THE recently-concluded Creative Economy Week attracted fashion entrepreneurs, artists, and creative industry professionals from Zimbabwe and several other countries, including the United Kingdom.
Powered by the British Council and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the series of events took place in Harare and Bulawayo from March 5 to 9.
The week featured a marathon of activities blending music, literature, fashion conversations, and showcases.
Among the highlights was an exclusive tour on March 5 of renowned jeweller Patrick Mavros’ studio and workshop in Umwinsi Valley, Harare.
The tour brought together fashion designers from Rwanda, Uganda, Malawi, Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and the UK.
Also in attendance were British Council officials Lucy Pearson (regional director for Africa), Farai Ncube (regional arts director for Africa), and Chengetai Mujakachi (regional head of communications for Sub-Saharan Africa).
Silvia Tonui, a delivery partner for the British Council’s Creative DNA programme in Kenya, highlighted the importance of Creative Economy Week, describing it as an opportunity to bring Sub-Saharan fashion designers together to discuss challenges and explore collaborations.
“I am so excited to be in Harare. It’s my first time,” she told IndependentXtra in an interview.
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Creative DNA is an accelerator programme that supports emerging fashion designers in Africa by providing skills enhancement, financial support, market access, and information-sharing opportunities.
The tour began with a roundtable discussion, during which Mavros and his son, Patrick Junior, shared insights into key aspects of their business, including administration, fair pricing, financial discipline, intellectual property theft, and the importance of community.
The studio, with its thatched roof, overlooks a vast expanse of dense forest stretching into a valley.
On display were precious sculptures, table accessories, and jewellery crafted from sterling silver, glimmering against the soft, cool light and pristine white walls.
A large fixed glass panel offered a breathtaking panoramic view.
Mavros led the group of designers on a safari-style walk, pointing out a lone eucalyptus tree in the distance where a mother fish eagle was feeding her chick.
“In Africa, we are full of stories, culture, and tradition, which we are immensely proud of. With all your beautiful fabrics and ideas, create something about nature that has a story to it,” the silversmith advised.
The visitors were then taken to the workshop area for a hands-on experience of the wax-making process, followed by a visit to the furnace room, where original pieces are cast in molten silver.
Mavros shared the rich history of the lost-wax casting process, which originated in Benin over a thousand years ago, and explained the similarities between the ancient technique and their modern application.
Patrick Sr works with a team that includes family members and workers who live within the compound.
He orchestrates their efforts like a skilled conductor, harmonising craftsmanship and artistry.
Patrick Junior, who grew up watching his father build the family brand, follows closely behind, blending creativity, a philosophical approach, and sheer hard work.
At 71, the fourth-generation Zimbabwean artist has transformed what began as a humble gesture of love into a thriving generational business rooted in unique luxury products.
Over the years, he has emerged as a master craftsman, creative philosopher, and businessman, with a prestigious retail presence in London, Mauritius, and Nairobi.
“I got into this type of work by making a gift for my wife-to-be. I couldn’t buy her anything, so I made her a little pair of earrings. Then her hairdresser wanted a pair. We started selling earrings, then a bangle, a necklace, and it went on and on. Now we are here,” Patrick recalled.
Their trademark designs include pure silver sculptures and jewellery inspired by the natural world, particularly the African continent.
Their intricate pieces feature motifs of African wildlife and flora, such as elephants, lions, crocodiles, pangolins, gorillas, snakes, fish eagles, and water lilies.
According to visi.co.za, the international jewellery house boasts a notable global following, including actors Denzel Washington and Hugh Grant, musician Bruce Springsteen, and Catherine, the Princess of Wales.
