About hunhu council of fashion
Weaving Tradition into Tomorrow's Fashion
The Hunhu Council of Fashion is a pioneering organization committed to shaping the future of Zimbabwean and African fashion. We serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, ensuring that African creativity and craftsmanship gain the global recognition they deserve. Through strategic initiatives, mentorship, and industry partnerships, we create pathways for designers to succeed on a worldwide scale.
Our Vision & Mission
- Our mission is to nurture and promote the next generation of African fashion visionaries by providing access to resources, education, and opportunities that foster growth, innovation, and sustainability. We are committed to championing African creativity and becoming a leading force in the global fashion ecosystem—ensuring that African designers are recognized, valued, and celebrated on the world stage.
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Our Team
Meet The Board
Priscilla Chigariro
Chairwoman
Priscilla Chigariro is an award-winning entrepreneur and fashion visionary, recognized as the 2016 CEO GLOBAL South Africa Entrepreneur of the Year in Arts & Culture. As founder of the Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust, she has nurtured local talent and launched the Creative Accelerator Program with Chinhoyi University of Technology. She also represents Zimbabwe at the BRICS+ Fashion Summit in Moscow, fostering global industry collaboration. As Chairman of the Hunhu Council of Fashion, she champions cultural heritage and industry growth. She is also the founder of Africa Art, Fashion, and Food Festivals Inc. (AAFFF), a global platform celebrating contemporary African culture.
Walter Chipambwa
Education
Walter Chipambwa is a lecturer at Chinhoyi University of Technology, specializing in fashion design with over 13 years of experience teaching modules like Computer Aided Design, Material Science, and Graphic Design. Prior to academia, he worked as a production manager at Karina Textiles. Walter is passionate about sustainable fashion and has led upcycling projects both locally and internationally. He also serves as a technical consultant for the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, chairing the technical committee on textile and clothing standards. Walter has published research on sustainable design, upcycling, and digital innovation in fashion.
Rumbi Chirumbwana
Retail & Sustainability
Rumbidzai Chirumbwana is a Zimbabwean luxury fashion designer and entrepreneur focused on transforming the industry through sustainability and business growth. Based in Bulawayo, she advocates for shifting Zimbabwean fashion towards profit-driven, globally competitive models. As Head of Retail & Sustainability at the Hunhu Council of Fashion, Rumbi tackles industry challenges such as skills development, luxury manufacturing, and capital investment. She works to equip local brands for long-term success, fostering partnerships and advocating for sustainability while balancing innovative design with strategic business practices.
Nico Abote
PR & Media Advocacy
Nico Abote is a media professional with over 20 yrs experience in TV, film, journalism & digital media. He specializes in broadcast production, documentaries, and strategic content development across Africa, Canada, & the US. He has led high-impact productions, including the award-winning Jasmine Road Film and the reality series Dance Match-Maker. Beyond production, Abote is active in mentorship, business development, and media advocacy, serving on advisory boards for Zim Fashion Week, Black Star International Film Festival, and The Tony Elumelu Foundation. He also supports media start-ups like My Afrika Magazine and Play Afrika TV, amplifying African narratives globally.
the philosophy of Hunhu
Our Story
At the heart of the Hunhu Council of Fashion lies the philosophy of Hunhu, a Shona term embodying the principles of humanity, interconnectedness, and collective responsibility. Rooted in the African ethos of “I am because we are”, Hunhu reflects a deep respect for community, culture, and shared growth. It speaks to the idea that individual success is inextricably linked to the well-being of the broader community, a belief that drives our mission to nurture and elevate Zimbabwe’s fashion industry.
The Hunhu Council of Fashion was born from the recognition that fashion is more than just fabric and design, it is a powerful expression of identity, history, and innovation. Just as Hunhu emphasizes the importance of relationships and mutual support, we are committed to creating an inclusive, sustainable, and collaborative environment where designers, creatives, and artisans can thrive together. By fostering connections between emerging talent and established industry leaders, promoting sustainable practices, and celebrating Zimbabwe’s cultural diversity, we aim to shape a fashion ecosystem that reflects the values of compassion, integrity, and excellence.
Through our initiatives, whether it’s mentoring young designers, advocating for ethical practices, or showcasing Zimbabwean creativity on global platforms, we strive to uphold the spirit of Hunhu. Our work is a testament to the belief that when we lift each other up, we not only transform our industry but also inspire future generations to carry forward the legacy of unity, resilience, and creativity. At the Hunhu Council of Fashion, we are not just crafting garments, we are weaving together stories, cultures, and futures—because in fashion, as in life, we are because we belong to one another.