COVER STORY
Lights, Camera, Fashion! BY PEGGIE SHANGWA
Consider going into a setting where cutlery is neatly placed beside exquisite china. Each element including flower arrangements, table cloths, sitting arrangements, are intricately put together. While capturing the concept of the event, the décor takes on a life of its own. Perhaps it's your red carpet appearance, or your photoshoot style. The Zimbabwean events sector is saturated with event planners, but only a few achieve a high-end finish. When it comes to stylists, relatively few achieve it to the level of being recognized by the rest of the African continent. Craig Zoowie is synonymous with deluxe detailing in both event design and both.The meticulous touch that Craig possesses is a cut above the rest. A known fact within circles is that if Craig did it, then it’s perfect. Every event that Craig handles, there's a touch of class. Together, with his team at VIP Hosting, we can see why they are the most sought-after event planners. Revered in the fashion industry, Craig is a stylist and style icon. His dress sense is that of a debonair. His suits, hats and even shoes make him the best dressed man in Zimbabwe, and beyond, hands down. It is an honour to have the esteemed style connoisseur not only on our cover, but to experience the makings of the Craig Zoowie brand. GMI: Welcome to Groove Magazine International Craig. You embody what we mean when we say that we are Metropolitan, African and Global. You are one of the founders of VIP Hosting and are a luxury lifestyle stylist and event designer, as well as a luxury shopper. Tell us more about yourself. Who would you say Craig Zoowie is? Craig: Thank you for having me. It’s such an honor. So Craig Zoowie is a tastemaker, influencing my industry and the arts. My affinity for well put together brands, individuals, events and productions has led me to be involved in some amazing projects because of my unwavering eye for detail and tenacity. All the while enjoying what I do daily. GMI: We have been fans of your work for year, and cannot hide how stoked we are to have you in this issue. Your
work is edgy, always very trendy, and has a standard of excellence. What inspired you to choose event design as a profession and do you have a philosophy around this?
and now use South Africa and Europe as a base for your work. What have been the upsides or downsides of that, and do you miss anything about home?
Craig: I attended a couple of amateur events and I was not impressed as I had wasted my look and time. I have always loved beautiful things. I knew exactly what had to be done and how. Hence, when I design an event, I ask myself how I envision the guests feeling when they receive the invitation, the wording on it, the textures, and the day they walk into the space we have designed and styled. It should ALWAYS be an experience when attending an event we are involved in. And the guest should also feel the pressure and respect the host.
Craig: Honestly, we do not have a base (laughs). We work anywhere as long as our phones are on and there is great wifi access. Expanding the business and opening up more divisions within VIP Hosting has always been in the pipeline for us. It has not been easy trying to penetrate the markets, but when your business becomes your life, they will buy it. It’s a matter of knowing who you are as a brand, staying true to your ethos and putting your best foot forward always.
GMI: You have worked in Bulawayo and Harare, founding VIP Hosting,
GMI: Walk us through your design process. Others have a place they go to be creative. Are you in any way
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