This past Wednesday the Zando team headed to the heart of Johannesburg to host a celebration on the eve of Women’s Day. The evening, just as the national holiday itself, aimed to celebrate the social, economic and cultural achievements of our #ZandoWomen. Following this train of thought, the theme of the night was nothing short of inspirational.
As guests made their way down our black carpet at The Franklin Loft Apartments, they grabbed their 4th Street welcome drinks and made their way to the cocktail area where they mingled, shared their successes and enjoyed the music, the drinks, the desserts and the canapes making their way around the purple lit room.
Our welcome balloons below are all thanks to the lovely team at The Balloon Stop.
Miss South Africa, 2018 – Tamaryn Green
Beauty Content Creator – Mihlali Ndamase
Int. Actress – Nambitha Ben-Mazwi
TV Presenter & Host of E!’s How Do I Look? South Africa – Roxy Burger
TV Personality & MC – KNaomi with Tshepi Vundla
Our 4th Street mixologist entertained guests throughout the night mixing cocktails of their choice. Thanks to Barmotion, the chilly JHB weather left us unaffected with coffees, teas and the most delicious hot chocolates to accompany their lolly waffles.
Flower centerpieces courtesy of Oopsie Daisy Flowers
Our first speaker of the night was Miss South Africa 2018, Tamaryn Green. Tamaryn, who was once a Zando model and medical student, found herself journeying towards becoming the official Miss South Africa. Tamaryn spoke about how she wishes to use her newfound platform to, including but not limited to, starting a campaign she’s passionate about. Her passion is helping others, which explains why she aspires to be a paediatrician when she gets the chance to complete her studies. Having already completed 6 years of her degree, Tamaryn realised that there does not have to be a choice between who or what she wants to become. The realisation that we as women in 2018 can be anything and everything we want to be without having to trade one dream for the other, gave her the confidence to put her studies on hold knowing that she go straight back to it as soon as she’s ready.
Fun fact: Modeling for Zando’s online catalogue was Tamaryn’s very first modelling job. You can still see her images online!
Tamaryn Green
Our second speech of the night was by one of Zando’s very own local designers, Erre. The duo have just been awarded the SAFW Cape Wools SA prize for ladies wear. The team spoke about their range that caters for every type of woman. The Myri dress, which really is a one size fits all, fits every type of woman; the woman who has just gained a bit of weight, the one who has just lost weight, who has entered the next chapter of her life as a pregnant woman and even one who may be a new mother. The dress aims to give women confidence and puts emphasis on the fact that we are all equals, no matter our outer appearance and our clothing should be able to cater to that.
Erre
Our third speaker gave an inspiring talk on entrepreneurship for women and the importance of empowering one another. Sabrina Kennedy, founder and designer of Bibi Rouge, inspired our guests in attendance to reach for their dreams, whether they’re sure of it or not. Sabrina told her story of how she sat down, made a list of every money making idea she could think of and started each one, with the goal of figuring out which one she was passionate about and making a success out of it. With R300 in her bank account, she found her passion in fashion. Without any idea of how to make clothes or as little as the concept of pattern making, she went through the yellow pages and searched for someone to produce her clothing – one sample at a time to suit her budget. Years later, Sabrina can be proud of herself and encourage others to do the same.
Fashion Designer & Owner of Bibi Rouge – Sabrina Kennedy
Pro MUA Lindy Lin, Social Media Influencer Nadia Jaftha and Pro MUA Azraa Baker
Nambitha Ben-Mazwi & KNaomi
Actress and TV Personality Enhle Mbali, Stylist Thameenah Saint, Actress Natasha Thahane and Fareedah Davis
Zoey Khan, Lifestyle & Beauty Influencer Zakiyya Bham and Sabeeha Bham
Rishka Matthews, Fareedah Davis & Sadiyah Rylands
Guests, while being treated to hand massages and nail paints by 27 Pink Beauty Bar, had the opportunity to touch and feel our range of New Arrivals. Shoes, bags and clothing were at their disposal to put outfits together. When not socializing, guests settled at beautiful cocktail tables courtesy of Lounge Around.
The rest of the night followed with our guests mingling, sharing their inspirational stories with one another and dancing the night away. They didn’t leave empty handed, either. Thanks to our beauty, clothing and shoe brands, each guest left with makeup, underwear and shoes courtesy of Footwork!
All images courtesy of MoSparks Productions
Video courtesy of @redrabbit.tv
