Zimbabwean accessories brand PatCh Maoko is bringing a distinctive approach to contemporary African fashion through craftsmanship, sustainability and cultural storytelling. Founded in Zimbabwe by Chido Kaseke, the brand transforms heritage, memory and identity into handcrafted statement accessories that connect the past with a contemporary vision of the future.
PatCh Maoko is supported by the British Council Creative DNA 2026 programme, reflecting its focus on developing a fashion practice rooted in cultural identity and considered design.
At the centre of the brand is a commitment to slow fashion and intentional creation. Each handbag is meticulously handmade using traditional techniques, placing emphasis on craftsmanship, detail and the human connection behind the making process.
One of PatCh Maoko’s distinctive design elements is its use of hessian, a material traditionally associated with Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. The brand combines hessian with discarded and overlooked materials, transforming them into contemporary luxury accessories and demonstrating how familiar materials can be given new value through design.
Through material innovation and thoughtful craftsmanship, PatCh Maoko explores the relationship between sustainability and cultural storytelling. Each piece carries elements of memory, culture and place, while contributing to a more considered approach to fashion production.
The result is a collection of accessories designed not only for their visual appeal but also for the stories and ideas embedded within their construction. By reimagining overlooked materials, the brand highlights the potential for African fashion to engage with sustainability while maintaining strong cultural connections.
Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield Residency
Chido Kaseke is also a Creative DNA x Studio Smithfield residency delegate. The peer-to-peer exchange residency programme brings together fashion designers from the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa, providing opportunities to collaborate, exchange knowledge and develop long-term creative and professional relationships.
Through PatCh Maoko, Kaseke continues to explore how traditional craftsmanship, sustainable materials and cultural memory can inform contemporary African accessories and contribute to the evolving international fashion landscape.
At Africa Fashion Week London 2026, PatCh Maoko presents this distinctive approach to accessory design, placing Zimbabwean heritage and material innovation at the centre of its creative practice.