The Dee’s Suit Studio
I am not a suit person, have never been one.
The first time I bought a suit was a week away from my college graduation and while I got loads of compliments when I rocked it, I never got hooked.
Over the years I have added to the collection, thanks to the numerous formal and black tie events that I attend every now and then, but it is not a dress code that I am comfortable in.
I am more of a T-shirt, jeans and Converse type of guy. I will rock up to a wedding in that gear and won’t even feel out of place.
The closest I come to being formal is when I throw on designer African print outfits. These bring me closer to home.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate suits and appreciate a good cut when I see one.
Despite my dress preferences, I appreciate fashion in its many forms and my knowledge in that regard is above average.
While the Zimbabwean fashion design scene is not that huge, it has been growing with numerous personalities in the industry making an impact even on the international stage.
There are a few designers who I respect when it comes to suit creations and there is a guy who caught my eye recently.
Desmond Zhakata has been doing wonders in the suit game, creating outfits that would make the wearer stand out in any setting.
The Dee’s Suit Studio has dressed numerous celebrities including Jah Signal, Stunner, Garry Mapanzure, Miss Red and Andy Muridzo to name just a few.
These are fashionable personalities and they are opting for this designer’s threads for good reason. He knows what he is doing.
When many people decide they need a new suit, usually they hit their favorite boutique or just order from outside the country and the culture of having your own tailor made outfit is still on the low.
“I discovered that there was a gap to be filled since readymade suits normally do not bring that perfect fit, more so the Dee’s has unique designs to fit executive events, parties, weddings and so on,” said Zhakata.
“The Dee’s is a brand for designer clothing specializing in suits for men and women. It is a brand set to bring a difference in the market as many people order suits from abroad.”
The designer who is a pharmacist by profession started his stitching movement in 2016 and over the years has grown it to become a reputable brand.
“I am a pharmacist by profession. Designing is my God given talent, I have never been to any school for that but have managed to train a lot of people who are doing big things in the industry. 
“I am passionate about my work and designing brings that inner satisfaction.”
The next time I decide that I want a suit, I am taking the bespoke route, that is have one made to suit my personal taste and fit perfectly.
There is no reason not to when we have designers like these who are making garments that are way much better that the low quality stuff being imported from China (No offence).
“When I started my target market was the executives but I then diversified. The idea now is to attract all individuals with a unique sense of fashion that relates to suits (formal and casual).
“We have designed for a lot of celebrities in Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa with a majority of them modelling for our brand.”
Just like everything else, business had slowed down due to the pandemic but Zhakata says they are slowly getting back on their feet.
“2020 started well and generally we have been busy since the launch of the brand. It was a nightmare at the beginning of the pandemic as events and the entertainment industry came to a halt. Now we are quickly coming back to life.”
