Chiedza Ziyambe launched Zimbabwe Fashion Showcase (ZFS) in 2015 – a trade exhibition that brings together industry experts, creatives and fashion connoisseurs from the UK, and across the globe to highlight African fashion and designers. The award, part of this year’s National Diversity Awards, recognises individuals who have established a viable business, showcasing entrepreneurship and innovation.
Ziyambe, a UK-based designer, has used the ZFS platform since its inception to help launch the careers of several fashion designers both locally and internationally. In 2019, she launched MissChii, a luxury lingerie brand that celebrates, promotes and empowers women of all shapes and sizes. The brand has so far released three lines and a fourth collection is currently in production.
Passionate about community development, Ziyambe also acquired the rights to Miss World Zimbabwe UK, a beauty pageant that celebrates the Southern African country, its culture and women. The campaign puts aspiring Zimbabwean models, who are also dedicated to contributing to their communities through charitable work, on the map and supports emerging talent.
Speaking on the nomination, Ziyambe said that with the help of her team, she is “always striving to create innovative and smarter solutions to build a more sustainable future,” while empowering women and men “to embrace their talent, their beauty, and their individuality”.
Voting for Britain’s largest diversity awards, which receives around 60,000 votes and nominations annually, closes on 20 May. Winners will be announced in September 2022.