By William Muchingamiri
Zimbabwe’s fashion and creative industry has been plunged into deep mourning following the untimely death of celebrated fashion designer and creative entrepreneur Rose Vambe, popularly known as Ashava—a woman whose life story embodied resilience, creativity, and cultural pride.
Born in 1974, Ashava passed away on 5 January 2025 at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare. She was laid to rest in Murewa, where mourners drawn from the fashion industry, creative sector, business community, policymakers, and local communities gathered to bid farewell to a visionary whose influence transcended fabric and form.
Her death came as a shock to many, as little had been publicly known about her illness. Until her final days, Ashava remained actively involved in her work, operating from her offices and workshop in Harare’s Central Business District, where she had built more than a fashion label—she had established an ethnic fashion and souvenir centre that celebrated Zimbabwean identity, African heritage, and craftsmanship.
Humble Beginnings Rooted in Resilience
Ashava’s journey was forged in hardship. Born into poverty, she grew up herding cattle and often owned just one dress. Her early education began at Chitowa 1 Primary School, where her passion for fashion quietly took shape.
She once recalled that poverty itself became her teacher.
“I was forced by poverty,” she said.
Her first encounter with sewing came through Mrs Mashowa, when she made a handkerchief at school. The joy of holding a needle and earning marks ignited something lasting. By Grade Four, after transferring to Chipembere Primary School, she was already making blouses, dresses, and pillowcases—long before fashion became her livelihood.
From Corporate Offices to a Creative Calling
After completing secondary school, Ashava pursued a Secretarial course at Nhamburiko College, later working for reputable institutions including Old Mutual, Microsoft, and Netcom Systems.
Marriage later curtailed her formal employment, and as poverty resurfaced, she returned to her creative roots. From the verandah of her home in Braeside, Harare, she began hand-stitching garments using fabric she already owned.
Following the collapse of her marriage, Ashava relocated her work to Pollack House in the CBD, where fellow tailors embraced her. This marked a decisive turning point—one that transformed survival into strategy.
The Rise of Ashava Fashion Designs
Her breakthrough came through school uniform contracts, including a pivotal order facilitated by Mr Karikoga Kaseke, who initially commissioned just four shirts. The order later expanded to 185 shirts and 120 ladies’ outfits, firmly establishing her reputation for quality and reliability.
With support from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), Ashava regularised her operations and later became a preferred designer for ZANU PF, producing African-inspired regalia for party congresses and national conferences. She was also among the designers and models involved in shaping the national dress concept, cementing her place in Zimbabwe’s fashion history.
A Hub of Culture, Learning and Mentorship
Ashava’s CBD offices were more than a business space—they were a hub of mentorship and inspiration. A Newsreel Zimbabwe crew once visited her workplace, where she openly shared insights on entrepreneurship, discipline, and sustainability, even preparing traditional dishes as she spoke passionately about culture, hard work, and self-belief.
She consistently mentored young designers and entrepreneurs, urging them to value quality, remain grounded, and never abandon their cultural roots. Since 2015, she used her platforms to encourage SMEs not to surrender their customers, emphasizing resilience, integrity, and consistency in business.
African Pride with Global Reach
Always immaculately dressed in African attire of her own design, Ashava’s work became synonymous with elegance, decency, and authenticity. She was firm in her principles.
“I do not do fake fabrics,” she often said, explaining that she designed first for herself before seeking feedback.
Her clientele included VIPs, senior bankers, professionals, diplomats, and cultural institutions, drawn to her dignified, modest fashion rooted in African values. Through exhibitions and SME platforms, she showcased Zimbabwean fabrics in Indonesia, the Netherlands, and other countries, promoting African identity on the global stage.
Beyond clothing, her brand incorporated African artefacts and accessories—baskets, drums, mbira, beads, umbrellas, murara hats, and hosho—making her space a living archive of heritage. Her guiding philosophy remained simple and firm:
“Dress the way you want to be dressed.”
She openly discouraged revealing fashion, advocating instead for identity, pride, and self-respect.
National and International Recognition
Ashava’s contribution did not go unnoticed. The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, through Minister Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, described her as one of the women who exceptionally represented SMEs in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Denmark, Her Excellency Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga, was so disturbed by the news that she personally called this reporter from Denmark in the middle of the night to express her sorrow—underscoring the far-reaching impact of Ashava’s life and work.
Renowned musician Munya Mataruse also paid tribute, saying he frequently wore Ashava’s designs, which he described as carrying dignity, class, and national pride.
Over the years, Ashava received numerous fashion and entrepreneurship awards, often being honoured repeatedly for her innovation, resilience, and immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s creative economy.
A Legacy That Endures
With her passing, Zimbabwe has lost more than a fashion designer. It has lost a mentor, cultural ambassador, SME champion, and visionary whose life story continues to inspire creatives—especially women rising from humble beginnings.
Zimbabwe’s fashion and creative industry is undoubtedly poorer without Rose “Ashava” Vambe, but the values she stitched into every garment—resilience, dignity, culture, and pride—will continue to clothe generations yet to come.
