The 2024 edition of the Zimbabwe Fashion Week (ZFW) grinded to a sudden halt two days into the program, sending shockwaves across the industry.
To most, this was the end of the story for Zimbabwe’s most enduring fashion event. However, the Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust, the organizer of the event, have already picked themselves up from last year’s fiasco and are looking forward to hosting the 2025 edition.
Last week, the Trust announced the appointment of a seven-member Advisory Board, which includes the Trust’s founder, Priscilla Chigariro. The board will guide the non-profit organisation’s quest for continued growth in developing, educating and supporting Zimbabwe’s fashion designers and local talent.
The strategic appointments are designed to leverage the diverse expertise and international exposure of the incumbents across multiple sectors.
The new Advisory Board members are:
Nico Abote, a seasoned Media Professional and Creative Strategist with over 20 years of experience in the TV and film industry.
Olga Muhwati, an Entrepreneurial Development Professional with over 10 years in international grants management, fundraising and marketing.
Plot Mhako, a Creative Director, and Social Entrepreneur who has made a significant impact on Zimbabwe’s creative scene and beyond.
Valerie Kabov, an Educator, Art Critic, Historian and Entrepreneur focused on contemporary art.
Ivan Munodawafa, a prominent Business Leader with a strong track record in co-creating, supporting and developing creative entrepreneurial ventures.
Yvonne C Mtengwa, a multi award-winning PR, Communications Strategist, Media Entrepreneur, Author and Travel Influencer.
“We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished group of individuals to our Advisory Board as we prepare for our exciting return,” said Priscilla Chigariro.
“Their collective expertise and passion for fashion and the creative economy, combined with their diverse backgrounds, will be invaluable as we continue to build ZFW into a leading national fashion platform with global reach.
“These strategic appointments reflect our commitment to leveraging expertise across multiple sectors to ensure ZFW’s success,” she added.
The Advisory Board will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of ZFW, providing expertise in areas such as brand development, industry partnerships, and international outreach. Their collective knowledge and networks will help ZFW to further its mission of promoting Zimbabwean fashion and fostering connections within the global fashion community.
This new Advisory Board replaces the incumbent Board which oversaw the past two editions of ZFW. It remains to be seen whether these new brooms will sweep up the debris that has grown to be associated with the Zimbabwe Fashion Week brand over these two editions.
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