Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu
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Zimbabwean fashion collective Haus of Stone Showroom is set to take local creativity to the continental stage when it leads a delegation of homegrown designers to the Africa Fashion Village at Kolwezi Fashion Week in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from July 1 to 5.
The Harare-based creative studio will showcase a diverse range of Zimbabwean fashion brands, providing designers with an opportunity to access new markets, connect with buyers and highlight the country’s growing influence within Africa’s fashion industry.
Founded in 2023, Haus of Stone Showroom has established itself as more than a retail platform. The organisation serves as a creative hub that nurtures designers, artists and artisans while creating opportunities for them to reach wider audiences.
This year, Haus of Stone will showcase its in-house label alongside several emerging Zimbabwean brands, including Takora, Char Design Houze, Zanorashe, Ruby’s Touch, Patch Maokoe Zimbabwe and Uzele.
The brands will be part of the Africa Fashion Village, a marketplace that allows designers to engage directly with consumers, retailers and international buyers.
Unlike traditional runway shows, the Fashion Village offers participating brands opportunities for immediate sales, networking and long-term business partnerships.
Haus of Stone founder and cultural strategist Danayi Chapfika-Madondo said the initiative is about more than showcasing fashion.
“We want to use fashion to tell our stories, keep our culture alive and create real business opportunities for our local designers. This trip is all about showing the immense talent our country has to offer and turning that talent into successful regional trade,” she said.
Among the participating brands is Patch Maokoe Zimbabwe, founded by Chido Kaseke, which specialises in handcrafted bags and accessories made from biodegradable materials such as hessian fibre. The brand has gained recognition for combining sustainable production with community empowerment through skills development initiatives for women.
Takora, founded by George Takora, will showcase contemporary designs known for their balance of structured tailoring, clean lines and artistic experimentation.
Char Design Houze, led by Charmaiine Ndiza, is expected to bring youthful energy through designs that celebrate local culture while appealing to modern consumers.
Designer Tatenda Chidzidzi’s Zanorashe label will present collections rooted in heritage, femininity and intentional design, while Ruby’s Touch will highlight intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Completing the delegation is Uzele, a fashion accessories brand co-founded by three female entrepreneurs. The brand is known for its bold statement earrings that reinterpret traditional arts and crafts through contemporary design.
For the participating designers, the trip represents an opportunity to test their products in new markets while building relationships with buyers from across Africa and beyond. For Zimbabwe’s fashion sector, it is another sign of the industry’s growing ambition and confidence.
