The Hunhu Council of Fashion, an organisation dedicated to promoting cultural heritage and unity through fashion recently released a statement announcing its formation and subsequent entry into the Zimbabwean fashion scene.
The statement, released on Tuesday, officially introduced the new board made up of chairperson Priscilla Chigariro, an award-winning entrepreneur and visionary in the fashion industry.
Her deputy is Marshall Mutsamwira, an experienced and multi-faceted working professional whose practice cuts across a variety of professions, including fashion, financial services, telecommunications and hospitality.
The board members are social change agent and trade lawyer Chenesai Mukora-Mangoma, visual creative and designer Jana Mhlaba, business developer and creative entrepreneur Rumbidzai Chirumbwana, designers Danayi Madondo and Paidemoyo Chideya as well as Walter Chipambwa, a lecturer in the department of Clothing and Textile Technology, School of Art and Design at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT).
In an interview with IndependentXtra, Chipambwa highlighted some of the biggest challenges facing Zimbabwe’s fashion industry such as the influx of second-hand and cheap clothes into the market as well as low capacity utilization of factories and the closure of companies that used to supply 100% cotton fabric.
“Let us start with our local cotton growing industry, it needs to be revamped so that ginning mills start being operational which will also translate to locally produced fabric. Locally produced goods promote the sense of belonging and this can also promote unique designs that truly speak about the Zimbabwean story and history,” he said, adding that collaborative projects promote togetherness, which can be a ‘springboard for the nation towards becoming the best cotton producing country with a vibrant textile and apparel sector.’
Each board member is committed to supporting the growth and development of Zimbabwe's fashion industry and their diverse backgrounds will contribute to the council's mission of fostering a thriving fashion ecosystem in Zimbabwe.
“We are thrilled to announce the formation of the Hunhu Council of Fashion and introduce our esteemed board members,” Chigariro said.
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“Together, we are committed to driving positive change in Zimbabwe's fashion industry and creating opportunities for local designers to shine on the global stage.”
The council is dedicated to advancing Zimbabwe's fashion industry through collaboration, education, and innovation. It aims to promote sustainable practices, foster creativity and provide a platform for Zimbabwean fashion designers to showcase their talent on a global stage.
It will serve as a platform for designers, artisans and enthusiasts to collaborate showcase and celebrate diverse cultural influences in the fashion industry.
It also aims to collaborate with international councils and fashion weeks to gain access to new markets and opportunities.
Besides organising and supporting fashion events, shows and weeks to showcase designers and trends, Hunhu Council of Fashion will also be involved in acknowledging and celebrating outstanding contributions to the fashion industry through awards and honours.
