Zimbabwean fashion brands Soleil and PatCh Maoko, will be showcasing their latest collections at the 2026 Africa Fashion Week London. The Creative DNA programme alumni are part of a delegation that includes 8 other brands from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Together these ten fashion entrepreneurs will showcase the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation driving Africa's contemporary fashion industry on one of the world's leading fashion platforms. Alongside the runway, the delegation will take part in business networking, industry visits and knowledge exchange with UK fashion leaders creating opportunities for collaboration, learning and future growth.
Africa Fashion Week London was created in 2011 by Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi to increase the visibility, awareness and sustainability of African and Black fashion brands through catwalk showcases, exhibitions and education. The annual event is the world’s largest, longest-running showcase of African and African-inspired fashion and design.
The 16th edition of the event will be taking place from 22 - 23 August.
Founded in Zimbabwe by Ropafadzo Kuki Mapira, Soleil creates contemporary African streetwear inspired by culture, identity and everyday stories. Using sustainable materials and thoughtful craftsmanship, the brand transforms heritage into modern fashion with purpose. The brand's latest collection takes inspiration from Zimbabwe's capital and its way of life.
In 2025 Soleil was one of three Zimbabwean brands that showcased their collections at the Mozambique Fashion Week.
Founded by Chido Kaseke, PatCh celebrates Zimbabwean identity through bold, handcrafted accessories. The brand has built a reputation for reimagining traditional materials and cultural motifs into contemporary statement pieces. Kaseke balances heritage and modernity, placing Zimbabwean craftsmanship firmly within global fashion conversation.
At the beginning of the year the brand was selected for the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield programme, an international fashion exchange bringing together emerging designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Supported by the British Council and the Swiss embassy, the Creative DNA programme is supporting the next generation of Zimbabwean and African fashion businesses to connect with global opportunities through creativity, innovation and enterprise.