Zim designers set for continental showcase

Haus of Stone Showroom

Haus of Stone Showroom will showcase Zimbabwe's emerging fashion talent on the continental stage when it participates in Kolwezi Fashion Week in the Democratic Republic of Congo from July 1 to 5.

The Harare-based creative hub will lead a collective of Zimbabwean designers at the event, using fashion as a platform to promote the country's rich heritage, sustainable craftsmanship and creative excellence.

Known as a roving pop-up shopping experience and creative sanctuary, Haus of Stone Showroom creates clothing for the "global conscious wanderer" while telling authentic Zimbabwean stories rooted in culture and sustainability.

The showroom will be joined by George Takora, Char Design Houze, Zanorashe, Ruby's Touch, Patch Maokoe Zimbabwe, Uzele and its own in-house label.

Together, the brands will establish a pop-up shop at the Africa Fashion Village, the commercial hub of Kolwezi Fashion Week, where they will showcase and sell handcrafted sustainable products to local shoppers, international buyers and fashion enthusiasts.

Founded in 2023, Haus of Stone Showroom is a creative studio, experiential retail space and vocational foundation dedicated to nurturing fashion talent from Zimbabwe and across Africa.

Through collaborations with artists and immersive shopping experiences, it connects local designers with new markets while promoting environmentally conscious fashion.

The showroom has built an impressive international profile, having previously participated in Mozambique Fashion Week, GTBank Fashion Weekend in Nigeria and London Fashion Week. It has also collaborated with organisations including Patrick Mavros, WildAid Africa, the British Council and the United Nations Development Programme.

Founder Danayi Chapfika-Madondo said the showroom remains committed to positioning Zimbabwean fashion on the global map while creating commercial opportunities for local designers.

"We want to use fashion to tell our stories, preserve our culture and create real business opportunities for our local designers," she said.

 "This trip is about showcasing the immense talent our country has to offer and turning that creativity into successful regional trade."

Kolwezi Fashion Week has grown into an important platform celebrating African fashion, culture and identity across Central Africa. Its Africa Fashion Village brings together designers, artisans, retailers and buyers in a vibrant marketplace that combines commerce with cultural exchange.

Among the featured brands is Takora, founded by George Takora, which is recognised for Afrocentric and Afrofuturistic designs blending structured tailoring with artistic expression. Char Design Houze, founded by Charmaiine Ndiza, creates contemporary garments inspired by local culture, while Zanorashe, founded by Tatenda Chidzidzi, focuses on elegant designs celebrating heritage and femininity.

Patch Maokoe Zimbabwe, founded by Chido Kaseke, specialises in handcrafted bags and accessories made from sustainable, biodegradable materials while empowering women through creative skills training. Ruby's Touch showcases intricate handcrafted fashion pieces, while Uzele, co-founded by three female entrepreneurs, produces bold statement earrings inspired by traditional African craftsmanship.

By participating in the prestigious platform, Haus of Stone Showroom hopes to expand market access for Zimbabwean designers, strengthen cross-border trade and reinforce the country's growing reputation as a centre for sustainable African fashion.

 

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