The Journey Towards Self-Actualisation: Becoming and Unbecoming
This collection explores identity through the language of fashion, using garments as physical representations of transformation, memory, and self-discovery. Drawing from the exhibition’s broader themes of cultural identity, personal growth, and becoming, each piece reflects a different stage in the evolving relationship between who we were, who we are, and who we aspire to be.
The Origin
December 2024
This denim ensemble, comprising a top and skirt—a nod to traditional Shona attire— explores the slow erosion of Shona culture under Western influence. Inspired by Robert Wun’s burnt-edge technique, the “fire” symbolizes this cultural decay, while the resilient denim represents Shona strength. The train, honoring pre-colonial Shona royalty, reflects enduring pride despite fragility. This piece merges tradition with modernity, questioning the survival of cultural identity amidst change.
Growth
November 2025
The Japanese concept of “Wabi-sabi” is central to this piece as it explores the beauty in imperfection. Inspired by Alexander McQueen, the piece comprises of deformed metal and beaded flowers, it expresses how imperfection is inevitable in the process of growth. The choice of white fabric emphasizes the purity in such a transformation, showing that in order to grow you need to be your most authentic self.
Chrysalis: The Death of Me
October 2025
This is a transformative dress reflecting the struggle of self-reinvention. Inspired by Zimbabwean styling, the overalls’ long fabric mimics tied sleeves at the waist, symbolizing work in progress while also showing that we ourselves are being worked on. Stained with pools of blood, bloody handprints, and burnt patches, a nod to Robert Wun, it embodies how, to become who we aspire to be, we must kill certain parts of ourselves.
Madhende: Threads of Renewal
September 2025
This work explores life after death, where each strip symbolizes what emerges from past experiences. Inspired by madhende, a traditional Zimbabwean practice of repairing worn clothes, the imperfect stitches and mismatched pieces reflect scars—markers of identity shaped by hardship. Though the fragments may not align perfectly, together they embody resilience and beauty, showing how every imperfection contributes to who we are.
Who Am I ?
Who Am I is a personal exploration of identity, self-discovery, and becoming. Through fashion, I reflect on the tension between expectation and authenticity, embracing identity as something that is constantly evolving rather than fixed. Developed through self-teaching, experimentation, and hands-on making, each garment marks a milestone in my growth as a designer and represents another step in defining my creative voice.
Patched Up
October 2024
This is an original design with a personally drafted pattern, created to wear to a fashion show. It marked my first exploration of upcycling denim, transforming discarded materials into something expressive and new. I was drawn to the fragmented nature of denim patchwork, which symbolizes reconstruction and renewal—how beauty can emerge from what is broken or overlooked. I also take my personal branding seriously, which is reflected in the embroidered detail “MRLIS 2FINE,” my signature mark that ties my identity directly into the piece.
All My Skirts
October 2025
This original piece was created by upcycling several denim mini skirts that my aunt had bought me, which did not fit. Instead of discarding them, I decided to transform them into a new skirt made from the skirts themselves, combining and reattaching the cut-up sections to form a cohesive new design. Through this process, I learned that creativity often emerges from limitation—and that, much like this garment, sometimes you must assemble smaller, imperfect pieces of yourself to create a grander, more complete whole.
Imposter
June 2025
This original piece was created to mimic a denim composition but made using canvas, highlighting the idea that materiality can be fluid and adaptable. I wanted to show that a material typically used for outdoor furnishings, curtains or even couch upholstery can take on new purposes and identities when reimagined. One of the main highlights of this work is the patch pockets. I began with a generic denim pocket pattern but restructured and overlapped it to create a new, disjointed form that challenges uniformity. The pockets were deliberately enlarged to create a sense of exaggeration and boldness, reinforcing the idea that design can be playful, expres
Flag Bearer
October 2025
This piece was created in preparation for our school’s International Day 2025: a celebration of our diverse community and cultural pride. As the oldest Zimbabwean student, I will have the honor of carrying the national flag during the parade, so I wanted to create an outfit that truly represents Zimbabwean identity. I chose Ankara fabric for its vibrant patterns and strong connection to African heritage, using it to blend tradition with contemporary design. Through this piece, I aim to showcase how fashion can be a medium for cultural storytelling, one that honors my roots while expressing my individuality.
For Robyn
October 2025
“For Robyn” is a two-piece outfit consisting of a kimono-style top and an A- line skirt, created for my brother’s wedding. The title “For Robyn” is inspired by her favorite color, blue, which also served as the overall theme of the celebration. I selected this particular Ankara fabric because its patterns are reminiscent of the mandalas she occasionally designs, adding a personal and meaningful connection to the piece. I chose a kimono-style top as a reflection of my admiration for Asian fashion, blending cultural influences with my own design perspective. This piece relates to my identity as it embodies my ability to merge personal significance, cultural references, and stylistic influences into one cohesive design.
Mwana Wevhu: Daughter of the Soil
November 2024
This dress was created for International Day 2024, using a material introduced as Zimbabwe’s new national dress. I wanted to embrace this emerging cultural identity while also blending it with my personal aesthetic, incorporating elements of my grunge-inspired style. The design reflects a dialogue between heritage and contemporary expression, highlighting both where we have come from and the direction we are heading. Through this piece, I explored how fashion can honor tradition while allowing for individual creativity, demonstrating my approach to design as a balance between cultural narrative and personal identity.
A Night With Gatsby
July 2023
This piece was inspired by one of my favorite movies, The Great Gatsby, and was designed for a special occasion of my choice. The design draws influence from Daisy Buchanan’s style, translating it into a modern interpretation. It was constructed using a commercially sourced pattern. This piece reflects my identity in its fusion of historical inspiration with personal interpretation.
#Viral
December 2025
#Viral was a school musical production where costume design was used to enhance character development and storytelling. As Head Designer, I created and sewed original costume pieces and managed the production process from concept development to completion.
