Local designer dreams big
ASHION design is generally perceived by many as a female-dominated field but that has not stopped Byron Tumburai from making bold moves in the profession.
Tumburai’s fashion design journey commenced in 2012, when he was still a learner at Highfield High School in Harare.
When his peers chose practical subjects like Metalwork and Woodwork, he went for Fashion and Fabrics, drawing ridicule from his schoolmates.
“I was laughed at when I opted for a practical subject that was largely perceived to be for the fairer sex. However, I did not lose hope as I had a greater vision,”said Tumburai.
The aspiring designer is from a family of three, comprising his single mother and two sisters. The 24-year-old endured relentless scorn before he passed Fashion and Fabrics with distinction. After completing his Ordinary Level studies in 2016, he immediately enrolled for a Fashion Design course with a college in Harare.
“Being a fashion designer has always been a dream for me. However, going to school made the dream come true. I believe that even if I was a good designer, I still need to be familiar with the business aspect, possible through school,” he said.
After graduating with a national certificate in Fashion Design in 2018, Tumburai opened his own company called Unfolded
FPrestige, which is located in Old Highfield. His first major project was designing bridal dresses and he has never looked back since then, with his brand growing in leaps and bounds.
“From the first few projects I did, I managed to buy a generator and a designing machine of my own. For a moment, I could not believe this was truly happening. It was indeed a dream come true.”
He specialises in costume-made designs. “As a fashion designer, I get the opportunity to create outfits in various styles that help people feel confident about themselves and present their individuality.”
Tumburai, who draws his inspiration from American designer Marie Lueur, was born and raised in Harare’s high-density suburb of Highfield.
“I had to do all the things by myself. This taught me to be strong for my mom and my little sisters. I did not get help from anyone to be where I am today. I raised funds to buy my first sewing machine when I was still working for a local company,”he said.
The fashion designer hopes to grow his brand within and beyond the borders.
He also said he feels proud and honoured to be part of the fashion designing team for local radio personality Samantha Mary Musa, who is popularly known as MisRed. He, however, notes the journey in the female-dominated costume designing industry has not been rosy.