Local designer and founder of Jerome Wear, Michael Lionel Nzeve, says he wants to conquer Africa with his fashion designs.

In an interview with NewsDay Life & Style, the youthful designer said his Nzeve designs were inspired by Western varieties.

“I started designing in my home town, Chitungwiza, and at that time I could not sew, so I would give my designs to a tailor, but now I do formal, casual, streetwear and sportswear on my own,” he said.

“Though I am a youthful designer, l also work with the elderly because my designs are not limited by age gaps. My designs are peculiar and they represent only me, meaning they define my remarkable creativity.”

The 26-year-old designer said research had enabled him to transform his brands in order to keep up with changing trends.

“Uniqueness is what inspires my designs. I feel that people need to feel different, paving their own styles. I am always ahead of the game in terms of what is trending in the fashion world which I modify to suit my definition,” he said.

Jerome Wear, Michael Lionel Nzeve

“I have managed to stay afloat in business as many people lack fashion consultants who can advise them on dressing and looking good in different body types. Everyone wants to be unique, but not everyone knows how to be exceptional.”

Just like in any trade, Nzeve said he had also encountered several problems chief among them clients who fail to pay for their orders.

“It is disappointing how some clients with big names do not pay for the clothes you make for them, especially these days where there is short supply of good quality materials,” he said.

“Another challenge has been lack of appreciation by local shops since as a designer the desire is to have endorsement of our designs from those big local brands.”

Apart from designing, Nzeve has also hosted fashion shows such as Battle of Up-and-coming Designers (2019) and The Emerge (2018).

He has also dressed Mr Zimbabwe (2020) finalists in the first category of Casual and Streetwear and also participated at The Fashion Gala (2019) .

Some of the celebrities he has dressed include dancehall singers Guspy Warrior, Dhadza D, the late hero Soul Jah Love, Bounty Lisa, Juntal and his Afro Mix band, Pastor Olinda on her music videos and Ti Gonzi for his stage, red carpet events and videos.

Jerome Wear, Michael Lionel Nzeve

Jerome Wear, Michael Lionel Nzeve

Everything You Need To Know About Jerome Wear:

Jerome Wear has been one of the most respected names in custom tailored clothing, identified with superior fabrics, meticulous hand tailoring, and quality that is becoming harder and harder to find.

Get personal service from our Master Tailors and designers, who have years of experience in men's and women's custom-tailoring.

We are a full-service custom tailors and provide a complete wardrobe planning service according to your career, business and social needs. We custom tailor suits, tuxedos, sports jackets, pants, topcoats and shirts. For less than an off-the-rack suit, you can have a suit custom tailored expressly for you. When you consider the design of clothing as an art, you don't take details lightly.

That is why the quality of every Jerome Wear garment reflects a passionate attention to detail. All of our jackets are made with canvas interiors and we use the finest trimmings in every garment.

From perfectly matched patterns to well proportioned fitted linings, no detail is overlooked.