Haus of Stone to Lead Zimbabwean Designers at Congo Fashion Showcase

Zimbabwe’s fashion industry is set for a major continental moment as Haus of Stone Showroom prepares to lead a delegation of local designers to the Africa Fashion Village at Kolwezi Fashion Week in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event will take place from July 1 to July 5 and will bring together designers, buyers and fashion stakeholders from across Africa. Haus of Stone will serve as the anchor for Zimbabwe’s participation, positioning itself as both a creative platform and a business driver for emerging brands. The showcase highlights the growing visibility of Zimbabwean fashion on the African continent and reflects a broader push to expand creative industries beyond local borders. It also signals a shift where fashion is increasingly treated as a trade sector with real economic potential.

Founded in 2023 in Harare, Haus of Stone Showroom has quickly developed into a key space for Zimbabwean designers seeking exposure and growth. The platform goes beyond retail by offering mentorship, production support and access to regional markets. It functions as a bridge between independent designers and commercial opportunities that are often difficult to access individually. Through curated showcases and collaborative projects, the organisation has built a reputation for elevating local talent while maintaining a strong focus on African identity in design. Its role in leading a delegation to Congo marks an expansion of its mission into cross-border fashion development.

The Africa Fashion Village at Kolwezi Fashion Week offers a different format from traditional runway events. Instead of focusing only on staged shows, it creates a market-driven environment where designers can sell directly to consumers and engage with international buyers. This structure gives brands immediate commercial exposure while also opening doors for long-term partnerships. For Zimbabwean designers, this setting provides a practical opportunity to test products in a competitive regional market. It also allows them to understand consumer preferences across different African fashion economies.

Haus of Stone will present its own in-house label alongside a carefully selected group of emerging Zimbabwean brands. The participating designers include Takora, Char Design Houze, Zanorashe, Ruby’s Touch, Patch Maokoe Zimbabwe and Uzele. Each brand brings a distinct creative identity shaped by different approaches to materials, storytelling and cultural influence. The selection reflects a deliberate effort to showcase diversity within Zimbabwean fashion, from sustainable design to contemporary tailoring and handcrafted accessories. Together, the group represents a cross-section of the country’s evolving fashion landscape.

Patch Maokoe Zimbabwe, founded by Chido Kaseke, stands out for its focus on sustainable fashion and community impact. The brand produces handcrafted bags and accessories using biodegradable materials such as hessian fibre. It also supports women through skills development programmes that encourage economic independence. Takora, led by George Takora, brings structured tailoring with a modern edge, combining clean silhouettes with experimental design elements. Char Design Houze, under Charmaiine Ndiza, focuses on youthful and culturally inspired fashion that speaks to a modern African consumer while staying rooted in local identity.

Zanorashe, created by Tatenda Chidzidzi, presents designs influenced by heritage, femininity and intentional craftsmanship. The label prioritises detail and storytelling in each collection, offering garments that reflect both tradition and contemporary fashion trends. Ruby’s Touch contributes intricate craftsmanship with a strong focus on precision and aesthetic detail. Uzele, co-founded by three female entrepreneurs, completes the lineup with bold statement earrings that reinterpret traditional artistic forms through modern accessories. Each of these brands adds a distinct voice to the collective presentation.

For the designers involved, the Congo showcase is more than an exhibition opportunity. It provides access to buyers, retailers and collaborators who can support business expansion across African markets. It also allows designers to evaluate how their work performs outside Zimbabwe and adapt their strategies accordingly. Exposure at Kolwezi Fashion Week can help build brand credibility and open pathways to export opportunities. For many participants, this marks a critical step in turning creative work into sustainable businesses.

The participation of Haus of Stone and its selected designers reflects the growing ambition within Zimbabwe’s fashion industry. It shows a shift toward regional integration where African designers collaborate and compete within shared platforms. By leading this delegation, Haus of Stone positions itself as a key player in shaping how Zimbabwean fashion enters continental conversations. The initiative also reinforces the idea that local creativity can thrive when supported by structured platforms that prioritise access and visibility. As the showcase approaches, expectations are high for strong representation and meaningful business outcomes for Zimbabwe’s designers.