THE Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust has launched a Creative Accelerator Programme meant to produce ground-breaking designs that captivate the eye and tell compelling stories about the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The trust promotes and advances Zimbabwe's fashion industry by providing a platform for emerging talent and fostering creativity, innovation and sustainability.

The Creative Accelerator Programme comprising 10 members selected from Chinhoyi University of Technology was launched last week at the British Council of Zimbabwe in Harare.

The programme is a flagship initiative designed to nurture and showcase the next generation of fashion designers in Zimbabwe.

Poised to make significant contributions to the fashion industry are Isheunoziva Zuze, Tafadzwa Chimuso, Ashley Kagande, Charlington Moyo, Lorraine Chaza, Colleen Mutemasango, Juliet Madyavuta, Diana Mlambo, Leon Chirauga and Carol Kurima.

Facilitators for the programme that will be done both physically and virtually are Tatenda Chantelle Chidzidzi, Nompumelelo Sambwanga and Marshall Mutsamwira.

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Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust’s administrative assistant Natasha Pomerai said programme participatants were chosen for their outstanding creativity and potential in an effort to reflect the high standards to be set.

“The theme for the Creative Accelerator Programme for the 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,” Pomerai said.

“The programme’s theme revolves around traditional attire, symbolism, empowerment, resilience and the incorporation of draping techniques to tell powerful stories through fashion.”

Among the guests who attended the programme launch was Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust’s projects manager Simbarashe Mudhokwani and executive Dean of the School of Art and Design at Chinhoyi University of Technology Verity Muzenda who emphasised the importance of nurturing creative talent for the future of the fashion industry.

British Council country director for Zimbabwe and Zambia and Southern Africa Lead Roland Davies highlighted the significance of international collaboration and support for the development of Zimbabwean talent and the fashion industry.