wedding is the summation of two people and two families within the Zimbabwean culture. It is at this point the couple is now husband and wife. It is a joyous day and like most good things everyone wants to be a part of it...by everyone we mean US (the Falo Fabrics brand) we want to be a part of it !!

The Zambia

Makoti was inspired by our previous Muroora piece which had a detachable Zambia (Wrap Skirt). We elevated the design keeping the principal of the wrap skirt because culturally a zambia is an item of clothing that is important to the shona woman. It represents modesty and functionality. Traditionally a zambia is used in several ways. It can be used to protect special clothing or used as something to sit on. In relation to marriage we see the zambia being used to cover the bride during the process of kupereka. We also see the zambia used as a carpet for the new bride to walk on; this is done as a way to elevate and celebrate the bride. We wanted to capture this critical part of the shona culture, by including a detachable zambia/skirt to our design. Our skirt was made to also elevate the bride and add grandeur.

The Isicholo

Makoti means bride in Ndebele. As we had already done a piece representing Muroora (Bride in Shona) it followed that we represented the Zimbabwean people in their entirety. The Ndebele bride wears a head piece Isicholo as a sign of respect and socially as a symbol of her marital status. We wanted to include this piece to include the colours red that are often found on the head pieces. We also wanted to add the essence of royalty and queendom.

The Totem

Most Zimbabweans have a totem, which is like a family emblem. The totem is used to unite a group of people. People with the same totems are regarded as family even if its not by blood. The totem is often used as a sign of respect. We wanted to include this in our design to highlight the importance of heritage and family. We out sourced an artist to draw a representation of a totem in this case Chipembere. We wanted the texture of art on the shirt which wouldn't be achieved through printing. The design process included a chalky look to mimic the art that is often used by Zimbabwean limestone carvers.( This is a huge industry in zimbabwe)

The Brand

Fashion that reflects who you are. We included our personalised cuff links which come with the men's wear shirts. In all good and beautiful things, we want our brand to be involved. We are promoting and cultivating brand pride, not just for ourselves but for the people who wear Falo Fabrics clothes.

The Styled Shoot

Special mention goes to the team that helped bring this vision to life. The Photographers, Videographers and Models.