Fashion extravaganza at Mnangagwa's inauguration

IT was pomp and fanfare on Monday as thousands made their way into the giant National Sports Stadium for the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa for a second term.

Mnangagwa was declared winner by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) with a 52,6% vote, but the Citizens Coalition for Change led by Nelson Chamisa rejected the August 23 and 24 poll results.

Away from the politics, the gathering also resembled a fashion show as the young and old dressed to kill.

Of course, the occasion called for it.

Most outstanding of the fashion-craze atmosphere were the different outfits made from Zanu-PF party regalia fabric.

Not to be out-done were some "slay queens" who put on tight, body-hugging attires, flaunting their "assets".

The designs seemed to vary with the erratic age groups. The younger generation mainly accentuated their outfits with matching pairs of heels.

The ladies really tried to leave a mark and a lasting impression.

Then there was "Dr Gucci" Grace Mugabe, former First Lady who proved that she still has the same elegance and style she exhibited during her late husband Robert Mugabe's reign.

This was the time she earned herself the nickname "Gucci" for her extraordinary fashion taste.

Her handbag alone was quite pricey, a Manolo Blahnik handbag, silk, which can cost upwards of R40 000 for a secondhand. Hers was undoubtedly not secondhand as it looked brand new.

She was the highlight of the day, mainly because she is a darling when it comes to her fashion sense. Her entrance to the stadium was met with loud cheers which reached crescendo as she  congratulated Mnangagwa on the podium.

Her dress, navy blue, with a bit of black, was a perfect fit as if it was bespoke.

Former Vice-President Joyce Mujuru, dressed up to the nines, sending a clear statement that age is only a number.

Bona Mugabe and Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, among others at the top table, were also dressed to impress.

Three of President Mnangagwa's daughters-in-law wore designer suits, which must have cost a fortune.

Clad in nice designer suits, many gentlemen also rose to the occasion, but could not outdo the women who seemed to have taken their time to prepare for the occasion.

However, on the flip side the difference in dressing proved something else: The massive chasm between the country's social groups.

Contrary to the elegance in the VIP section, those who sat on the bays wore mixed fashion, depending on one's pocket and social status.

But the majority of the attendees' dressing told a story of massive poverty.

Some women were dressed in ruling Zanu-PF party T-shirts, wraps and hastily made dresses with party logos and the dominant Mnangagwa's face imprinted on them.

In as much as it was a celebration, it was also a sad contrasting reality of the country's grinding poverty and super richness.

It was evident that Zimbabwe has a few rich individuals living amid the poor who wholeheartedly support national events, even in times of lack.

The poor were transported to the event by buses, while the rich and famous arrived in latest vehicles which many can only imagine in their wildest dreams.