I never imagined 2021 would begin with one of my life’s toughest lessons. The aftermath of losing my best friend brought me unimaginable pain. Life is a good teacher and a good friend. Nothing could have prepared me for the day I lost Karen, this was not how our life journey was meant to sum itself up.

We made plans to do very amazing things with our lives, waking up every morning to do what we loved and wishing each other good life every other day. Countless times she built up my confidence, plugged me onto clients & work, dropped her plans to give me a hug after a hectic episode of cyberbullying, she loved to see me grow and this was the selfless human that was my soulmate.

I loved my best friend and she showed me her love, she checked on me at the most random moments, at any time of the day, we shared laughs, comforted each other in sad times and celebrated our best moments together. Now she’s gone.

“The people we most love do become a physical part of us, ingrained in our synapses, in the pathways where memories are created.”

Karen’s friendship was the most generous of human gestures and I experienced the best of it. Her loss means I have a scar that I will carry for the rest of my life. I’ve grieved her loss and beaten myself up for it. Does healing from her loss mean forgetting about her, does the hurt become less painful? Do the sleepless nights become bearable? Do I now look at our favourite destination with new eyes, knowing it shall never be the same going there alone without your friend, your true soul mate…

I carry her most intimate dreams and plans in my soul because she shared them with me, I venture on with her legacy and dreams for a better life because that was the promise we made to ourselves and to the stars, that we shall shine brighter!

The initial concept was for a particular room we have had our eyes on for years but what’s a challenge to a group of masterminds. 

We decided to take the setting to the mythical Green Pools in Mutorashanga, about 100km out of Harare. Mutorashanga is a small ferrochrome mining town in Mashonaland West province in Zimbabwe. The “town” consists of some mines, of which Ethel mine is a flooded asbestos quarry. The mine is used by diving clubs and swimmers (the water is very clear). And in turn would provide a breath taking backdrop for our Styled Shoot (in a quarry).

Our Chief Florist was ready with stunning blue hydrangeas that she mixed with lush white David Austen roses,….. For the table aesthetic we wanted a luxurious crisp look (obviously). Show stopper florals stood tall  and divine in our 1meter high crystal Nouveaux vases, with decadent crystal candelabras best to them topped off with dinner candles. 

At the bottom we had a melange of our favorites- the different sizes of chinoiserie vases with striking blue poses, candle sticks and crystal tlight candles. 

We opted to keep the DVF inspired flatware cutlery in a bold black/gold scheme, crisp white napkin wrapped around white china crockery with a thin gold trim and chic blue crystal glassware. Bespoke menu cards carefully placed on the crockery confirmed all the elements- the table was absolutely gorgeous and in my words “…the table was disgusting”

And of-coz what’s a table without a Hostess, we had Styled our model in a stunner of a midnight blue gown with a lace bodice that had blue floral & Swarovski appliqué detail. We went for striking make up- dramatic eye lashes, highlight on cheek bones that flawless glow and a nude lippy.

Because she has amazing natural hair we sleeked her hair up into a high up do. She was the vision of a modern day Victorian queen waiting to host her guests on a magical table set in the middle of a quarry!

After setting up we had our amazing camera team on stand by to work their magic! And from the images here we can safely say ‘they were ready for this moment’…

Location :  Green Pools Mutorashanga 

Design, Decor & Florals : VIP Hosting

Cutlery & Crockery : LuxHire Events

Stationery : Trendy Paper Creations

Model : Carol Nyazika 

Dress : Posh

Make up : Tsungie Makwanya 

Hair Stylist : Carol Nyazika (Ndanaka) 

Camera & Lighting : Optimass Art

We are VIP Hosting, here to deliver exquisitely and decadently luxurious events from bespoke weddings, corporate luxury to lifestyle events.

Lungie, the Creative Director & Chief Florist has seen to it that attention to detail is the prime aspect that goes into each and every event that we put together and coordinate. With an intense and painstaking eye for detail, and a business perspective that helps to balance us all… She has the rare ability to crunch numbers faster than a calculator and her business ethic is absolute goals. Lungile has trained in Event Management and has attended a Floral Masterclass in Bali, hosted by the renowned Karen Tran. She is regarded amongst the leading floral designers in Zimbabwe. Her floral arrangements show the detail fused with heatfelt passion, the bespoke attention that each client truly deserves. 

During her spare time Lungie always introduces us to the finer things in life like some luxurious fine dining and always researching on new trends & ideas for our next events. 

Then there is our Kevin, The Wedding Planner- he heads the Wedding Division. Kevin is everything weddings, from the moment a potential bride tells him she is engaged, Kevin gets excited and makes sure everything is “handled”. From initial planning to on day coordination, he is literally walking down the aisle with the bride and groom making certainly sure that everything goes as planned. He is perfectly meticulous in his schedules that  every heart beat is a fascinating race right through to the wedding day. Trained at The South Africa School of Weddings, and having attended the prestigious Art of Planning Masterclass as well as The Coterie Retreat makes him one of the most sought after Wedding planners in Zimbabwe. Kevin is the epitome of a best friend when it comes to wedding planning  hence all past brides hardly ever forget him or get him out of their minds. When he puts down his Wedding files, one finds Kevin belting out some tunes as singing is his other passion that also brings us all together as VIP Hosting.

And then there is obviously moi… Monsieur Craig Zoowie. I am THE Luxury Event Designer. Put simply, I make sure your event leaves guests’ jaws on the floor from every single detail like the bespoke invitation card, how the event is styled to making sure you have the most memorable event. Because everybody is a brand in their own right, I help your brand communicate beautifully. As a qualified Fashion Stylist & Grooming Consultant, my eye for detail and perfection is unmatched and ensures luxury is served any given day. 

It is obvious that everybody deserves a luxurious event whether it’s a birthday brunch, cocktail event, to some corporate luxury! Also qualified & trained in Event Styling & Corporate Event Management- Event Styling in me is what a fresh strawberry is to a chilled glass of champagne… I will let your imagination relish this imagery… 

Some friends call me “Mr Luxury”… that’s all.

The rest of our team is made up of our Marketing & Logistics managers- Ndumiso, Solomon & Prosper who ensure that this VIP Hosting engine is well oiled and always timeous in service delivery. Always keeping us in check with each project we have.  

Our appreciation for event management has taught us patience with each other’s different personalities and creative ideas. Rest assured that you will forever find us excitedly strategizing for the next event over a good laugh and zeal. 

So next time you would like to host an event, remember we are here to bring the sparkle Darrhhhhling…

“I would like something elegantly simple, nuancedly understated and just nice. But knowing you as I do, Zoowie, the word ‘simple’ does not feature anywhere in your creative vocabulary. But as usual, I put my entire trust in you…” he responded. 

Because I have known him personally for many years, I completely understood what he meant and what he required. He is an extraordinarily refined gentleman who understands luxury and enjoys all the finer things that life and money can possibly offer. As my namesake too, we had to pay homage to that remarkable name.

This was set at one of my fav venues in Zimbabwe, The Venue Avondale. For the night, guests were greeted by a quirky easel with white balloons…. “86 certainly was a good year…”

The cocktail entrance had spectacularly breath-taking chandeliers to die for, with a personalized bar counter for Craig. This naturally set the tone for the exquisite champagne soirée.

We unanimously decided to go with one long intimate table setting for all guests on a white naked table. Classic, crisp white linen over crystal charger plates sitting on exotic tropical fern.

All this was accompanied by a bespoke gold foiled laser cut menu card and matching personal thank you note for each and every guest from Craig, and ofcoz gold cutlery is a must where luxury & bespoke are mentioned. A table laden with floating candles and minimalist lilies as the only florals in the middle of this setting brought the whole table home.

This spectacular view spoke to how the character of the host was at once adventurously bold, classy and a bit sassy and fun. And of course true to his nature, as the fabulous Queen Bonang would say, “the champagne would flow darling”. The champagne was strategically placed in crystal and gold champagne coolers. Detail was undoubtedly the order of the night.

Alongside this ridiculous table were lush lounges for the guests to sit back and sip after the dinner. Tropical and faux fur textured cushions matched the table theme without a doubt. Geometry lanterns accessorized the tables perfectly, everything was simply disgusting…. (snaps fingers)

What’s a Soirée without dancing, we set a branded LED dance floor for all those happy feet to do the electric slide. 

Happy Fabulous Birthday Craig Rain, #MrParty

Thank you for entrusting us with your event. We absolutely enjoyed setting this up for you…

“I would rather have it and not use it than miss it…” – my packing mantra!

As soon as I arrived I loved everything about Number 18, from the architecture to the furnishings which were nothing short of comfort and eye catching. Such luxurious comfort, I immediately felt at home, after sharing a drink and chat with the manager-Robyn who was an absolute pleasure showing me around and offering me some the best meals I have ever tasted locally. Spacious bedroom with crisp white linen and a pillow menu, full DSTV and high speed wifi : utopia!

My room had the most breathtaking bathroom, with a monochrome theme and a black clawfoot bath tub. And those who know me well enough will understand my affinity for monochrome interiors with hints of luxurious gold finishings. To top it off, this bathroom opened out to a private garden, whats better than relaxing in pure luxury with a nice cool breeze under the stars… of coz a photo shoot ensued with some champagne darling!

I will be giving away another fabulous fragrance, the most alluring Si Passione by Giorgio Armani….

Head over to my Facebook profile : Craig Zoowie
On The Si Passione Mother’s Day Fragrance Give Away post, comment with your answers, tag 10 friends to LIKE your answers/comment.
The correct answers with the most likes wins! Winner announced on Monday 21 May 2018 11am CAT on Facebook and on my website! Terms & Conditions Apply.

1. Which language is “Si Passione” and what’s the translation in English?

2. Which lipstick shade from The Armani Beauty range does the red on the bottle derive its colour from?

3. Who is the main model behind Si Passione?

So I will be giving away some fabulous fragrances…

Head over to my Facebook profile : Craig Zoowie
On the Mother’s Day Fragrance Give Away post, comment with your answers, tag 10 friends to LIKE your answers/comment.
The correct answers with the most likes wins! Winner announced on Sunday 13th May 2018 11am CAT on Facebook and on my website!

1. Name 3 other female fragrances by Bulgari?

2. When do we celebrate Mother’s Day in Africa?

3. Name the muse behind the Bulgari Rose Goldea?

4. Name the designer house that dressed Craig Zoowie for The Castle Tankard 2018

As the 56th Edition of The Castle Tankard is upon us this weekend, it brings with it anxiety on the jockeys and trainers, let alone the bets placed on those stunning beasts to race. Which horse will race off with the grand prize at stake and who are you putting your money on?

I’m all in on the Fashion & Style because we do know Horse Racing brings with it great elements of glam and style. Therefore “A Day at The Races” is when men can actually dress UP for such a prestigious occasion parading like the thorough breads that don’t come cheap to breed guided around the ring so punters can place their bets. Hence the prestige and respect must be paid.

For us in Zimbabwe the winter season beckons but the afternoons are still sunny and hot so a tweed suit might not be your first option Gentleman! Try to opt for a 3 piece suit in a lighter fabric, a crisp white shirt, monk straps and top it off with accessories such as a hat and a delicate satin pocket square with a pair of stunning shades.

Colours in grey, light blue, khaki or pastels for the bold gentlemen should be in great sight as these are not too heavy on the eye and distinguish perfectly against the day to day office suits you would wear in dark navy or black.

And of cause for my bolder colleagues why not go for a less formal but playful look- a plaid blazer over plain colored pants with penny loafers also gives a fresh take on the “Day at The Races” look for a gentlemen not conforming to a rigid 3 piece suit. A crisp white shirt again with this serves the look because of the color and heat reflection. White is always a better option against most skin tones too. Yes every punter knows how to spot a winner and its definitely going to be you.

Gentlemen, we can’t forget our scent for the day, I strongly recommend Kouros Silver by Yves Saint Laurent. An aromatic fragrance which is cooler & fresher than the original Kouros, with a long lasting longevity and heavy sillage. At this rate the odds of your style are 2-1 and anyone who places a bet on you is most likely going to win.

Your accessories are your handicap and carry weight to even out everything. These can range from a formal tie or a bow tie, with pocket square or a lapel brooch which are all the rage with a dash of sparkle to become the banker. The horse that is considered the most likely to win that day. Throw on a hat with sunnies and you are ready! ….place your bets…