Creative DNA, is a programme by the British Council created with the aims of promoting alternative and innovative approaches to the global fashion system.
The ambition of the initiative is to demonstrate that the fashion sector is a viable career option for young people and a valuable contributor to the creative economy. Already in existence in other sub-Saharan countries, the project made its debut this year in Zimbabwe.
Announced by the British Council, the inaugural Creative DNA Zimbabwe cohort features 44+ creatives who are taking the lead in shaping Zimbabwe’s fashion industry:
Char Designz by Charmaine Nziradzemhuka (Harare)
Natai Natai by Cheryl N. Johnson (Harare)
Riso Jeradi by Chantelle Jeradi (Harare)
N.U. Clay Jewellery by Natsai Ushe (Harare)
Machuma Accessories by Conistance S. Mpinyuri (Harare)
Mbatya by Arthur Mataruse (Harare)
R.O.D by Rudo Makate (Harare)
Rungano Rwedu by Rumbidzai Matemachani (Harare)
Ruby’s Touch Design by Ruby Zinyawu (Harare)
Soleil by Ropafadzo Mapira (Harare)
House of ParuChi by Patience Chikuhwa (Harare)
Hamba Now by Tatenda Chaibva (Harare)
Okhle by Bongisani Dube (Bulawayo)
Dintle Threads by Margaret Matambo (Bulawayo)
Sex Sounds by Nobunaga Phiri (Bulawayo)
Uma Bags by Yethembe Chisokela (Bulawayo)
RumbiRumbi by Rumbidzai Chirumbwana (Bulawayo)
SLF Apparels by Sibusisiwe L. Falala (Bulawayo)
BJ Couture by Lwazi Sibanda (Bulawayo)
Ego Wear by Makhosini Mpofu (Bulawayo)
The Radical Society by Leeroy Mapungwana (Bulawayo)
Batoka Creatives (Victoria Falls)
Yet Galore by Tashinga Chigombe (Victoria Falls)
Crafted by Roseshine by Roseshine Sibanda (Victoria Falls)
Chjaa by Celia Rukato (Harare)
African Reflections by Regis Chinomon (Harare)
B&K Creative Fashion Designs by Benenia Chiwira (Harare)
Zanorashe by Tatenda Chidzidzi (Harare)
Macylyn Tariro Couture by Macylyn Masendeke (Harare)
Ceca Couture by Sibonginkosi Makaya (Harare)
Renewed Threads by Chifamba Jackson (Harare)
KAISAN by Sekai Sandamu (Harare)
Perfection Line Clothing by Angeline Dlamini (Harare)
Succile Handcrafts by Irene Mugwagwa (Harare)
Sanz by Sandile Ngwenya (Harare)
Avur by Ruvarashe Mutsinze (Marondera)
Nae Extravaganza by Anesu Mandingaisa (Chinhoyi)
Phoenix Accessories by Ropafadzo Muchemwa (Norton)
Nalu by Nakai Karuwo (Marondera)
Evolved Collections by Makomborero Virukai (Gweru)
Hanzlynn Designs by Lynn Chipendo (Chiredzi)
ScottStreet Streatwear by Panashe Scott Zimuto (Harare)
Streetwise Fashion Design by Tinei Mugova (Masvingo)
The selected creatives, specialise in apparel, accessory, and textile design. They recently completed an intensive three-month fashion business accelerator that saw them engaging with industry experts from Zimbabwe and the UK, refining their skills and business acumen to better navigate the business of fashion.
The Creative DNA Zimbabwe programme is funded by the British Council in collaboration with Swiss embassy.
