INTERNATIONAL clothing  label Lumiere Fashion House in Bulawayo has added yet another famous client to their growing list.

The studio that was founded and is owned by diaspora-based designer Sikhanyisiwe Moyo creates and sells clothes in local and international markets.

Staffers at the studio this past weekend had a surprise visitor and shopper the deputy minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya.

Jesaya was in Bulawayo to officiate at a cricket event when she made a detour to Lumiere studio in Parklands.

She toured the studio were they showcase their garments leading her to buying some of the products.

The deputy minister took the opportunity to market local designers.

“In the same spirit I have always pushed for us to support our own local talent, I say we should also buy local. We have amazing designers right here in Zimbabwe and they really put in the work and you can see with the way they pay attention to detail. You can see that effort has been put in and the dedication. If we do not support our own,who then will?”

During an interaction with Jesaya, a designer, Lilian Chasokela asked how Jesaya had found out about their studio.

“I actually read about it in the paper or was it online I cannot remember. I am very much up to date although it is impossible to know everything but I read 90% of arts and sports stories because I need to be in touch with my stakeholders,” Jesaya said.

“I then diarised it that when I come to Bulawayo I will find you guys. I know you dressed one of the local models who is representing us [at Miss Teen of The Universe Contest to be held] in India, so you see, I did my homework.”

Lumiere is the brand that dressed Miss Teen of The Universe Zimbabwe Victoria Ncube recently Chasokela expressed her shock and excitement.

“We’ve just experienced an exciting time at Lumiere Fashion House. We had a pleasant surprise from the deputy minister. She bought a couple of things and placed orders for others. We truly appreciate this unexpected gesture,” she said.