.png)
1. Introduction
From October 27 to October 29, the Skeyi and Strobo Fabrik Party came back to Harare for another round. Every year, this event generates a buzz amongst creatives looking for a community where they can express and celebrate their individuality through the textile arts.
Through the runway shows, musical performances, and now, panel discussions, the event acts as a hub for fashion-minded creatives. This is perhaps the most exciting part of events like this. The essence of Fabrik Party allows for networking in a way that is authentic to creatives.
Table of Contents
2. The Workshops
This year, the opening day was filled with 3 workshops, with the option for attendees to opt out of the sessions and instead, sit outside or walk around the shop stalls and installations.
The workshops came in the form of panel discussions discussing Visual Arts, Fashion, and Creative Business.
The panel nature of the discussions gave attendees the opportunity to hear from multiple perspectives in the local creative industry. I attended 2 of these discussions: Visual Arts and Creative Business. I found the content helpful, but more geared towards the entry-level creatives.
The panels were also most helpful when used as a jumping off point for more specific and personal discussions to be had with other creatives outside.
If the workshops were full of theory and potential, then the gardens outside were where that theory could be critically analysed.
3. The Stalls
The opening day also provided local textile businesses and creatives a chance to showcase and sell their work. I was surprised to find most of the pieces on sale were under $10. Sellers were mindful and understanding of who their potential customers were. This was refreshing to experience.
The owners of the stalls were also more than willing to share their stories, and to bring passersby into the world of their brands.
4. The Following Days
I did not attend the remaining 2 days of the Fabrik Party, but the Instagram posts that followed the event seem to show that nothing less than a ball was had.
To experience the Skeyi and Strobo Fabrik Party through its creative participants go to the official @skeyiandstrobo_fabrikparty Instagram page. (I would recommend scrolling through the Tagged Posts, in addition to the main feed.)
5. Conclusion
The Skeyi and Strobo Fabrik Party holds a special place in many Zimbabwean hearts, and there’s no need to wonder why. The event provides fashion lovers a chance to express their unique styles, engage with like minded creatives, and to gain inspiration from the looks shared across the weekend.
To receive updates on more stories like this, follow @the_movement263 on Instagram.