The Boniboni wonder dress
For eight years, she has been in the fashion industry and says her business is all about change; turning traditional African style into something that everyone loves.
Wiza Ngwira, the woman behind Zwafrica has done exactly that with her newest innovation, the boniboni gown targeted for bridesmaids, which she claims can be worn in 16 different necklines and skirt details.
“I love it when wedding items can be reused and make perfect keepsakes for brides, bridesmaids and guests. You spend so much money on everything and it is great when you’re able to put some of those things to use again.
“The boniboni gown features a twisted strapless bodice with a soft sweetheart neckline that would flatter any girl, an A-line floor length skirt perfect for any elegant and stylish soiree; and also features two convertible panels on the skirt that can create 16 alternate necklines and skirt details. Yes, you heard me right – 16 ways of wearing this dress,” she emphasizes.
The gown is available in 18 colours. She adds that buyers, brides for instance, can decide whether to go for the same neckline on all their bridesmaids or go for a mismatched bridesmaids’ look just in the same colour.
“This dress would work wonderfully either way and with its flattering fit and timeless style, your girls will look beautiful. The best thing is that the bridesmaids will definitely be able to wear this dress again in 15 other ways for a world of events. That is what I call putting a dress to good use and a bang for your buck,” she states.
Ngwira says she designs clothes according to how people think and want. She claims she has more new innovations coming up soon.
“When I meet my customers to design clothes for them, they always complain how much they cannot wear certain dresses on certain occasions and that is what motivated me to come up with the boniboni gown. So, a dress like this can be worn at any occasion and in different styles to suit different occasions from weddings, to cocktail parties, birthday parties or even for a simple look for the outdoors,” she says.
The designer went to a fashion design school at the University of Johannesburg where she attained a degree. n
