Faith Ndou
MASVINGO CITY-Arguably the biggest fabric retailer in Masvingo, Ali and Company is set to host a vibrant Meet and Greet event on Saturday.
The event will held at the age old Ali and Co premises along Josiah Tongogara Avenue from 10am.
Running under the theme “Ali and Designers: Meet the makers, feel the fabric,” the event underscores the company’s commitment to uplifting local designers and strengthening ties within the creative community.
Ali and Company CEO Zubair Lambat said the Meet and Greet forms part of the company’s broader vision to collaborate with customers and support Masvingo’s emerging design talent.
“Ali and Co’s vision is all about collaborating with customers. It’s not about talking, but giving back to customers. It’s not just business — it’s friendship,”
Lambat said.
He added that the event aims to create a space where designers can showcase their craftsmanship, exchange ideas and connect directly with the community and potential clients.
“We strive to make people’s lives better. We help upcoming tailors. We have talented people in Masvingo,”he said.
Designers to Be Showcased
The Meet and Greet will spotlight a diverse group of fashion creatives shaping Masvingo’s fashion sector:
Elvynn Wezulu, founder of Needle Magic (Pvt) Ltd, who joined the business in 2010 and rebranded it in 2018, specializes in custom clothing, uniforms, corporate wear and high-quality embroidery services.
Mbali, a rising designer who graduated from Masvingo Polytechnic in 2022 with a diploma in Industrial Clothing Construction and Garment Designing, launched her professional career in 2023 and has already earned recognition, including the 2024 Masvingo Achievements Award for Best Designer.
Omega Marima, founder of Transcription Designs, with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry and a BSc (Hons) in Fashion and Clothing Designing. Her brand focuses on bespoke garments, custom designs and culturally inspired fashion consulting.
Leslie Designs Private Limited, a leading regional manufacturer known for producing quality tailored garments for various occasions. Guided by the philosophy “Dressing well is a form of good manners,” the company blends quality craftsmanship with African values of ubuntu.
The event will be hosted by Fortunate Tapiwa Zvanaka, a dynamic media professional with experience in radio, television, photography and digital content creation.
57 Years of Heritage
Ali and Company, one of Masvingo’s most iconic family-run businesses, was founded in 1968 by the late Ali Lambat.
Situated along the city’s principal shopping street, the shop is widely known for its extensive range of fabrics and sewing accessories catering to every taste and budget.
The business is now jointly owned by Zubair Lambat and son, both Zimbabweans of Indian origin.
Born in Masvingo on 29 November 1975, Zubair attended Victoria Primary and Victoria High School before studying Computer Sciences at ICL Harare. He later worked at Compusave Masvingo, later was a computer trainer, training government officials across various ministries.
Zubair joined the family business in 1998 and took over leadership following his father’s passing. In 2020, his sons also joined the enterprise, extending the Lambat family legacy.
As Ali & Co hosts tomorrow’s Meet and Greet, the company will not only celebrate 57 years in business but also reaffirm its longstanding philosophy that community, creativity and genuine human connection lie at the heart of everything it does.
