Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE’S creative economy has received a welcome boost after accessory designer Chido Kaseke secured a coveted spot in the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield international fashion exchange.
The founder of celebrated brand PatCh Maokoe Zimbabwe and a Creative DNA Africa alumna, Kaseke’s selection shines a global spotlight on her exceptional talent and positions her as a proud ambassador of Zimbabwean craftsmanship on the world stage.
Launched in early 2026, the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield programme is a collaboration between the British Council, the Paul Smith Foundation and Projekt. It selects only six emerging designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa, offering an unparalleled opportunity for travel, collaboration and sustainable business growth through peer-to-peer exchange, intensive mentorship and hands-on learning.
Kaseke joins the distinguished 2026 cohort alongside Solome Asfaw (Ethiopia) and Karoline Vitto (London). Selected by a panel that includes Ib Kamara, creative director of Off-White, the trio’s inclusion speaks to the programme’s prestige and the global appeal of their work.
The programme begins with a 10-day immersion in Ethiopia, where Kaseke and her peers will explore the country’s rich craft traditions and contemporary fashion scene, drawing cross-cultural inspiration. It then moves to London for a transformative six-week residency at Studio Smithfield. Set within a 27 000-square-foot creative hub above London’s historic Smithfield Market in the Culture Mile, the residency offers free studio space for collection development, over 80 hours of expert-led business training, direct mentorship across design, production, marketing and finance and showcase opportunities before influential buyers and press, boosting both visibility and commercial potential.
For Kaseke, whose brand reimagines traditional Zimbabwean materials and cultural motifs into bold, contemporary handcrafted accessories, the selection marks a major milestone. Her work seamlessly blends heritage and modernity, firmly positioning Zimbabwean craftsmanship within global fashion conversations.
“I’m honoured to have been selected for the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield Residency. To be seen and supported by global voices such as IB Kamara is both affirming and reassuring, a reminder that African creative excellence holds global relevance and value. At PatCh MaokoeZimbabwe, craftsmanship is the vessel through which we tell stories of heritage and identity.
“I’m excited to explore how these practices can blend within a global ecosystem where different cultures, processes and systems intersect,” she said.
The designer believes the exchange is a platform not just for exposure, but for meaningful contribution.
“The cohort is richly diverse, bringing together designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa and I’m proud to represent Zimbabwe in this exchange. I look forward to learning within spaces that encourage new ways of thinking, not only to strengthen my brand, but to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the local creative economy back home.”
Kaseke’s achievement goes beyond personal triumph, marking a defining moment for Zimbabwe’s fashion industry. Her endorsement by a globally respected panel, including Off-White’s Ib Kamara, affirms the world-class quality and cultural depth of Zimbabwean design, positioning the country as a serious creative force. The recognition opens powerful doors: access to international mentors, buyers and peer networks will equip her with transformative skills and connections.
More importantly, that knowledge can flow back into Zimbabwe’s design ecosystem, while global exposure creates real pathways for exporting locally crafted fashion, attracting investment and strengthening artisan livelihoods.
The programme’s focus on sustainable, culturally rooted innovation aligns perfectly with Zimbabwe’s design ethos, empowering Kaseke to model how commercial success and heritage preservation can coexist. Her journey — from Creative DNA Africa alumna to this elite platform — delivers an inspiring blueprint for emerging local talent, proving global relevance is achievable without compromising cultural identity.
Moreover, her immersion in Ethiopia’s craft traditions and London’s contemporary practices will yield fresh perspectives on preserving Zimbabwean techniques, potentially revolutionising how local craftsmanship is adapted, marketed and sustained for future generations.
Her journey promises not only personal growth but also a significant contribution to elevating the entire ecosystem of Zimbabwean fashion, proving that authentic cultural expression, rooted in exceptional craftsmanship, holds undeniable power and relevance in the global marketplace. —@MbuleloMpofu
