Social media went into overdrive after the relationship between Zimkhitha Mbete and fashion designer Hadassah Bhero was leaked.

Mbete said her brand was on trend with the demand for “genuine influencers” and she only shared “real” moments with her 38,000 Instagram followers.

“We are disrupting the socalled perfect moments online. Users no longer want to see filtered, retouched and seemingly flawless photos; they want content they can relate to in their day-to-day life.”

 

 

To stay true to herself, Mbete holds fast to her values, beliefs and the understanding that “everyone’s path is different”.

Inspired by Liqui Fruit, the partnership with Bhero aims to disrupt the artificial social media lifestyle with authentic and unaltered representation. Mbete travelled the country her social media feed shows stylish beach and mountain fashion shots, with upwards of 6,000 likes a post.

“Being authentic also means being real with oneself, knowing when to push and when to stop and take a breather to find inspiration,” she said.

However, working in content creation was not always the “glitz and glamour” the shimmering filters and body-altering apps promoted.

“Users engage more to relatable honest content because we all know that no one is perfect.”

The cornerstone saying to “face it until I make it” rather than “fake it until I make it” encouraged Mbete to construct her brand on a foundation of loyalty and personal engagement.

In an image of the partnership posted to her Instagram page, a radiant Mbete rocked a juicy Bhero design, exuding confidence and flair.

“I love what this campaign is about, pushing realness above everything, motivating everyone to live by their own true colours and to embrace what is real in the world.”

Durban-based designer Bhero said she drew inspiration from visual elements of three Liqui Fruit flavours: Cranberry Cooler, Orange and Berry Blaze.

She has 13,000 followers on Instagram.

Bhero designed a custom “Swag Kit” for Mbete, which consisted of a halter top, various brightly coloured skirts and a tropical green kaftan for her to showcase on her social media platforms.

Adorned with tropical parrots, pineapples, foliage and fruit, each piece is meticulously constructed with detail and flair.