PRESS RELEASE: Harare, Zimbabwe – February 13, 2024

The Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust is thrilled to announce the successful launch of the Creative Accelerator Programme Facilitation at the British Council of Zimbabwe. The event took place on the 13th of February 2024, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for ten exceptional cohort members selected from Chinhoyi University of Technology.

The final cohort members were meticulously chosen for their outstanding creativity and potential, reflecting the high standards set by the Creative Accelerator Programme. These ten individuals, namely Isheunoziva Zuze, Tafadzwa Chimuso, Ashley Kagande, Charlington Moyo, Lorraine T Chaza, Colleen Mutemasango, Juliet Madyavuta, Diana Mlambo, Leon Chirauga, and Carol Kurima, are poised to make significant contributions to the fashion industry as a result of them being part of the programme.

The facilitators for this programme are Tatenda Chantelle Chidzidzi, Nompumelelo Sambwanga and Marshall Mutsamwira. The facilitation of this programme will be done both physically and virtually.

The theme for the Creative Accelerator Programme for these final cohorts is inspired by Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage, focusing on the art of draping in fashion design and paying homage to the iconic Mbuya Nehanda. This theme revolves around traditional attire, symbolism, empowerment, resilience, and the incorporation of draping techniques to tell powerful stories through fashion.

The Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust anticipates that the shortlisted members will produce groundbreaking designs that captivate the eye and tell compelling stories about the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The event featured esteemed guests of honour who shared their insights and support:

– Mr. Simbarashe Mudhokwani, Projects Manager – The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust, expressed his excitement about the potential impact of the programme on the fashion landscape.

– Dr. Verity Muzenda, Executive Dean of the School of Art and Design at Chinhoyi University of Technology, emphasised the importance of nurturing creative talent for the future of the fashion industry.

– Mr. Roland Davies, Country Director – British Council of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Southern Africa Lead, highlighted the significance of international collaboration and support for the development of Zimbabwean talent and the fashion industry.

The Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust extends its sincere gratitude to its sponsors, The Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust and The European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe, British Council of Zimbabwe and partners at Chinhoyi University of Technology, Department of Clothing and Textile Technology in the School of Arts and Design.

For further information, please contact: programs@zimbabwefashionweek.com | 0782445566

About Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust: The Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust is dedicated to promoting and advancing the Zimbabwean fashion industry by providing a platform for emerging talent and fostering creativity, innovation, and sustainability. The Creative Accelerator Programme is a flagship initiative designed to nurture and showcase the next generation of fashion designers in Zimbabwe.