Zimbabwean accessory designer Chido Kaseke has been selected to participate in the Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield programme, an international collaboration launched in early 2026 to support emerging fashion entrepreneurs through mentorship, travel and business development.
The initiative is a partnership between the British Council, the Paul Smith Foundation and Projekt. It offers six designers the opportunity to collaborate and build sustainable fashion businesses through peer learning and professional mentorship across Ethiopia and London.
Kaseke joins a carefully selected 2026 cohort that includes Ethiopian designer Solome Asfaw and London-based designer Karoline Vitto. The finalists were chosen by an international panel of industry experts that included Ib Kamara, Creative Director of Off-White, highlighting the global relevance and competitive nature of the programme.
The programme begins with a 10-day research and exploration visit in Ethiopia hosted by iceaddis, where participants will engage with local artisans and study traditional craft techniques alongside contemporary fashion practices. The experience is designed to deepen designers’ understanding of heritage-based production and sustainability.
After the Ethiopia visit, participants will travel to London for a six-week residency at Studio Smithfield, a 27,000-square-foot creative hub located above the historic Smithfield Market in the city’s Culture Mile. During the residency, designers will receive free studio space, more than 80 hours of business training and mentorship from leading fashion professionals.
The residency will also provide opportunities for participants to present their collections to buyers and members of the media, helping to strengthen their commercial readiness and international visibility.
For Kaseke, the opportunity represents a major step in expanding her brand’s global reach. She is the founder of PatCh Maokoe Zimbabwe, a label known for handcrafted accessories inspired by Zimbabwean cultural heritage. Her work transforms traditional materials and motifs into modern statement pieces that celebrate identity and craftsmanship.
Through her designs, Kaseke promotes Zimbabwean artistry while bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary fashion. Her participation in the programme places Zimbabwean craftsmanship within wider global fashion conversations.
Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield focuses on sustainability, traditional craftsmanship and digital innovation. By combining travel, collaboration and structured training, the programme aims to help designers build resilient businesses while remaining rooted in their cultural identities.
Kaseke’s selection highlights Zimbabwe’s growing presence in international fashion networks and demonstrates the importance of initiatives that connect African designers to global creative ecosystems while preserving cultural authenticity.
