UK-based Zimbo designer unveils bridal collection

The Derby Telegraph’s Wedding Spectacular takes place on Sunday, offering a feast of ideas to people planning to tie the knot. 

Organiser Stephanie Brown said: “This weekend’s wedding show is destined to be one of the best ones ever. We have an amazing variety of exhibitors, showcasing everything from fabulous venues, flowers, bridal and menswear to wedding cars, music and magic.

“We even have a talented young Derby-based bridalwear designer with us who can make unique made-to-measure gowns.”

Designer Chipo Sibotshiwe, 27, will be at the event with her business, Chipo Bespoke.

Chipo, 27, who originates from Zimbabwe, but has lived in Derby for 11 years, aired her first bridal collection, Dressed For Love, at The Enterprise Centre, Bridge Street, Derby, on Thursday.

The designer, whose parents moved with her to the UK to aid her fashion career, has seen her business blossom in the last five years.

She said: “I was commissioned to design an evening dress worn at the Miss World 2009 pageant by the contestant from Zimbabwe at the finals held in South Africa.

“The following year my collection opened the first ever Zimbabwe Fashion Week and then I debuted at African Fashion Week London in 2011.

“Since November 2012, I have been working with the Princes Trust to progress my business. They have been fantastic.”

Chipo, who studied for a BA (Hons) degree in design at New College, Nottingham, offers made-to-measure style for the ultimate fit.

Bridal fashion has always been at the heart of her plans, hence her debut bridal collection launched this week.

Chipo said: “The concept of Thursday’s event (was) to create a diverse environment to introduce the new collection.

“There (was) a fusion of bridal fashion and African percussion from the amazing Arimba Arts band. It represented the diverse nature of our brand. Expect something completely different.

“I’m looking forward to Sunday’s wedding fair too and hope to see lots of people there.”

Chipo will be on hand to chat to brides to be about bespoke wedding dresses. “People often struggle to get the fit they want which is where I can help,” she said.

Chipo Bespoke provides a dress design service with prices from £150. It can also arrange for a unique print to be designed to make your dress even more special. Derbytelegraph.co.uk