After a social media launch on April 30, the Hunhu Colectiv webstore finally went live on Africa Day; perfect time for a platform designed to empower African fashion brands.
Hunhu Coletiv makes history as Zimbabwe’s first Pan-African e-commerce fashion platform, connecting global consumers to ethically made fashion, accessories and beauty products crafted by Zimbabwean and Pan-African designers.
The platform is an initiative by the Hunhu Fashion Council, and is inspired by the indigenous philosophy of Hunhu (“I am because we are”). Hunhu Colectiv reimagines online shopping as an intentional and culturally rooted experience.
“Hunhu Colectiv is envisioned as a digital atelier and a curated celebration of African creativity,” said Rumbidzai Chirumbwana, Head of Retail and Sustainability at Hunhu Fashion Council.
She continued; “It is a platform that honours authentic craftsmanship and evokes the timeless elegance of Zimbabwean and African artisanship. Through exquisitely crafted products that narrate stories of culture, artistry and innovation, we are connecting the world to the soul of African luxury.
“Rooted in the profound philosophy of Hunhu, a celebration of humanity and collective identity, we are championing a new era where Zimbabwean and African craftsmanship redefines global luxury, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary vision.”
While platforms such as The Folklore Group, Industrie Africa and Afrikrea paved the way in spotlighting African fashion globally, Hunhu Colectiv distinguishes itself through its Southern African focus and curatorial depth.
Visitors to the platform are invited to consider the provocative question: “What Should Shopping Be?”, an invitation to embrace conscious consumption and invest in identity-driven, ethically produced fashion. By empowering consumers to “shop with purpose,” Hunhu Colectiv connects each purchase to social and environmental impact, challenging fast fashion norms.
To make for a seamless shopping experience, the platform has partnered up with DHL, ensuring reliable and sustainable international shipping. This allows customers across the globe to receive their purchases with ease and transparency.
“In an interconnected marketplace, cross-border e-commerce isn’t just an opportunity, it is a necessity. DHL Express Zimbabwe provides various e-commerce solutions, allowing platforms like Hunhu Colectiv to ship globally, offering flexible delivery and real-time tracking,” commented Candy Ringanayi, DHL Express Representative.
Speaking to Mcheno and More, founder of Zimbabwe Fashion Week Trust Priscilla Chigariro foresaw Hunhu Colectiv as a much-needed platform for the Zimbabwean fashion ecosystem.
“The launch of Hunhu Colectiv embodies our commitment to building a fashion ecosystem rooted in ethical values, sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage.
“Through this platform, we are creating a global stage where Zimbabwean designers can thrive while staying true to the spirit of Hunhu, celebrating community, craftsmanship and authenticity,” she explained.
Featured Brands on Hunhu Colectiv
Shashiko (Zimbabwe) – A Japanese-inspired artisanal denim label that redefines slow fashion through custom, handcrafted pieces.
Soleil (Zimbabwe) – An emerging sustainable fashion brand designed with future generations in mind.
Vanhu Vamwe (Zimbabwe/UK) – Makers of macramé bags handwoven by female artisan communities across Zimbabwe.
Xita Designs (Botswana) – Jewelry that reimagines African symbolism in bold, modern forms.
Emannis Elements (Mozambique/Zimbabwe) – A holistic skincare brand blending traditional healing with modern wellness.
Ngano Design (Zimbabwe/South Africa) – Created by Tanaka Vengere, winner of the SA Fashion Week New Talent Award, the brand fuses heritage with theatrical design rooted in African narratives.
Wherever you are in the world, you can now shop homegrown, sustainable fashion brands on Hunhu Colectiv.
The Hunhu Colectiv represents an opportunity for homegrown design to shine on a global stage. It is our utmost hope that designers take up this opportunity, for the future of Zimbabwean fashion. It is unfair for so much talent to remain niched, rather take it to the world. And Hunhu Colectiv is offering just that.
If you are a designer interested in having your works featuring on the Hunhu Colectiv webstore, apply via email or get in touch on Instagram.
